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
Market Data | Apr 8, 2019
Engineering, construction spending to rise 3% in 2019: FMI outlook
Top-performing segments forecast in 2019 include transportation, public safety, and education.
Codes and Standards | Apr 5, 2019
Manhattan expected to adopt congestion pricing plan for automobiles
New York would be first U.S. city to charge drivers extra for downtown motoring.
Codes and Standards | Apr 4, 2019
Chicago makes major building code overhaul
Previous comprehensive changes were done 70 years ago.
Codes and Standards | Apr 3, 2019
Construction advanced materials makers can enhance industry efficiency with technology
Integration of new IT approaches in construction with new materials has potential to enhance sustainability, alleviate worker shortage.
Codes and Standards | Apr 2, 2019
Open offices reduce collaboration among employees
Counterintuitive finding makes value of wide open workspaces questionable.
Codes and Standards | Mar 29, 2019
New timber traceability LEED credit released
Pilot credit aims to reduce use of illegal wood in buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2019
Swinerton forms new mass timber business group
Will pursue new projects being developed with mass timber.
Codes and Standards | Mar 27, 2019
Shortage of skilled construction workers resulting in missed deadlines
Some 40% of contractors have turned down project offers.
Codes and Standards | Mar 25, 2019
ICC release 2019 guidelines for safe use of repurposed shipping containers
Provides in-depth, technical overview on how to design, review, and approve shipping containers as building elements.
Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2019
Tool helps cities develop framework for life-cycle energy policies and track progress
Identifies policies, funding sources to address building energy use.