Air Quality by Building Type
Different spaces have different air quality needs. Find the right ACH rate and filter type for offices, schools, hospitals, and more.
Standards Body: CIBSE / HSE
UK uses CIBSE guidelines aligned with European standards. COVID-19 accelerated ventilation upgrades.
Offices
Open-plan offices need high CADR for meeting rooms and dense workspaces. Consider CO2 monitoring.
- • Portable units for meeting rooms
- • HVAC upgrade to MERV13
- • CO2 sensors for ventilation
Schools
Children are more vulnerable. Classrooms with 30+ students need significant air cleaning.
- • CR boxes cost-effective per classroom
- • Science project to build together
- • Upgrade HVAC filters
Hospitals
Highest standards required. Immunocompromised patients need maximum protection.
- • Isolation rooms: 12+ ACH
- • Operating theatres: 15-25 ACH
- • Waiting rooms: 6-8 ACH
Restaurants
Cooking produces high PM2.5. Grease and smoke require robust filtration and extraction.
- • Kitchen hoods essential
- • Dining area: portable units
- • Carbon filters for odours
Gyms
Heavy breathing increases both production and inhalation of particles. High ventilation critical.
- • Exercise increases breathing 10-15x
- • Free weights area: higher ACH
- • Cardio zones near intakes
Care Homes
Elderly residents highly vulnerable. Common areas and bedrooms both need attention.
- • Bedroom: quiet purifiers
- • Dining hall: high CADR
- • Reduce infection spread
Retail
High foot traffic and variable occupancy. Focus on entry areas and checkout zones.
- • Air curtains at entrances
- • Portable units at tills
- • Consider peak occupancy
Homes
Bedrooms highest priority (8+ hours exposure). Living areas secondary.
- • Bedroom: quiet, continuous
- • Living room: higher CADR
- • Kitchen: range hood + purifier
Quick Reference: ACH by Space
| Space Type | Minimum ACH | Recommended | Filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Office | 4 | 6 | MERV 13 |
| Classroom | 4 | 6 | MERV 13+ |
| Hospital Room | 6 | 12 | HEPA |
| Operating Theatre | 15 | 25 | HEPA H14 |
| Restaurant | 6 | 10 | MERV 13+Carbon |
| Gym/Fitness | 6 | 8 | MERV 13+ |
| Care Home | 6 | 8 | HEPA/MERV16 |
| Home Bedroom | 4 | 6 | MERV 13-16 |
Calculate Your Space Requirements
Use our ACH calculator to determine the exact CADR needed for your building type. Then explore commercial-grade solutions.