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ES+H Multifamily Building Upgrades_508c_02 09 2016

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44 Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES PRIORITY ISSUE 15.0 WOOD SMOKE AND OTHER SOLID FUEL EMISSIONS ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS (AP) MINIMUM ACTIONS (MA) EXPANDED ACTIONS (EA) AP 15.1 Determine Whether Wood- or Coal-Burning Appliances Are Present Determine whether there are wood- or coal-burning appliances (e.g., wood stove or furnace, wood pellet stove, fireplace) in the building. If a building policy on wood- and coal-burning devices exists, review it for compatibility with the Minimum Actions in this section. AP 15.2 Assess Proper Size and Operation of Wood- or Coal-Burning Appliances Assess what the proper size of any wood- or coal-burning appliances will be after the building upgrade is complete. If the current unit is oversized, recommend replacement with a properly sized, EPA-certified appliance. AP 15.3 Determine Evidence of Wood Smoke Emissions If wood- or coal-burning appliances are present, use any of the following practices to determine whether there is evidence of wood smoke emissions affecting the building: • Look for evidence of soot on the walls or ceiling or creosote staining near the flue pipe. • Determine whether a strong odor of wood smoke can be identified within common areas or dwelling units. • Ask occupants whether they regularly (i.e., daily) smell wood smoke indoors during the heating season. AP 15.4 Assess Appliance Safety Assess appliance safety by considering: • Appliance condition, especially leaks, cracks or faulty flue connections. • Proper distances of appliance and flue from combustible materials (minimum clearances) and/or proper protection of combustibles. • Proper size and materials of floor protection. • Proper venting system according to Priority Issue 11.0 Vented Combustion Appliances. AP 15.5 Determine Whether Wood-Burning Appliances Are EPA-Certified Determine whether any wood-burning appliances are EPA-certified (i.e., more energy efficient and cleaner burning). An EPA-certified wood heater can be identified by a permanent metal label affixed to the back or side of the wood heater. AP 15.6 Determine Whether Hydronic Heating Equipment Is Present Determine whether an outdoor wood- or coal-fired appliance is generating hydronic heat. If the wood- or coal-burning appliance is operating during the assessment, observe the opacity of the smoke leaving the chimney. Note: One hundred percent opacity means nothing can be seen through the smoke. At 20 percent opacity, there is very little smoke and you can see almost completely through it. Smoke with opacity of more than 20 percent is an indication that unseasoned wood is being burned, a non-EPA-approved stove is in use or the heater is operating poorly. Ensure trash and vegetation are not being burned in the units. Refer to the EPA Burn Wise website for additional information. MA 15.1 Ensure Proper Operation of Wood- or Coal-Burning Appliances Correct any problems identified during the assessments. If evidence of soot, wood smoke, or other health or safety concerns is apparent, work with a certified fireplace or chimney safety professional to identify and correct the problems. If a new appliance is installed during the upgrade, ensure it is properly sized for the post upgrade heating load. Ensure any new wood- burning appliances are EPA-certified. MA 15.2 Recommend Periodic Inspection and Maintenance of the Chimney and Appliance Encourage the building owner or property manager to have a certified professional inspect and maintain the chimney and wood- or coal-burning appliance annually. MA 15.3 Share EPA Burn Wise Tips Share EPA's Burn Wise Tips with the building owner or property manager. EA 15.1 Install Properly Sized, EPA-Certified Wood- Burning Appliances Replace non-certified wood- or coal- burning appliances with properly sized and installed EPA- certified appliances. Appliances should be installed according to the manufacturer's written instructions. Alternatively, replacement heating equipment that does not burn solid fuels also can be considered. References for Priority Issue 15.0 Wood Smoke and Other Solid Fuel Emissions: EPA: Burn Wise, Consumers – Best Burn Practices EPA: Burn Wise, Consumers – Choosing Appliances EPA: Burn Wise, Consumers – Frequent Questions EPA: Burn Wise Tips EPA: List of EPA Certified Wood Stoves EPA: List of Qualified Hydronic Heaters NFPA 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances

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