Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/655416
Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES 11 Examples of Multifamily Residential Building Upgrade Projects Examples of IAQ/Health Risks and Opportunities Potentially Applicable Priority Issues Outdoor Air Ventilation (upgrades or modifications) • Outdoor air intakes and controls • Filtration of outdoor ventilation air and make- up air • Local exhaust for indoor areas with strong sources of pollutants • Additional dehumidification, as needed for humid climates IAQ/Health Risks: • Asbestos-containing material, lead paint or PCBs may be disturbed during wall, roof or ceiling penetrations. • Some locations may have strong outdoor pollutant sources in the proximity of outdoor air intakes. • Smoking near outdoor air ventilation intakes can increase indoor exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. • Humid climates may require additional dehumidification when the outdoor air supply is increased. • Excessive moisture promotes pest infestation. • Noisy ventilation systems may be turned off by occupants, which will negatively affect ventilation. Opportunities: • Ensure that outdoor air controls are working properly, while controlling for moisture. • Ensure the proper location of outdoor air intakes. • Ensure that all occupied spaces are provided with adequate outdoor air ventilation. • Ensure any filter status pressure sensors and switches are calibrated regularly. 1.0 Moisture Control and Mold 2.0 Asbestos 3.0 Lead 4.0 PCBs 5.0 Radon 6.0 Belowground Contaminants 7.0 Garage Air Pollutants 8.0 Pests 10.0 Building Products/Materials Emissions 11.0 Vented Combustion Appliances 12.0 Unvented Combustion Appliances 14.0 Environmental Tobacco Smoke 17.0 HVAC Equipment 18.0 Mechanical Ventilation for Individual Dwelling Units 19.0 Mechanical Ventilation for Multiple Dwelling Units Using Central Exhaust 20.0 Natural (Not Fan-Powered) Ventilation 21.0 Local Exhaust Ventilation 22.0 Building Safety for Occupants 23.0 Protecting IAQ During Construction 24.0 Jobsite Safety Heating and Cooling Systems • Boiler replacement • Steam trap replacement or maintenance • Pipe modifications: Converting from one- pipe to two-pipe steam systems OR Converting from two-pipe to four-pipe heating and cooling systems • System modifications: Converting from steam to hot-water systems • Control valves: Maintenance and additions • Combustion equipment replacement • Air conditioning system replacement • Additional dehumidification, as needed for humid climates IAQ/Health Risks: • Asbestos-containing material, lead paint, PCBs or mold may be disturbed during system or component replacement. • Improperly vented combustion gases and occupant exposure to carbon monoxide are potential risks. • Moisture or mold may be present when the HVAC system is turned off for extended periods. • Poor humidity control during cooling system operation can result in mold growth and present opportunities for pest infestations. • Inadequate humidifier maintenance can lead to microbiological problems. Opportunities: • Properly vent combustion gases and ensure that mechanical rooms with combustion equipment have adequate make-up air and ventilation. • Install and maintain carbon monoxide detection and warning equipment. • Ensure that combustion equipment and boilers are installed correctly and that make-up air registers are not blocked. • Ensure that air conditioning systems are properly sized and controlled to avoid humidity and moisture issues. • Ensure that well-maintained humidification equipment and controls are in place to promote occupant comfort and health during the heating season, as needed. 1.0 Moisture Control and Mold 2.0 Asbestos 3.0 Lead 4.0 PCBs 5.0 Radon 6.0 Belowground Contaminants 7.0 Garage Air Pollutants 8.0 Pests 10.0 Building Products/Materials Emissions 11.0 Vented Combustion Appliances 12.0 Unvented Combustion Appliances 13.0 Ozone from Indoor Sources 17.0 HVAC Equipment 18.0 Mechanical Ventilation for Individual Dwelling Units 19.0 Mechanical Ventilation for Multiple Dwelling Units Using Central Exhaust 20.0 Natural (Not Fan-Powered) Ventilation 21.0 Local Exhaust Ventilation 22.0 Building Safety for Occupants 23.0 Protecting IAQ During Construction 24.0 Jobsite Safety