Verification of Ventilation and Filtration

Ventilation and Filtration Verification Meet all of the following requirements to verify the operational quality of ventilation, exhaust, and filtration systems:

• Include information on ventilation system operation and preventative maintenance as

outlined in ASHRAE 62.1-2022 (or later), Table 8-1, “Minimum Maintenance Activity and Frequency for Ventilation System Equipment and Associated Component,” in the current facilities requirements and operations and maintenance plan required for compliance with IPp4: Current Facilities Requirements and O+M Plan.

• Investigate local and regional outdoor air quality. Determine the regional air quality

status and conduct an observational survey of the building site and its immediate surroundings to identify local contaminants from surrounding areas that will be of concern if able to enter the building. Meet the following requirements for mechanically ventilated spaces (except for residential units. See Residential section below):

• Calculate the minimum amount of outdoor air required by ASHRAE 62.1-2022 or later.

Use simplified calculations from the standard or the ventilation rate procedure.

• Measure the amount of outdoor air being delivered by each ventilation system serving

the project. Measurements may be made directly or by installed flow measurement devices in the system that are calibrated per manufacturer recommendations. Measurements taken within five years prior to the end of the 12-month reporting period are acceptable.

• Compare the measured results for each ventilation system with the calculated minimum

amount of outdoor air required by ASHRAE 62.1-2022 and determine next steps. If spaces are under-ventilated, document the circumstances and potential corrective actions. Compliance with minimum outdoor rates is highly encouraged but not required for this prerequisite (excluding residential units).

• Identify the filtration level (minimum efficiency reporting value [MERV] level in

accordance with ASHRAE 52.2 or filtration media class as defined by ISO 16890-2016) for each ventilation system that supplies outdoor air and each HVAC system that supplies recirculated air to occupied spaces. If filtration levels are below MERV 13 (or equivalent filtration media class of ePM1 50%), evaluate options for improving filter efficiency and document the circumstances and potential corrective actions. Compliance with MERV 13 is highly encouraged but not required for this prerequisite. For systems with outdoor air economizers, confirm that the current equipment is operating per design intent and modify if necessary. For naturally ventilated spaces, identify the opening types, location of the openings, and size of the openings. Visually inspect each opening and adjacent areas for cleanliness and integrity and clean as needed. Remove all visible debris or visible biological material observed and repair physical damage to louvers and screens if such damage impairs the item from providing the required outdoor air entry. Test and confirm manual and/or automatic opening apparatus for proper operation and repair or replace as necessary. For spaces with mechanical exhaust, test and modify if necessary to confirm proper operation of the exhaust systems as outlined in the current facilities requirements and operations and maintenance plan. Residential For all common areas in the building, meet the preceding requirements above. For residential units, have an operable window in each bedroom with the total openable window area a minimum of 4% of the room floor area or meet the following minimum requirements for the entire unit. Equation 1. Minimum outdoor air rate in IP units × Minimum outdoor air rate in cfm = 0.03 cfm/sq. ft. dwelling unit �loor area (in sq. ft.) + 7.5 cfm/person × (number of bedrooms + 1) Equation 2. Minimum outdoor air rate in SI units × Minimum outdoor air rate in L/s = 0.15 L/s × sq. m. dwelling unit �loor area (in sq. m.) + 7.5 cfm/person × (number of bedrooms + 1) Compliance with minimum outdoor rates is required for each residential unit for this prerequisite. In each full bathroom, have either an exhaust fan that vents directly to the outdoors or an operable window. On each floor of the residential unit, have a carbon monoxide (CO) monitor hardwired with battery backup. CO monitors are required in all types of units, regardless of the type of equipment installed in the unit.