Forum discussion

NC-2009 IEQp1:Minimum IAQ Performance

Multi-family apartment ventilation

We have a mechanical ventilation system that continuously supplies OA air into each apartment. Each apartment has a fan coil unit that conditions the apartment. OA is provided into the mechanical closet where the FCU mixes it with return air and delivers it throughout the apartment from a ducted system with ceiling or high side wall register. The toilet exhaust runs continuously. The LEED reviewer feels that because the FCU cycles to maintain temperature that the bedrooms are not getting OA when the unit is cycled off. (i.e. air will be short circuited to exhaust fan). Note that OA is entering the apartment via transfer grilles from the mechanical closet when the FCU is off. GBCI wants us to change our Ez from 1 to .5 to account for when the FCU is cycled off. Our supply is not close to the exhaust and changing the EZ will double our ventilation rate. We feel that ASHRAE 62.1 - 2007, Table 6.1 only requires outside air to be supplied to the dwelling unit and not to each individual room within the dwelling unit. We feel we have met the intent of 62.1 by providing continuous OA and exhaust from the apartment. What do you think - have we complied with 62.1? Do you agree with using the ,5 Ez (building is occupied so this one change will mean the project does not become LEED certified) Only other option is to run FCU continuously which tends to over heat or over cool the apartment and make it less efficient.

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Mon, 01/13/2014 - 19:12

I would have to agree with USGBC here. I think they are being generous in allowing you to use 0.5 Ez when the fan is off. I think your best solution here is to allow the fan to run continuously while allowing the cooling coil and heating coil control valves to control to maintain temperature. I have designed many projects where I use this strategy simply because you have to comply with 62.1. If the bedrooms have openable fenestrations then you could use natural ventilation.

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