The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has updated its reopening guidance for HVAC systems to help mitigate the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
“The Building Readiness Guide includes additional information and clarifications to assist designers and commissioning providers in performing pre- or post-occupancy flush calculations to reduce the time and energy to clear spaces of contaminants between occupancy periods,” said Wade Conlan, ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force Building Readiness team lead, in a news release. “New information includes the theory behind the use of equivalent outdoor air supply, method for calculating the performance of filters and air cleaners in series, and filter droplet nuclei efficiency that help evaluate the systems’ ability to flush the building.”
There is now a link to a view-only Google Sheet that can be downloaded for use. This will help determine the available equivalent outdoor air changes and time to perform the flush.
The guide now also includes data to consider for heating of outdoor air and the potential impact on pre-heat coils in systems.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2020
SpeedCore demonstrates excellent fire resistance without additional fire-protective coatings
New York City approves metal-concrete product for all five boroughs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 5, 2020
Designing, redeveloping communities for zero energy needed to address climate change
District heating and cooling systems boost efficiency.
Codes and Standards | Aug 4, 2020
Virginia is the first state to adopt COVID-19 worker safety rules
Include social distancing requirements, notifications when co-worker tests positive, timelines to return to work after recovery.
Codes and Standards | Aug 3, 2020
Report aids local governments on policy options, pathways to electrify new buildings
Document focuses on switching appliances and equipment away from natural gas, propane.
Codes and Standards | Jul 30, 2020
Institute for Market Transformation acquires Energy-Efficient Codes Coalition
Goal is to achieve net-zero construction by 2050.
Codes and Standards | Jul 29, 2020
Crackdowns grow on construction firms that fail to follow COVID-19 guidelines
States, cities, and OSHA enforce social distancing, hand-washing regulations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2020
California utility adopts climate emergency declaration
Sacramento-region company commits to working towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2020
Updated Energy Plus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools released
Software offers performance enhancements.
Codes and Standards | Jul 23, 2020
North Carolina will stop relying on FEMA flood mapping
State will identify flood zones on its own.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
New version of IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator is available
Enhanced features include selection between single- and multifamily buildings.
