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Ventilation Checklist

Instructions

1.	Read the IAQ
Backgrounder and
the Background
Information for
this checklist.

2.	Keep the
Background
Information and
make a copy of
this checklist for
each ventilation
unit in your school,
as well as a

copy for future
reference.

3.	Complete the
Checklist.

•	Check the "yes,"
"no," or

"not applicable"
box beside each
item. (A "no"
response
requires further
attention.)

•	Make comments
in the "Notes"
section as
necessary.

4.	Return the checklist
portion of this
document to the
IAQ Coordinator.

Name:
School:

Unit Ventilator/AHU No:

Room or Area: 	

Signature: 	

Date Completed:

1.	OUTDOOR AIR INTAKES

la. Marked locations of all outdoor air intakes on a small floor plan (for Yes No N/A

example, a fire escape floor plan)	~ ~ ~

lb. Ensured that the ventilation system was on and operating in "occupied"

mode	~ ~ ~

ACTIVITY 1: OBSTRUCTIONS

lc. Ensured that outdoor air intakes are clear of obstructions, debris, clogs,

or covers	~ ~ ~

Id. Installed corrective devices as necessary (e.g., if snowdrifts or leaves

frequently block an intake)	~ ~ ~

ACTIVITY 2: POLLUTANT SOURCES

le. Checked ground-level intakes for pollutant sources (dumpsters, loading

docks, and bus-idling areas)	~ ~ ~

If. Checked rooftop intakes for pollutant sources (plumbing vents; kitchen,
toilet, or laboratory exhaust fans; puddles; and mist from

air-conditioning cooling towers)	~ ~ ~

lg. Resolved any problems with pollutant sources located near outdoor air

intakes (e.g., relocated dumpster or extended exhaust pipe)	~ ~ ~

ACTIVITY 3: AIRFLOW

lh. Obtained chemical smoke (or a small piece of tissue paper or light plastic).. ~ ~ ~
li. Confirmed that outdoor air is entering the intake appropriately	~ ~ ~

2.	SYSTEM CLEANLINESS

ACTIVITY 4: AIR FILTERS

2a. Replaced filters per maintenance schedule	~ ~ ~

2b. Shut off ventilation system fans while replacing filters (prevents dirt from

blowing downstream)	~ ~ ~

2c. Vacuumed filter areas before installing new filters	~ ~ ~

2d. Confirmed proper fit of filters to prevent air from bypassing (flowing

around) the air filter	~ ~ ~

2e. Confirmed proper installation of filters (correct direction for airflow)	~ ~ ~

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2. SYSTEM CLEANLINESS (continued)

ACTIVITY 5: DRAIN PANS

2f. Ensured that drain pans slant toward the drain (to prevent water from Yes	No	N/A

accumulating)	~	~	~

2g. Cleaned drain pans	~	~	~

2h. Checked drain pans for mold and mildew	~	~	~

ACTIVITY 6: COILS

2i. Ensured that heating and cooling coils are clean	~ ~ ~

ACTIVITY 7: AIR-HANDLING UNITS, UNIT VENTILATORS

2j. Ensured that the interior of air-handling unit(s) or unit ventilator

(air-mixing chamber and fan blades) is clean	~ ~ ~

2k. Ensured that ducts are clean	~ ~ ~

ACTIVITY 8: MECHANICAL ROOMS

21. Checked mechanical room for unsanitary conditions, leaks, and spills	~ ~ ~

2m. Ensured that mechanical rooms and air-mixing chambers are free of trash,

chemical products, and supplies	~ ~ ~

3. CONTROLS FOR OUTDOOR AIR SUPPLY

3a. Ensured that air dampers are at least partially open (minimum position)	~ ~ ~

3b. Ensured that minimum position provides adequate outdoor air

for occupants	~ ~ ~

ACTIVITY 9: CONTROLS INFORMATION

3c. Obtained and reviewed all design inside/outside temperature and humidity
requirements, controls specifications, as-built mechanical drawings,
and controls operations manuals (often uniquely designed)	~ ~ ~

