IAQA - White Paper Archives

IAQA 18th Annual Meeting & Indoor Environment and Energy Expo (IE3) The views and opinions herein are those of the volunteer authors and may not reflect the views and opinions of IAQA. The information is offered in good faith and believed to be reliable but it is provided without warranty, expressed or implied, as to the merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or any other matter. o Commercial - Due to the complexity of commercial buildings and the financial exposure related to them, selection of contractors and suppliers receives a lot of review and evaluation. Although this process may result in the hire of less qualified contractors, those selected normally have vast experience, excellent references and the capability to bring highly skilled trades into each project. Most commercial contractors have sizable staffs with skill sets that are able to focus on the various activities during construction. Required inspections and Commissioning normally lead to a high level of quality and a well-functioning building when complete. o Residential – Contractor experience, quality and capability is variable and even with quality contractors is limited. The concentration may be on achieving the structural and esthetic result desired by the owner rather than factors that impact IAQ. In developments with many homes, economy of construction may become a greater priority and result in materials and equipment of lower quality. Operation – o Commercial buildings are normally managed by persons with professional training and credentials. The management staffs normally develop procedures to assure that the building operates as designed and problems are addressed when first observed. Many buildings have complex and effective systems that control HVAC and other components and are programmed to maintain the desired indoor conditions. o Residential – Homes are normally operated by one or more of the occupants. Operation is as good or bad as the knowledge level and attention of that person allows.In many cases, occupants may take actions that prevent IAQ problems. Sensitive persons are careful to not bring things into the home that may release contamination or lead to problems. In other cases, lack of knowledge of IAQ issues on the part of the homeowner or occupants may lead to huge problems that become disasters before they are identified and corrected. Maintenance decisions – o Commercial – Professional building managers normally have written maintenance programs and procedures. Included in these are steps that lower the risk of poor IAQ. o Residential - Some homes are maintained in excellent condition and others are neglected. With even well maintained homes, the procedures are only as good as the knowledge of the owner. Factors that may impact IAQ may be poorly understood. Maintenance ease – o Commercial – Maintainability is one of the factors considered in a professional design. Mechanical system components are more rugged than residential grade. Control systems may help alert to pending problems. Equipment is normally in a mechanical room or other easily accessible location. o Residential – Aesthetics and function are the primary design factors and ease of maintenance is seldom listed as a important factor in homes; it is an afterthought. Equipment may be stuck in attics and other difficult to access locations. Supplier quality – o Commercial - Although there are exceptions, the mechanical contractors and others who maintain and repair commercial building systems have large and qualified staffs plus systems

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