Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/655416
12 Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES Examples of Multifamily Residential Building Upgrade Projects Examples of IAQ/Health Risks and Opportunities Potentially Applicable Priority Issues HVAC Controls to Monitor/ Maintain IAQ (upgrades or modifications) • Temperature and humidity controls: Installation, replacement and/or calibration • Controls for outdoor air ventilation and exhaust airflow rates • Air filtration pressure sensors • Occupancy sensors IAQ/Health Risks: • Asbestos-containing material or lead paint may be disturbed during wall or ceiling penetrations. • Mercury from removal of old mercury bulb thermostats may present a risk. • Sensors that are not regularly calibrated may lead to IAQ problems. • Poor humidity control during cooling system operation can result in mold growth and present opportunities for pest infestations. • Inadequate operation and maintenance of humidifier controls can lead to microbiological problems. • Improper HVAC controls can cause unbalanced flows and pressures that can lead to increased intrusion of moisture, radon and other belowground contaminants. • Improperly vented combustion gases; occupant exposure to carbon monoxide. Opportunities: • Control moisture to avoid mold growth and pest infestations, and optimize occupant comfort. • Monitor and maintain outdoor and exhaust airflow rates. • Install and maintain carbon monoxide detection and warning equipment. • Properly dispose of mercury-containing thermostats. 1.0 Moisture Control and Mold 2.0 Asbestos 3.0 Lead 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 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 Hydronic Systems (upgrades or modifications) • Chilled water system optimization • Pipe insulation upgrades (chilled water, hot water, steam piping) • Hydronic or steam piping system changes • Cooling tower upgrades IAQ/Health Risks: • Asbestos-containing material, lead paint or mold may be disturbed during system or component replacement. • Moisture accumulation on cold surfaces can lead to mold growth and pest infestations. • Legionella bacteria can grow in stagnant water, including hot water tanks. • Poor maintenance of cooling tower may allow Legionella bacteria to grow, causing potential risk to maintenance personnel and occupants. Opportunities: • Control moisture to prevent mold growth and pest infestations and optimize occupant comfort. • Manage building water systems and cooling towers to minimize bacterial growth. 1.0 Moisture Control and Mold 2.0 Asbestos 3.0 Lead 6.0 Belowground Contaminants 7.0 Garage Air Pollutants 10.0 Building Products/Materials Emissions 11.0 Vented Combustion Appliances 12.0 Unvented Combustion Appliances 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