The Contractor will not be using the HVAC during a minor alteration and there is no HVAC scope except for Air balancing and cleaning of ductwork. How much sealing is required? Does the credit refer to ONLY if HVAC is altered? Only the ductwork in the construction areas - the sealed off returns? I hope it does not mean that all of the ductwork leaks in the entire facility need to be checked and repaired. Please clarify.
My assumption is I need to take pictures of the construction areas being sealed off, verify that no HVAC is being used, have temporary sealed returns, IAQ Management Plan, and a complete Flush-out at end of construction.
Thanks for your input!
David Posada
Integrated Design & LEED SpecialistSERA Architects
LEEDuser Expert
1980 thumbs up
April 13, 2012 - 2:44 pm
Michelle,
Your assumptions sound correct. The ductwork in the construction area should be sealed off, even if the HVAC is not used, to keep dust and sandwiches from getting in.
With sealed vents on return air ducts, there is a possiblity for dust and fumes to enter the return air if the ducts in the construction area have any leaks, since the duct will be at a negative pressure in comparison to the work area.
It would be reasonable to include instructions in the IAQ Management Plan for the contractor to check for leaks in any return ducts and airhandlers that are exposed to the air where construction activity is happening.