Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/655416
50 Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES PRIORITY ISSUE 18.0 MECHANICAL VENTILATION FOR INDIVIDUAL DWELLING UNITS ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS (AP) MINIMUM ACTIONS (MA) EXPANDED ACTIONS (EA) AP 18.1 Determine Whether Dwelling Units Have Individual Mechanical Ventilation Systems Individual mechanical ventilation systems in dwelling units include the following configurations: • Occupant-controlled bath and/or kitchen exhaust fans in a dwelling unit. Can also include operable windows in a dwelling unit, in combination with the exhaust fans. • Continuously operating bath and/or kitchen exhaust fans in a dwelling unit (with or without operable windows), or other exhaust fan(s) provided in a dwelling unit for mechanical ventilation. • Outdoor air ventilation supplied via a dwelling unit's space conditioning air handler. For other dwelling unit ventilation configurations, refer to Priority Issue 19.0 Mechanical Ventilation for Multiple Dwelling Units Using Central Exhaust or Priority Issue 20.0 Natural (Not Fan- Powered) Ventilation. AP 18.2 Determine Whether Dwelling Unit Mechanical Ventilation Systems Meet ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2013 Requirements Determine whether the mechanical ventilation systems in dwelling units meet ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2013 requirements (including Appendix A for existing buildings and Section 8 for multifamily buildings). This includes: • Dwelling unit ventilation rate. • Bath and kitchen exhaust fan airflow rates. • Proper location of exhaust discharges. Conduct the assessment in as many dwelling units as possible. If a sample of dwelling units is assessed, be sure to include any units for which there are indoor air quality complaints. AP 18.3 Determine Whether Common Corridors and Nonresidential Spaces Meet Ventilation Requirements Determine the amount of outdoor MA 18.1 Repair and Upgrade Dwelling Unit Mechanical Ventilation Systems As Needed If dwelling units are served by individual mechanical ventilation systems: • Ensure a continuous or intermittent operating schedule in the dwelling unit to meet ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2013 ventilation requirements. Ensure controls are operating properly. • If ventilation air is provided integral to the space conditioning system, the system shall be configured to provide the required ventilation regardless of the heating or cooling demand in the dwelling unit. • If each dwelling unit has dedicated mechanical exhaust for outdoor air ventilation: o Adjust, repair, or replace existing exhaust ducts and fans serving the dwelling unit as needed to meet ASHRAE Standard 62.2- 2013 requirements (including Appendix A and Section 8). o Remove blockages in exhaust grilles, ductwork and components (e.g., constant airflow regulators). o Ensure ducts for all exhaust fans terminate outside the building. o Air seal exhaust ventilation ductwork with approved materials to prevent duct leakage within building cavities. o Advise the building owner or property manager to implement a preventative maintenance plan to inspect exhaust grilles in all dwelling units at least once per year. • Ensure outdoor air intakes that are part of ventilation systems for dwelling units are located a minimum distance of 10 feet from contaminant sources including plumbing stacks, vents, exhaust hood discharges or vehicle exhaust (see ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2013). EA 18.1 Install Balanced Ventilation Systems With Energy Recovery in Dwelling Units To provide balanced ventilation and reduce the heating and cooling costs associated with outdoor air ventilation consider installing energy recovery equipment when the exhaust airflows from the dwelling unit can be readily combined to flow through an energy recovery device to pre-condition the incoming outdoor ventilation air. EA 18.2 Meet Outdoor Air Filtration and Air-Cleaning Requirements of ASHRAE Standard 189.1, As Applicable to Nonresidential Spaces For nonresidential spaces that are included in the scope of service, in geographic locations where the outdoor air exceeds the national standards for particulate matter (PM 2.5 , PM 10 ) or ozone, ensure that the outdoor air filtration and air-cleaning requirements of ASHRAE Standard 189.1-2014, Section 8.3.1.3 are met for mechanical ventilation systems: • Particulate-matter filters or air- cleaning devices with a MERV of at least 8 shall be used in areas where the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for PM 10 is exceeded. • Particulate-matter filters or air- cleaning devices with a MERV of at least 13 shall be used in areas where the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for PM 2.5 is exceeded. • Air-cleaning devices to remove ozone must be provided and used in areas that are in "nonattainment" with the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone. The ozone removal efficiency of the system shall be at least 40%. Appendix B: Property Management and Occupant Education