Chapter 5: Facilities, Supplies, Equipment, and Environmental Health
5.2 Quality of the Outdoor and Indoor Environment
5.2.1 Ventilation, Heating, Cooling, and Hot Water
5.2.1.8: Maintenance of Air Filters
Filters in forced-air heating and cooling system equipment should be checked and cleaned or replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions on a regular basis, at least every three months (and more often if necessary) (1).
RATIONALE
Clogged filters will impede proper air circulation required for heating and ventilation. Poor air flow causes pressure imbalances in the system and can result in the premature failure of equipment. Low air flow can reduce heating and cooling performance of the system and cause cooling coils to freeze up.TYPE OF FACILITY
Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care HomeREFERENCES
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2009. Indoor air quality for schools program: Update. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/pdfs/publications/iaqtfs_update17.pdf.