Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/655416
36 Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES PRIORITY ISSUE 11.0 VENTED COMBUSTION APPLIANCES ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS (AP) MINIMUM ACTIONS (MA) EXPANDED ACTIONS (EA) AP 11.1 Complete a Combustion Safety Inspection Complete a safety inspection of all vented combustion equipment in the building (e.g., furnaces, boilers, water heaters). The inspection shall include observations for applicable code requirements including proper clearances, condition of venting, assessment of the potential for back- drafting, integrity of fuel lines, safety of electrical connections and condition of the appliance itself. Document deficiencies and proposed repairs. • For gas-fired appliances and equipment, make this assessment using applicable installation standards, including the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, the applicable ANSI Z21 gas- fired appliance safety standards, and manufacturer's printed instructions. Determine whether gas-fired appliance installations comply with Section 9.3 "Air for Combustion and Ventilation" of ANSI Z223.1/ NFPA 54 for proper venting, including influences of other building ventilation and exhausting equipment. • For oil-fired appliances and equipment, make this assessment using applicable installation standards, including the Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment, ANSI/NFPA 31, the applicable ANSI/UL oil-fired appliance safety standard, and manufacturer's printed instructions. • Performance test vented combustion appliances to ensure proper draft under worstcase depressurization. • Identify combustion appliances that have pilot burners. • Determine whether carbon monoxide (CO) detection and warning equipment is installed in dwelling units and other locations within the building (e.g., mechanical rooms with combustion equipment). MA 11.1 Correct Deficiencies and Ensure Proper Operation of Combustion Equipment Correct all deficiencies identified during the assessments and ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards. Test combustion equipment for proper draft and venting under worst-case conditions before and after building upgrade measures that affect envelope leakage and airflows (e.g., air sealing, insulation and the addition or upgrade of exhaust fans). Repair, remove, or replace combustion equipment and address other issues or deficiencies as needed to meet the applicable codes and standards. Note: All equipment removals should include proper disposal so that hazardous units are not reinstalled or used elsewhere. Address depressurization and potential back drafting problems (e.g., with combustion make-up air, fan interlocks, transfer grilles, jumper ducts, louvered doors, door undercuts, duct leakage repair), or adjust the exhaust equipment causing the problems provided it does not conflict with the specific exhaust requirements for spaces served by the exhaust equipment. Ensure that combustion appliances are installed with sufficient access for proper maintenance and are operating in compliance with the original manufacturer's printed specifications. MA 11.2 Ensure Proper Exhaust Locations Ensure combustion exhaust is captured as close to the combustion source as possible, exhausted directly outdoors, and not vented into other indoor spaces such as attics, crawlspaces or basements. MA 11.3 Ensure Adequate Make-Up Air Ensure that vented appliances have sufficient make-up air to replace vented air and maintain normal operating conditions. EA 11.1 Install Power Vented or Sealed Combustion Equipment If replacing combustion equipment located in occupied or conditioned spaces as part of the building upgrade, recommend power-vented or sealed- combustion equipment. Install new combustion equipment in accordance with ACCA Standard 5. EA 11.2 Upgrade Combustion Appliances Consider replacing older, lower efficiency appliances that have pilot burners with higher efficiency appliances incorporating electronic ignition.