IAQ Troubleshooting Guide

Alert Checklist

  • • Inspect filtration and confirm proper fit and installation of filters

    • Shut off ventilation system fans, vacuum filter areas, and replace all filtration media with cut sheets prior to Occupancy of Space – ASHRAE Requirement for MERV Level 8

    • Clean coils and ductwork

    • Ensure ventilation system is on and operating in “Occupied Mode”

    • Ensure air dampers are partially opened and operating properly

    • Ensure no obstructions exist in supply and exhaust vents

    • Proper drain trap maintenance

    • Ensure drain pans are pitched correctly and there are no signs of accumulated water which can result in mold and mildew

    • Vacuum and clean floor on weekly basis

    • Confirm outdoor air is entering the intake properly

  • • Check ground level intakes such as dumpsters, loading dock, and idling vehicles for pollutant sources

    • Check rooftop intakes for pollutant sources such as plumbing, kitchen, and Toilet vents, lab exhaust fans, puddles and mist from air conditioning cooling towers

  • • Ensure restrooms have operating exhaust fans

    • Chemicals should only be used in areas with adequate ventilation and when building is unoccupied

    • Ensure that vents in chemical and trash storage area are operating correctly

    • Ensure combustion appliances have flues or exhaust hoods

    • Check rooftop intakes for pollutant sources such as plumbing, kitchen, and Toilet vents, lab exhaust fans, puddles and mist from air conditioning cooling towers

    • Properly store high VOC Products such as paints and cleaning solutions

    • Use green cleaning products that have no VOC emissions, Neutral PH Levels, no known carcinogens and are biodegradable

    • Review pest control schedules and procedures

    • Review ventilation used during pesticide application

  • • Ensure air dampers are partially opened and operating properly

    • Confirm outdoor air is entering the intake properly

    • Ensure air temp in indoor area served by outdoor air damper is within the normal operating range

    • Check that outdoor air damper fully closes within a few minutes of shutting off appropriate air handler

    • Check that outdoor air damper opens at least partially when air handler is turned on

    • Confirm proper economizer and damper settings are based on design specifications or local practices

    • Check that sensor on economizer is shielded from sun light

  • • Check for evidence of roof and plumbing leaks

    • Replace any materials that have Mold or Mildew odors

    • Proper drain trap maintenance

    • Ensure restrooms have operating exhaust fans

    • Ensure drain pans are pitched correctly and there are no signs of accumulated water which can result in mold and mildew

    • Ensure ventilation system is on and operating in “Occupied Mode”

    • Ensure air dampers are partially opened and operating properly

    • Obtain and reviewed all design inside/outside temp and humidity requirements, control specifications, as built mechanical drawings, and controls operations manuals

    • Ensure set times for summer-winter/day-night are switching appropriately

    • Ensure appropriate system pressure by testing line pressure at both day and night settings

    • Checked that the line dryer prevents moisture build-up

    • Replace control systems filters at compressor inlet

    • Set the line pressure at each thermostat and damper actuator at the proper level (no leakage or obstruction)

    • If exhaust fan is running but air is not flowing toward exhaust intake

    1. Inoperable dampers

    2. Obstructed leaky or disconnected ductwork

    3. Undersized or improperly installed fan

    4. Broken fan belt

  • • Ensure ventilation system is on and operating in “Occupied Mode”

    • Ensure air dampers are partially opened and operating properly

    • Obtain and reviewed all design inside/outside temp and humidity requirements, control specifications, as built mechanical drawings, and controls operations manuals

    • Ensure set times for summer-winter/day-night are switching appropriately

    • Ensure appropriate system pressure by testing line pressure at both day and night settings

    • Checked that the line dryer prevents moisture build-up

    • Replace control systems filters at compressor inlet

    • Set the line pressure at each thermostat and damper actuator at the proper level (no leakage or obstruction)

    • If exhaust fan is running but air is not flowing toward exhaust intake

    • Inoperable dampers

    • Obstructed leaky or disconnected ductwork

    • Undersized or improperly installed fan

    • Broken fan belt

    • Ensure Air Temp in indoor area served by outdoor air damper is within the normal operating range