Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/655416
48 Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) PRIORITY ISSUE 17.0 HVAC EQUIPMENT ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS (AP) MINIMUM ACTIONS (MA) EXPANDED ACTIONS (EA) AP 17.1 Evaluate the Condition of Existing HVAC Systems and Components Evaluate the condition of existing HVAC systems and their components (e.g., furnaces, boilers, cooling equipment, air handlers, exhaust air systems, make-up air systems, heat pumps and ductwork) in accordance with minimum inspection standards of ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180, or other equivalent industry standards. Refer to Priority Issues 18.0 through 20.0 for outdoor air ventilation, as applicable to the type of ventilation system, and Priority Issue 21.0 Local Exhaust Ventilation for additional guidance. AP 17.2 Determine Appropriate HVAC System Sizing Determine whether the existing HVAC systems are sized properly. Refer to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J for low-rise residential applications, ACCA Manual N for commercial applications, the ASHRAE Load Calculation Applications Manual, ASHRAE Standard 183, or ASHRAE Handbooks for HVAC load calculations. Refer to ACCA Manual S or ASHRAE Handbooks for equipment selection. If HVAC system replacements or modifications are anticipated, base heating/cooling load and equipment sizing calculations on post-upgrade conditions. MA 17.1 Implement Corrective Actions for Proper HVAC Operation Based on the results of the system assessment (e.g., equipment condition, size and feasibility of corrective actions), repair, modify or recommend installing new HVAC equipment to ensure it can provide the needed ventilation, temperature and humidity control. The ability to modify and adjust the existing HVAC equipment may be limited by its initial design. Review the original equipment specifications and seek outside engineering assistance as needed. If maintenance, cleaning or repairs are needed to restore the HVAC system to proper functioning, perform in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 180, ACCA Standard 6, ASHRAE Handbooks, or equivalent standards and guidelines. Refer to Priority Issues 18.0 through 20.0 for outdoor air ventilation, as applicable to the type of ventilation system, and Priority Issue 21.0 Local Exhaust Ventilation for additional guidance. MA 17.2 Properly Size and Install New HVAC Equipment If replacing equipment, base equipment sizing calculations on the post-upgrade heating and cooling load calculations. Use ACCA Manual J for low-rise residential applications, ACCA Manual N for commercial applications, the ASHRAE Load Calculation Applications Manual, ASHRAE Standard 183, or ASHRAE Handbooks for HVAC load calculations. Use ACCA Manual S or ASHRAE Handbooks for equipment selection. Install new equipment in accordance with ACCA Standard 5 and verify installation in accordance with ACCA Standard 9, ASHRAE Handbooks, or equivalent standards and guidelines. EA 17.1 Install Higher Efficiency Filters in HVAC Systems For new HVAC systems, install filters with the highest MERV rating that the equipment is capable of physically accommodating and for which there is adequate fan capacity to overcome the filters' pressure drop. For existing systems, check with the manufacturer to determine whether filters with higher MERV ratings can be installed. Install filters with the highest MERV rating that can be accommodated by the equipment. EA 17.2 Provide Additional HVAC Training to Building Operations and Maintenance Staff Conduct follow-up training (e.g., 6 months or 1 year after the initial training). This will reinforce staff skills and knowledge and provide an opportunity for staff to ask questions after they become familiar with the upgraded building and systems. Recommend building operations and maintenance staff attend a Building Operator Certification (BOC) course or other comparable training regarding HVAC, IAQ and energy use.