A new guide published by the U.S. Department of Energy focuses on high-performance ventilation on new multifamily construction.
“Measure Guideline: Ventilation Guidance for Residential High-Performance New Construction – Multifamily,” contains decision criteria for weighing cost and performance of various ventilation systems. It includes design and installation instructions for the most cost-effective and performance-effective solutions for multifamily unit ventilation that satisfy the requirements of ASHRAE 62.2-2016.
Dwelling unit ventilation approaches that are compliant with ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2016 within enclosures constructed in accordance with the ICC 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) currently are not typical, the guide says. Exhaust-only and supply-only ventilation strategies can both be problematic in multifamily dwelling units that are constructed to meet the 2015 IRC or ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2016 air tightness requirements.
Balanced ventilation strategies are strongly recommended for multifamily construction and have been shown to be effective. This document provides guidance on balanced ventilation strategies and on several other issues including kitchen exhaust and supplemental dehumidification.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2020
Recent Dept. of Energy grants emphasize grid-interactive building technology
National labs, universities, businesses selected for total of $74 million in funding.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2020
At least 13 states create incentives for utilities to use demand response programs
Practice optimizes power grid, incorporates more renewable power.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2020
Living Future Institute’s JUST program helps measure progress on sustainability, social justice
Functions as a transparency platform for organizations to disclose their operations.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2020
Commercial Building Energy Saver Wins R&D 100 Award
Software toolkit enables access to deep energy retrofit and zero-net energy strategies.
Codes and Standards | Feb 11, 2020
Fenestration Rating Council launches faster energy performance testing system
New windows, doors, and skylights will get to market faster.
Codes and Standards | Feb 7, 2020
Landlords scramble to comply with the New York City Council’s Climate Mobilization Act (CMA)
Intent is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve efficiency for buildings larger than 25,000 sf.
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2020
New document to determine THERM finite element modeling surface temperatures released
Process often used to predict interior surface temperatures on fenestration.
Codes and Standards | Feb 5, 2020
HUD issues guidance on emotional support animals
Clarifies the responsibilities of rental housing providers and renters.
Codes and Standards | Feb 4, 2020
New Jersey to become first state to require building contractors to consider climate change impact
Governor has seven key strategies for emissions cuts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2020
Colorado ranks first in LEED Top 10 states
Rankings of states for LEED certified square feet per person released.