Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/248503
www.epa.gov/iaq/moisture HVAC System Operation and Maintenance Issue range, etc.) and track performance to determine whether that objective is being met. Failure to adequately maintain HVAC systems can lead to moisture problems including loss of humidity control, condensation and overflowing drain pans. Regularly scheduled inspections and maintenance can prevent unexpected equipment failure and reduce the equipment's life-cycle cost. Properly maintaining HVAC systems helps to ensure occupant comfort and healthy indoor air quality. • Maintain records of all HVAC system installations, inspections and maintenance, along with warranty information and requirements. • Incorporate best practices for moisture control in the inspection and maintenance of HVAC systems. Particular attention should be paid to coils and drain pans, humidifiers, cooling towers, the introduction of humidity-laden air and the potential for condensation. (See HVAC Operations and Maintenance Goal 2 for more detailed guidance on conducting HVAC maintenance inspections.) Goals HVAC Operations and Maintenance Goal 1: Facility maintenance management systems and preventive maintenance plans effectively address moisture control in HVAC systems. • Ensure that planners and schedulers assign inspectors who are knowledgeable about the HVAC and plumbing systems being inspected. • Schedule regular inspections at least semi-annually or in accordance with manufacturer's requirements. Additional inspections should be scheduled as soon as possible after heavy winds or rains or after any construction or installations that could affect the integrity of these systems, especially their outdoor components. HVAC Operations and Maintenance Goal 2: HVAC systems are maintained as intended by manufacturer's specifications and system design to effectively control moisture. Guidance HVAC Operations and Maintenance Goal 1: Facility maintenance management systems and preventive maintenance plans effectively address moisture control in HVAC systems. • When developing work orders for moisture-related maintenance tasks, include best practices and checklists for detailed inspections and maintenance tasks (See HVAC Operations and Maintenance Goal 2) in the scope of work and instructions. Guidance 1: Develop and implement facility maintenance management systems and HVAC system preventive maintenance (PM) plans, or review and revise existing systems and plans, to control moisture effectively. Maintenance management systems and PM plans for HVAC systems should: • Incorporate best practices and checklists (See HVAC Operations and Maintenance Goal 2) into training programs for inspectors and maintenance personnel who deal with these drainage systems. • Give priority to moisture-control issues in preventive maintenance, major maintenance and repair, and capital renewal planning and budgeting. • Incorporate moisture control into the functional objectives that guide the maintenance program (e.g., as a stand-alone objective, as part of an indoor air quality objective or as part of a reliability or long-term cost-minimization objective). HVAC Operations and Maintenance Goal 2: HVAC systems are maintained as intended by the manufacturer's specifications and the system design in order to effectively control moisture. • Develop a performance objective for moisture control (e.g., number of unanticipated leaks, dollars spent on leak repair, number of hours when indoor relative humidity falls within the specified design 99