Use of energy recovery ventilators to provide ventilation in schools and the impact on indoor air contaminants.

This study examines the use of energy recovery ventilators (ERV) in two schools located in a Southwestern arid climate as an energy-efficient means of providing acceptable ventilation to the classrooms and the corresponding effect on indoor air quality (IAQ) contaminant indicators. The effect of cleaning the existing systems· on thermal comfort conditions were also examined. IAQ measurements were made in selected classrooms with respect to carbon dioxide, viable and non-viable bioaerosols, volatile organic compounds, and respirable particles. Measurements were taken with and without the use of the ERV in the classrooms and at selected control classrooms and outdoor sites for reference purposes. Pre ERV results indicated generally poor ventilation and indoor air conditions existed in the classrooms. Improvements in air quality as a function of the ERV use are detailed in this paper for each of the IAQ indicators measured.