I am working on a laboratory project and we are gearing up to perform the exhaust fan testing internally. Our building has a LOT of laboratory exhaust fume hood fans that only serve the laboratory equipment/processes. Do we need to perform testing on each and every one of these exhaust systems as well? Or, can we simply do the base building bathroom, shower, kitchen and parking exhaust systems? If we should test the lab fume hoods too then is it possible to test a sample? Please advise. Thank you!
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Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
528 thumbs up
October 30, 2013 - 7:37 am
On a previous project I have received a review comment stating that we must test all exhaust fans, not just bathroom, shower, kitchen, and parking as specifically stated in the reference guide. Don't think they will allow sampling.
Also, the GBCI defines exhaust fan as any fan that moves air from the inside of the building to the outside of the building. On past projects I have been required to test relief fans as well.
Hope this helps!
Nelina Loiselle
Above Green239 thumbs up
January 29, 2014 - 12:25 pm
What about circulating and supply fans? Do those need to be tested?
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
528 thumbs up
January 29, 2014 - 12:31 pm
Circulating and supply fans do not require testing. Only fans that move inside air to the outside.
Maybe substitute the EQp1 from v4 into your project as recently allowed by USGBC: http://www.usgbc.org/articles/use-v4-credits-your-v2009-project
EQp1 in v4 does not require testing of exhaust fans, only that they have a PM plan and PM actions are logged. Nice time saving short cut for projects that have a significant amount of exhaust fans.
Nelina Loiselle
Above Green239 thumbs up
February 3, 2014 - 2:07 pm
Excellent thank you David! However the LEED reviewers did ask us to upload the exhaust testing report in our initial review. This is definitely worth a try though!
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
528 thumbs up
February 3, 2014 - 2:13 pm
they probably won't let you substitute a v4 prereq/credit after the preliminary submission, but I agree with you that it may worth a try.
good luck!
Levi Jimenez
Founder & Senior ConsultantViable LLC
12 thumbs up
October 17, 2014 - 6:40 pm
Nena, I am very curious: Did the reviewer allow you to substitute the v4 prerequisite compliance option in lieu of an exhaust fan test report? I am in a similar, if not identical situation now. I look forward to your response.