| Problem |
Possible Causes |
Corrective Action |
| Dirt, particulates or other solid contaminants in the post-treatment
air |
Improper filter installation |
Inspect hardware and reinstall. |
| Leakage or bypass |
Inspect system for leak paths and plug or repair. |
| Improper filter selection |
Review and double-check filter selection/bid requirements. |
| Recirculation or make up air is supplied untreated |
Inspect and confirm system flow paths. Reroute or eliminate untreated
flow paths. |
| Source is post filtration devices. |
Reconfirm source location and move or eliminate. |
| Odor, smell or other gaseous contaminants in the post-treatment
air stream |
New/Clean filter or component contamination from vendor. |
Inspect filters and check for source path. Include the manufacturer
in the search. |
| Mismatch of filter capability and challenge aerosol |
Review contaminant list and cross check with filter capability. |
| Mold growth on the filter |
Check upstream sources and presence of water. Remove and replace
filters. Consider antimicrobial treated filters. |
| Mold growth on the system components. |
Check system for sources. Review filter/system compatibility issues.
Clean system and consider antimicrobial alternatives. |
| Filter change out cycle is shorter than expectations |
Excessive contaminant present. |
Inspect hardware and reinstall. |
| Nature of contaminant components are not as predicted. |
Inspect system for leak paths and plug or repair. |
| Inappropriate filter selection. |
Review and double-check filter selection/bid requirements. |
| Ineffective maintenance or service protocol. |
Inspect and confirm system flow paths. Reroute or eliminate
untreated flow paths.
Reconfirm source location and move or eliminate. |
| Energy consumption is excessive |
Mismatch of application needs and filtration products. |
Inspect filters and check for source path. Include the manufacturer
in the search. |
| Poor maintenance practices (including non-filter related issues). |
Review contaminant list and cross check with filter capability. |
| Duty cycle/control settings are too agressive. |
Check upstream sources and presence of water. Remove and replace
filters. Consider antimicrobial treated filters.
Check system for sources. Review filter/system compatibility issues.
Clean system and consider antimicrobial alternatives. |
| Poor or decreasing heating and cooling effects |
Flow balance ineffective. |
Measure and review flow rate status. Consider outsourcing a professional
analysis. |
| System controls and setup inappropriate. |
Review the fresh air/make up air ratios and thermostat settings. |
| Filter selection and application done incorrectly. |
Contact an HVAC vendor as well as the filter manufacturer for
recommendations. |
| IAQ complaints from occupants |
Ventilation amount and composition does not comply with guidelines. |
Review and implement commonly accepted standards (example ASHRAE
Indoor Air Quality Standard 62.1). |
| Thermal comfort is compromised from expectations. |
Revisit original heating and cooling calculations. Measure and
confirm status. |
| Filtration effectiveness is insufficient. |
Quantify performance via third party analysis or develop self
analysis protocol. |
