International. A new optional credit to improve combined filtration by ensuring sufficient airflow through the filters is being proposed for the ASHRAE standard for residential indoor air quality.
The ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2013, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings, is the only nationally recognized (United States) indoor air quality standard developed only for residences. This defines the roles and minimum requirements for natural and mechanical ventilation systems and the building envelope that aims to give an acceptable indoor air quality in residential buildings.
Eight proposed addenda to Standard 62.2-2013 were open for public comment. Among them is addendum k. The addendum would create a compliance path based on the use of filtered recirculated air to reduce the exposure of the interior of the building to particles, not exceeding 2.5 micrometers.
"These particles (PM2.5) have been shown to be one of the most important indoor air pollutants from a health perspective," said Pablo Francisco, director of the 62.2 committee. "This change would provide optional credit to have better filtration combined with ensuring that enough air flows through the filter. This would be the first time the standard has focused on a specific contaminant."
In addition, addendum v is open for public comment until October 19 The addendum sets out the requirements for non-continuous ventilation. While the standard has included an option for intermittent ventilation, this proposed change establishes calculation procedures for a wider range in possible operating hours. It also contains a limit on the amount of contaminants that may increase in the short term due to non-continuous operation to ensure that this type of operation does not result in excessive contaminant levels periodically, according to Francisco.
To comment or get more information go to www.ashrae.org/publicreviews.
