Sustainable Building Technical Manual - Etn-presco.net

Temperature and Humidity Control– Check temperature controls for proper location and design the building zones forproper heating and cooling distribution.– Inspect duct thermostats, designed to prevent cold outside air from freezing heatingcoils. Unnecessary activation of these devices could result in thermal discomfortfrom automatic shutoff of the system.– Perform preventive maintenance and repair on chillers to ensure sufficient coolingand dehumidification in the building. Insulate piping to prevent condensation andmold and microbial growth. Retrofit or upgrade chillers for quick capture of refrigerants,including those from the building’s exhaust room.– Check and maintain appropriate humidity levels during heating and cooling seasonsto ensure occupant comfort and to prevent condensation that could lead to microbialgrowth. Retrofit systems to provide appropriate humidification or dehumidificationcapacity as required. Use clean steam rather than treated boiler water forhumidification.Cleaning and Pollutants– Inspect and test ducts for microbial contamination; replace duct lining in air handlerswith cleanable liners treated with antimicrobial additives. Do not leave residueof contaminated lining on the duct metal.– Inspect return-air systems for integrity and cleanliness to prevent the spread of pollutantsfrom plenum areas such as mechanical rooms.– Inspect and clean HVAC system components, such as drain pans, to prevent moldand fungus accumulation.– Inspect and clean self-contained heating and cooling units to prevent and correctcontamination from dirt and moisture.– Clean cooling towers to prevent sediment and film accumulation. Clean and chemicallytreat water to prevent the growth of microorganisms such as Legionella. Installdrift eliminators to prevent water-mist release and re-entrainment of contaminantmists into outdoor-air intake systems.– Adjust boilers for proper combustion to minimize production of CO and nitrogen oxides.– Inspect and maintain gaskets and prevent fuel-line leaks and resulting contaminants,fumes, and odors.– Develop and implement source-control strategies in addition to the above ventilationpractices. A comprehensive source-control program needs to address potentiallyhigh-pollutant items such as carpet, paint, adhesives, and adhesives and preservativesin furniture.(See Chapter 12, “HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems,” and Chapter 13, “Indoor AirQuality.”)Thermal Comfort❑ Establish temperature and humidity setpoints in accordance with occupancy patterns,scheduling, and outside climate and seasonal variances; follow ASHRAEStandard 55-1992 (Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy) .❑ Use building-control systems (computerized temperature-sensing and controltechnology) to establish, maintain, and document building climate conditions.(See Chapter 12, “HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems.”)Light Quality❑ Adjust lighting levels to types of space use and occupancy, following IlluminatingEngineering Society standards.