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CI-2009 IEQp1:Minimum IAQ Performance

Mini Split System

Profile picture for user rmeza_2
Roberto Meza
Sustainable Building Consultant
SPHERA Sustainable Building Consultants
LEEDuser Basic Member
43 thumbs up

I have a 400 sq ft office in an existing building without an existing A/C system. We installed a mini split system (no outside air) for mechanical conditioning, and there are 2 existing windows but are usually closed. What is the best approach for complying with this prerequisite? Can the mechanical approach be used if the equipment doesn't have an outside air intake? Or should I take the natural ventilation approach? Thanks!

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Roger Chang
Principal, Energy and Engineering Leader
DLR Group | Westlake Reed Leskosky
LEEDuser Expert
267 thumbs up

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 23:27

Roberto, it sounds like you should use the prescriptive natural ventilation approach, which requires a certain 4% of operable vent area as a fraction of floor area, as well as a maximum distance from occupant to vent. Section 6.4 of ASHRAE 62.1 provides addition details.

Fri, 07/19/2013 - 04:38

Hello All, This is a very interesting question that always comes to mind in a lot of projects, specifically, in a project that we are trying to document compliance, several spaces have installed a mini split type system AND they have operable windows. I can see that for prerequisite requirements, the natural ventilation approach can be used if the minimum openable area exists. However, it is not energy efficient to operate a split type system with an open window. I am very interesting to hear your feedback about this, the real interesting question is IF a space contains mechanical conditioning, is it required to provide mechanical ventilation as well? Thanks to all. LL

Thu, 07/25/2013 - 20:48

I mean, if you have a MECHANICALLY conditioned space, does it compel you to have MECHANICAL ventilation (and not NATURAL) in this space? GH

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