Exhaust system tests

All exhaust fans are required to be tested. Actual RPM, Volts, Amps must be recorded. OR Substitute v4 EQp1 on the project since the v4 version of the prereq does not require the exhaust fans to be tested.

Hello Agata, just saw you post now -apologies for the delay. You are allowed to substitute only v4 EQp1 and pursue v2009 requirements on all other prereqs/credits. Simply select "alt compliance" and upload completed v4 credit template + supporting documentation.

Our project is about 3 years old and achieved the IEQp1 and IEQc1.3 in LEED NCv2.2. The guidance above suggests "If your building does not use a BAS to monitor the rate of outside air flow through the ventilation system, manual measurements of outside air flow must be taken at each air handling unit." I had previously believed that we always had to test no matter what, but now I'm not sure. My question is if the building BAS does read and record OA cfm on all of our AHU and demonstrates compliance do we need to test AHU at all? What proof do we need to demonstrate this? Also if we use V4 for prerequisite can we still pursue IEQ1.3 v2009? I looked in CIR database but gave up after 2 hours of searching.

Hello Kimberly, This post addresses exhaust fan testing. EQp1 of v3 requires exhaust fan testing, EQp1 of v4 does not. As for OA measurements, it can be read via the BAS, they do not need to be tested.The GBCI may require maintenance or calibration reports of the OA measuring device(s) to ensure their continued/current accuracy. They may also ask for screen shots of the BAS as well as a narrative documenting that the readings/screen shots were taken when the AHU was at the worst-case condition. You can still pursue the v3 increased ventilation credit if you substitute the EQp1 v4 prerequisite. Good Questions!

I don't believe it's accurate to say that exhaust fan testing isn't required in v4. It may not be a stand-alone documentation requirement in the form, but the prerequisite language states: "Implement and maintain an HVAC system maintenance program, based on ASHRAE 62.1–2010, Section 8 ... to ensure the proper operations and maintenance of HVAC components as they relate to outdoor air introduction and exhaust." If I'm not mistaken, Section 8 recommends testing OA rates and exhaust fans every 5 years.

Hello Christopher, You are correct, Section 8 recommends OA testing once every 5 years however it does not list specific requirements with respect to exhaust fans serving the project building. EQp1 requirements, as they relate to the building's exhaust fans, was a concern of ours when we wrote our v4 O+M Volume prototype. Hence we discussed with the technical folks at USGBC/GBCI. They did not require us to include exhaust fan testing in the prototype. Our non-volume v4 projects are also not required to perform exhaust fan testing to demonstrate EQp1 compliance. All our projects do include an exhaust fan maintenance plan in which the exhaust fans are maintained per the manufacturer's O+M manual. Logs are kept by the building engineers or mechanical service contractors.