72 Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES
VENTILATION
Goal
Confirm ventilation systems are functioning as intended to reduce buildup of moisture and contaminants in
dwelling units and common areas. Moisture can contribute to mold growth and breathing problems such as
asthma. Contaminants from kitchen cooking can contain small particles and nitrogen oxides that also can
adversely affect health.
Actions
1. Perform the following during annual inspections and at unit turnover:
• Inspect bath and kitchen fans to determine whether they are clear of obstructions, operational and moving
air at the correct airflow rates. Ensure that fans are operating as intended (e.g., manually or automatically
controlled intermittent operation, continuous operation).
• Remove any items put up by occupants to block airflows at supply or exhaust grilles. Identify the source(s)
of occupant dissatisfaction that prompted blocking the airflows and take corrective action.
• Replace filters in HVAC systems with new filters at unit turnover, semi-annually or as often as recommended
by manufacturer.
• Conduct a ventilation system assessment to determine whether adequate ventilation rates are being provided
to dwelling units.
• Assess ventilation rates in common areas.
• Occupant Education: Advise occupants about the need to use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms during
activities that generate pollutants and moisture (e.g., cooking and showering). Educate occupants about the
basic operation of ventilation, heating and cooling systems. This should include any maintenance (e.g., air
filter change-out) and adjustments that are the occupants' responsibility.
Resources for Ventilation:
NCHH: Improving Ventilation in Existing or New Buildings With Central Roof Exhaust
NCHH: Improving Ventilation in Multi-Family Buildings That Do Not Have Fan-Powered Ventilation
NCHH: Improving Ventilation in New and Existing Multi-Family Buildings With Individual Unit Ventilation Systems
NYSERDA: Improving Central Exhaust Systems for Multifamily Buildings
CARBON MONOXIDE
Goal
Ensure combustion appliances are maintained and operated safely, and occupants are protected against carbon
monoxide.
Actions
1. Conduct regular inspections and preventive maintenance on all combustion appliances. Ensure proper venting of
combustion by-products to the outdoors. Regularly inspect carbon monoxide alarms for proper operation.
• Occupant Education: Ensure building occupants are provided with information on the hazards of combustion
pollutants including carbon monoxide.
Resources for Carbon Monoxide:
Consumer Product Safety Commission: Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers
EPA: Carbon Monoxide's Impact on Indoor Air Quality
EPA: Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
