How HEPA HVAC Filters Improve Air Quality in Healthcare Construction

As a facility manager, you oversee every aspect of hospital construction — from air quality and infection control to regulatory compliance and project timelines. Your responsibility goes beyond managing construction — you play a critical role in protecting patients, staff, and hospital operations from airborne contaminants.

Dust, debris, and microscopic particles don’t stay confined to the work zone. Without proper containment, they circulate through the HVAC system and reach patient areas, increasing infection risks and compliance challenges.

A proactive containment strategy is essential. One of the most effective ways to control contaminants during construction is by pairing HEPA HVAC filters with temporary wall systems. Together, these tools keep harmful particles out of patient areas and help maintain compliance with infection control standards.

Managing air quality during hospital construction comes with challenges, but the right strategies give you full control. Let’s explore how you can create a safer, more controlled environment during construction.

Why Hospital Construction Creates Air Quality Challenges

Hospital construction isn’t like other renovation projects. It happens in an active healthcare environment — one where infection control is critical. Even minor lapses in air containment can put patients, staff, and compliance at risk.

Without proper containment, dust, mold spores, and bacteria circulate through HVAC systems, infiltrating ICUs, oncology wards, and surgical recovery rooms — areas where patients are most vulnerable to airborne infections.

Beyond patient safety, compliance is also on the line. ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) regulations exist for a reason — poor air management can lead to compliance violations, financial penalties, and hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), increasing patient stays and driving up operational costs.

A poorly managed HVAC system only makes matters worse. Standard HVAC filters, especially those rated below MERV 13, aren’t designed to trap microscopic contaminants like mold spores and bacteria. Without the right filtration, these particles move freely through the system, reaching high-risk patient areas where even minor contamination can cause serious health complications.

That’s why HEPA filtration is essential. Unlike standard filters, HEPA filters capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, effectively removing dust, bacteria, and mold spores before they spread. 

The best solution is combining HEPA HVAC filters with temporary wall barriers. Together, they create a fully contained environment that minimizes contamination risks, protects patients, and keeps hospital operations running smoothly.

The Most Effective Strategy to Control Airborne Contaminants

HEPA filtration works best when combined with temporary wall barriers to fully maintain air quality and contain contaminants. These barriers help seal off construction areas, keeping dust and airborne particles from reaching patient spaces. 

How Temporary Wall Systems Help Contain Contaminants

Temporary walls are an essential tool in infection control, giving you the ability to seal off construction areas and minimize the spread of dust, debris, and airborne pathogens. With the right containment system, you can:

• Physically separate construction zones from patient areas to prevent exposure.
• Create an airtight seal using solutions like STARC® Systems LiteBarrier™, designed specifically for healthcare environments.
• Stop dust, mold spores, and bacteria from spreading through HVAC systems and into sterile areas.
• Stay in line with ICRA guidelines, reducing compliance risks and keeping projects moving forward without disruptions.

By combining HEPA filtration and temporary walls, you create a controlled environment that protects patient safety, supports infection control protocols, and ensures compliance throughout your construction project.

The Facility Manager’s Guide to HEPA HVAC Filters and Temporary Wall Barriers

As a facility manager, you are responsible for air quality and infection control during hospital construction. Every decision — from choosing the right filtration system to selecting effective containment barriers — directly affects patient safety, regulatory compliance, and hospital operations.

HEPA filters and temporary wall barriers are essential for containing contaminants, minimizing infection risks, and keeping construction on track without disrupting patient care.

Selecting the best solutions for your facility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s what to look for when choosing the right HEPA filtration and containment systems.

4 Critical Factors Every HEPA HVAC Filter Should Have

Not all HEPA filters perform the same, and selecting the wrong one can compromise air quality and strain your HVAC system. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Use Medical-Grade HEPA Filters

To meet hospital air quality standards, opt for MERV 13 or higher filters. H13 and H14 HEPA filters provide the highest level of filtration, capturing even finer particles like mold spores and bacteria.

2. Make Sure Filters Fit Your HVAC System

Not all filters are compatible with every system. Check for airflow restrictions and consult with your HVAC technician to confirm proper fit and performance.

3. Plan for Regular Maintenance

HEPA filters lose efficiency over time. Set a schedule for replacements to keep filtration levels consistent. Longer-lasting filters can reduce maintenance costs and minimize disruptions.

4. Focus on High-Risk Areas

Some parts of the hospital require higher filtration standards than others. Prioritize HEPA filters in:

• ICUs and surgical suites
• Isolation units
• Pharmacy clean rooms
• Any patient care areas near construction zones

4 Must-Have Features in a Temporary Wall System

Temporary wall barriers actively prevent the spread of contaminants. Choosing the right system helps you keep projects compliant while ensuring patient and staff safety. Here’s what to consider:

1. Choose ICRA-Compliant Barriers

Infection control guidelines require hospitals to contain airborne contaminants. The best barriers provide a complete, airtight seal to keep dust and pathogens from escaping.

2. Look for Durability and Reusability

If your facility undergoes frequent renovations, modular wall systems offer a cost-effective, long-term solution. Look for walls that can withstand repeated cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants without degrading.

3. Prioritize Fast, Flexible Installation

Hospital construction moves fast. Your containment system should, too. Look for temporary walls that install quickly with minimal disruption to daily operations. Modular systems are ideal for phased construction projects, allowing for easy repositioning as work progresses.

4. Reduce Noise and Maintain a Professional Look

Hospital construction should never interfere with patient recovery. Sound-dampening barriers help minimize noise, while clean, professional-looking walls maintain a calming environment for patients and staff.

Proven Containment Solutions for Healthcare Facilities

With so many options available, choosing the right HVAC filtration and temporary wall systems is essential for keeping patients safe, projects on track, and compliance risks low.

That’s why facility managers trust HEPACART® and STARC Systems LiteBarrier™ for reliable containment solutions. HEPACART Filtration Systems use high-efficiency HEPA filtration to capture dust, bacteria, and mold, preventing contaminants from reaching patient areas. STARC Systems LiteBarrier™ creates a secure, ICRA-compliant barrier, keeping construction — and air pollutants — separate from hospital operations.

With HEPA filtration and temporary walls in place, you can confidently manage hospital construction, protecting patients, staff, and compliance requirements every step of the way.

Create Safer Healthcare Spaces with the Right Tools

You play a vital role in maintaining air quality during hospital construction, and the right strategies give you full control over containment. With a proactive approach, you can reduce infection risks, protect patients and staff, and keep construction on track without disrupting care.

HEPA filtration and temporary containment barriers provide the tools you need to manage air quality with confidence, ensuring compliance while keeping hospital operations running smoothly.

Stay ahead of air quality challenges during hospital construction. Download the HEPA vs. ULPA Guide to find the best air filtration solutions and create a cleaner, safer environment for your facility.