ACTIVITY 10: CLOCKS, TIMERS, SWITCHES

3d. Turned summer-winter switches to the correct position	~ ~ ~

3e. Set time clocks appropriately	~ ~ ~

3f. Ensured that settings fit the actual schedule of building use (including

night/weekend use)	~ ~ ~

ACTIVITY 11: CONTROL COMPONENTS

3g. Ensured appropriate system pressure by testing line pressure at both the

occupied (day) setting and the unoccupied (night) setting	~ ~ ~

3h. Checked that the line dryer prevents moisture buildup	~ ~ ~

3i. Replaced control system filters at the compressor inlet based on the
compressor manufacturer's recommendation (for example, when you

blow down the tank)	~ ~ ~

3j. Set the line pressure at each thermostat and damper actuator at the proper

level (no leakage or obstructions)	~ ~ ~

ACTIVITY 12: OUTDOOR AIR DAMPERS

3k. Ensured that the outdoor air damper is visible for inspection	~ ~ ~

31. Ensured that the recirculating relief and/or exhaust dampers are visible

for inspection	~ ~ ~

3m. Ensured that air temperature in the indoor area(s) served by each

outdoor air damper is within the normal operating range	~ ~ ~

NOTE: It is necessary to ensure that the damper is operating properly and within the normal
range to continue.


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3. CONTROLS FOR OUTDOOR AIR SUPPLY (continued)

3n. Checked that the outdoor air damper fully closes within a few minutes Yes No N/A

of shutting off appropriate air handler	~ ~ ~

3o. Checked that the outdoor air damper opens (at least partially with no delay)

when the air handler is turned on	~ ~ ~

3p. If in heating mode, checked that the outdoor air damper goes to its
minimum position (without completely closing) when the room

thermostat is set to 85 °F	~ ~ ~

3q. If in cooling mode, checked that the outdoor air damper goes to its minimum
position (without completely closing) when the room thermostat is set

to 60°F and mixed air thermostat is set to 45 °F	~ ~ ~

3r. If the outdoor air damper does not move, confirmed the following items:

•	The damper actuator links to the damper shaft, and any linkage set

screws or bolts are tight	~ ~ ~

•	Moving parts are free of impediments (e.g., rust, corrosion)	~ ~ ~

•	Electrical wire or pneumatic tubing connects to the damper actuator	~ ~ ~

•	The outside air thermostat(s) is functioning properly (e.g., in the right

location, calibrated correctly)	~ ~ ~

Proceed to Activities 13-16 if the damper seems to be operating properly.

ACTIVITY 13: FREEZE STATS

3 s. Disconnected power to controls (for automatic reset only) to test continuity

across terminals	~ ~ ~

OR

3t. Confirmed (if applicable) that depressing the manual reset button (usually
red) trips the freeze stat (clicking sound indicates freeze stat was

tripped)	~ ~ ~

3u. Assessed the feasibility of replacing all manual reset freeze-stats with

automatic reset freeze-stats	~ ~ ~

NOTE: HVAC systems with water coils need protection from the cold. The freeze-stat may
close the outdoor air damper and disconnect the supply air when tripped. The typical trip
range is 35°F to 42°F.

ACTIVITY 14: MIXED AIR THERMOSTATS

3v. Ensured that the mixed air stat for heating mode is set no higher

than 65°F	~ ~ ~

3w. Ensured that the mixed air stat for cooling mode is set no lower

than the room thermostat setting	~ ~ ~

ACTIVITY 15: ECONOMIZERS

3x. Confirmed proper economizer settings based on design specifications or

local practices	~ ~ ~

NOTE: The dry-bulb is typically set at 65°F or lower.

3y. Checked that sensor on the economizer is shielded from direct sunlight	~ ~ ~

3z. Ensured that dampers operate properly (for outside air, return air,

exhaust/relief air, and recirculated air), per the design specifications	~ ~ ~

NOTE: Economizers use varying amounts of cool outdoor air to assist with the cooling
load of the room or rooms. There are two types of economizers, dry-bulb and enthalpy.
Dry-bulb economizers vary the amount of outdoor air based on outdoor temperature,
and enthalpy economizers vary the amount of outdoor air based on outdoor temperature
and humidity level.

