Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/655416
Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES 29 PRIORITY ISSUE 7.0 GARAGE AIR POLLUTANTS ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS (AP) MINIMUM ACTIONS (MA) EXPANDED ACTIONS (EA) AP 7.1 Identify Location and Configura- tion of Attached Garages Identify whether the building has any attached garages. Underground or tucked-under garages, with or without openings to the outdoors, should be considered as attached garages. An attached carport not open to the outside on at least two sides also should be considered an attached garage. AP 7.2 Check for HVAC Systems Inside Garage Identify whether HVAC components (such as air-handling equipment and ductwork) serving occupied spaces are inside the envelope of the attached garage(s). AP 7.3 Locate Air Leaks Using ASTM E1186-03 (2009), identify all air leaks between the attached ga- rage(s) and occupied spaces that share a surface with the garage. AP 7.4 Determine Presence of Combus- tion Engines Identify whether any combustion en- gines other than automobiles and trucks are operated in the attached garage(s). MA 7.1 Eliminate or Minimize Unwant- ed Air Transfer to Dwelling Units Via Mechanical Equipment and Ductwork Do not install in a garage new HVAC equipment or ductwork that serves occu- pied spaces. For existing air-handling equipment and ductwork that serves occupied spaces and is located in a garage: • Air seal all ductwork and fittings. Seal seams, plenums and ductwork with tape and mastic systems that meet the applicable requirements of UL 181A or UL 181B, or gasket systems. • Seal gaps around ductwork, pipes and cables that penetrate the common walls, floors and ceilings separating occupied spaces from garages. • Because existing air handler cabi- nets are likely to have high leakage rates, seal access panel edges with tape to allow future servicing and permanently seal all other cabinet openings. • Disconnect and remove supply diffusers and return grilles in the garage that connect to ductwork and air handlers serving occupied spaces; close with end caps and air seal the gaps. • If the air handler is part of a natural or induced draft furnace, replace the furnace with a power vent or sealed combustion appliance or provide all combustion air from the outdoors according to ANSI Z223.1/ NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code or the 2012 International Fuel Gas Code. In low-rise buildings, place combustion air openings in a vented attic, where possible. Note: Cold climate combustion air louvers directed to the outdoors may require interlocked mechanical dampers to prevent pipe freezing. EA 7.1 Remove Air-Handling Equipment from Garages Relocate air-handling equipment that serves occupied spaces from the garage to an area within conditioned space. EA 7.2 Perform Additional Efforts to Compartmentalize Garages from Occu- pied Spaces • Where concrete block or other air-permeable material is in place between a garage and conditioned space, provide an air barrier mem- brane or coating on the garage side of common surfaces to occupied space. • Construct a vestibule at doorways leading from the garage into the occupied portions of the building and exhaust vent the vestibule to the outdoors. • Enhance the effectiveness of the garage exhaust system. Consider designing the garage exhaust system so that a portion of the exhaust is used to depressurize common walls, floors, and ceilings that separate the garage from occupied space. Note: When sealing, the air barrier assembly must have been evaluated by the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) and installed according to manufacturer specifications. Fire rated assemblies must be sealed using approved fire-rated materials. The fire rating requirements supersede the ABAA evaluation require- ment. EA 7.3 Recommend Removal of Com- bustion Engine-Operated Equipment inside the Garage Advise the building owner or proper- ty manager to remove all combustion engine-operated equipment (except automobiles and trucks) from inside the garage, where feasible.