Calibrate system sensors and actuators within the manufacturer’s recommended interval, maintain the associated records, and create a report for documentation purposes.
If a thorough commissioning process is also being pursued, these periodic measurement activities should likely be coordinated with that effort. A detailed
The protocol and equipment used to perform these measurements must comply with Section 7 of ASHRAE 55-2004. This part of the ASHRAE standard addresses evaluation of the thermal environment and describes the required steps and equipment to properly take these measurements.
Project teams often overlook or misunderstand the requirements for measuring radiant temperature and air speed. These measurements must be taken in the occupied spaces and the use of handheld instruments is the only practical approach. Under no circumstances do velocity or temperature readings within the ventilation system satisfy the requirements for air speed and radiant temperature measurements within occupied spaces.
Establish a strategy for periodic measurements of radiant temperature and air speed at least once a year. These measurements are typically performed in occupied spaces using handheld devices, such as a globe thermometer or infrared heat sensor gun to measure radiant temperature and an anemometer to measure air speed.
Establish a process for responding to system alarms and occupant comfort complaints with appropriate corrective action and in a timely manner. Regularly review thermal comfort conditions to identify opportunities for adjustments.
System alarms, visible to a building manager or engineer as an email, pager, or text message, or in another form suitable for the building, must be set off when air temperature and humidity levels fall outside the acceptable thermal comfort ranges defined in ASHRAE 55-2004.
Humidity zone boundaries are defined by differences in space use and are affected by differences in the ability of cooling control systems to manage humidity levels. Examples of zones that may have the same temperature settings as other zones but different humidity levels include kitchens, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Perform a thorough assessment of your building using mechanical drawings and floorplans and a full walkthrough to map out each of the zones and determine required locations for humidity sensors.
Make sure to have at least one humidity sensor in each distinct humidity zone in the building. Humidity zones are not necessarily aligned with temperature zones, so it may be acceptable to have fewer humidity sensors than temperature sensors.
