Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/655416
14 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 Suspended Ceilings • Repairing or replacing existing ceiling tiles • Installing new ceilings IAQ/Health Risks: • Asbestos-containing material (including vermiculite insulation), fiberglass, mineral wool or other insulation materials may be disturbed. • Ceiling tiles may be contaminated with lead paint or lead paint particles. • Removal of ceiling tiles may expose pest infestations. • Ceiling tiles may have water damage and/or mold growth. • Ceiling materials may be contaminated with PCBs if PCBs have migrated from older, leaking lighting ballasts that contain PCBs. Opportunities: • Select low-emission materials, such as formaldehyde-free ceiling tiles. 1.0 Moisture Control and Mold 2.0 Asbestos 3.0 Lead 4.0 PCBs 8.0 Pests 10.0 Building Products/Materials Emissions 22.0 Building Safety for Occupants 23.0 Protecting IAQ During Construction 24.0 Jobsite Safety OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE Systems Operation and Maintenance • Check control systems and devices for evidence of improper operation on a regular schedule (e.g., semiannually) and take corrective actions • Calibrate and periodically recalibrate sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity) • Perform cooling unit drain pan maintenance • Replace filters • Clean supply diffusers, return registers and outside air intakes • Keep unit ventilators and other duct openings clear of obstructions • Perform regular system operational checks • Check occupancy sensors IAQ/Health Risks: • Asbestos-containing material, lead paint, PCBs or mold may be disturbed. • Deferred maintenance can lead to system degradation and IAQ problems. • Improperly maintained and uncalibrated sensors can lead to poor system performance and IAQ problems. • Poor air filtration and maintenance can lead to clogged coils and a need for expensive cleaning that can be avoided with proper maintenance. • Inadequate drain pan design or maintenance can lead to microbial contamination. • Inadequately maintained combustion equipment can result in improperly vented combustion gases and occupant exposure to carbon monoxide. Opportunities: • Ensure the proper operation and venting of combustion appliances. • Install and maintain carbon monoxide detection and warning equipment. • Control for moisture by maintaining humidity levels. • Ensure that particle removal filtration systems are operating properly. • Repair or adjust drain pans to drain completely. • Ensure that occupancy sensors are operating properly. • Implement a scheduled inspection and calibration/recalibration program (e.g., semiannually) for measurement sensors, paying special attention to the systems that are intended to supply outdoor air ventilation. 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 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