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3. CONTROLS FOR OUTDOOR AIR SUPPLY (continued)

ACTIVITY 16: FANS

3aa. Ensured that all fans (supply fans and associated return or relief fans)

that move outside air indoors continuously operate during occupied Yes No N/A
hours (even when room thermostat is satisfied)	~ ~ ~

NOTE: If fan shuts off when the thermostat is satisfied, adjust control cycle as necessary to
ensure sufficient outdoor air supply.

4. AIR DISTRIBUTION

ACTIVITY 17: AIR DISTRIBUTION

4a. Ensured that supply and return air pathways in the existing ventilation system

perform as required	~ ~ ~

4b. Ensured that passive gravity relief ventilation systems and transfer grilles

between rooms and corridors are functioning	~ ~ ~

NOTE: If ventilation system is closed or blocked to meet current fire codes, consult with a
professional engineer for remedies.

4c. Made sure every occupied space has supply of outdoor air (mechanical

system or operable windows)	~ ~ ~

4d. Ensured that supply and return vents are open and unblocked	~ ~ ~

NOTE: If outlets have been blocked intentionally to correct drafts or discomfort, investigate
and correct the cause of the discomfort and reopen the vents.

4e. Modified the HVAC system to supply outside air to areas without an outdoor

air supply	~ ~ ~

4f. Modified existing HVAC systems to incorporate any room or zone layout

and population changes	~ ~ ~

4g. Moved all barriers (for example, room dividers, large free-standing
blackboards or displays, bookshelves) that could block movement of

air in the room, especially those blocking air vents	~ ~ ~

4h. Ensured that unit ventilators are quiet enough to accommodate classroom

activities	~ ~ ~

4i. Ensured that classrooms are free of uncomfortable drafts produced by air

from supply terminals	~ ~ ~

ACTIVITY 18: PRESSURIZATION IN BUILDINGS

NOTE: To prevent infiltration of outdoor pollutants, the ventilation system is designed to
maintain positive pressurization in the building. Therefore, ensure that the system, including
any exhaust fans, is operating on the "occupied" cycle when doing this activity.

4j. Ensured that air flows out of the building (using chemical smoke) through

windows, doors, or other cracks and holes in exterior wall (for example,

floor joints, pipe openings)	~ ~ ~

5. EXHAUST SYSTEMS

ACTIVITY 19: EXHAUST FAN OPERATION

5a. Checked (using chemical smoke) that air flows into exhaust fan grille(s)	~ ~ ~

If fans are running but air is not flowing toward the exhaust intake, check for the following:

•	Inoperable dampers

•	Obstructed, leaky, or disconnected ductwork

•	Undersized or improperly installed fan

•	Broken fan belt


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5. EXHAUST SYSTEMS (continued)

ACTIVITY 20: EXHAUST AIRFLOW

NOTE: Prevent migration of indoor contaminants from areas such as bathrooms, kitchens,
and labs by keeping them under negative pressure (as compared to surrounding spaces).

5b. Checked (using chemical smoke) that air is drawn into the room from Yes No N/A
adjacent spaces	~ ~ ~

Stand outside the room with the door slightly open while checking airflow high and low in
the door opening (see "How to Measure Airflow").

5c. Ensured that air is flowing toward the exhaust intake	~ ~ ~

ACTIVITY 21: EXHAUST DUCTWORK

5d. Checked that the exhaust ductwork downstream of the exhaust fan (which is

under positive pressure) is sealed and in good condition	~ ~ ~

6. QUANTITY OF OUTDOOR AIR

ACTIVITY 22: OUTDOOR AIR MEASUREMENTS AND CALCULATIONS

NOTE: Refer to "How to Measure Airflow" for techniques.

6a. Measured the quantity of outdoor air supplied (22a) to each ventilation

unit	~ ~ ~

6b. Calculated the number of occupants served (22b) by the ventilation unit

under consideration	~ ~ ~

6c. Divided outdoor air supply (22a) by the number of occupants (22b) to

determine the existing quantity of outdoor air supply per person (22c)	~ ~ ~

ACTIVITY 23: ACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF OUTDOOR AIR QUANTITIES

6d. Compared the existing outdoor air per person (22c) to the recommended

levels in Table 1	~ ~ ~

6e. Corrected problems with ventilation units that supplied inadequate

quantities of outdoor air to ensure that outdoor air quantities (22c) meet

the recommended levels in Table 1	~ ~ ~


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