Air cleaners

Air cleaners

According to the EPA, a good air filter with a HEPA filter can remove particles such as dust, smoke and allergy triggers. But air cleaners aren’t efficient at removing gases. They are not a substitute for fresh air circulation.

2.05 MECHANICAL CLEANING METHODOLOGY

2.05 MECHANICAL CLEANING METHODOLOGY
(A) Source Removal Cleaning Methods
The HVAC system shall be cleaned using Source Removal mechanical cleaning methods
designed to extract contaminants from within the HVAC system and safely remove contaminants
from the facility. It is the contractor’s responsibility to select Source Removal methods that will
render the HVAC system Visibly Clean and capable of passing cleaning verification methods (See
applicable Industry Standards) and other specified tests, in accordance with all general
requirements. No cleaning method, or combination of methods, shall be used which could
potentially damage components of the HVAC system or negatively alter the integrity of the
system.

Clean all air handling units (AHU)

 Clean all air handling units (AHU) internal surfaces, components and condensate
collectors and drains.
2. Assure that a suitable operative drainage system is in place prior to beginning
wash down procedures.
3. Clean all coils and related components, including evaporator fins.
(J) Duct Systems

1. Contractor shall create service openings in the system as necessary in order to
accommodate cleaning of otherwise inaccessible areas.
2. Contractor shall mechanically clean all duct systems to remove all visible
contaminants, such that the systems are capable of passing Cleaning Verification
Tests (see NADCA Standards).

2.04 HEALTH AND SAFETY

2.04 HEALTH AND SAFETY
(A) Safety Standards
Cleaning contractors shall comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements for
protecting the safety of the contractor’s employees, building occupants, and the environment. In
particular, all applicable standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
shall be followed when working in accordance with this specification.
(B) Occupant Safety
No processes or materials shall be employed in such a manner that they will introduce additional
hazards into occupied spaces.
(C) Disposal of Debris
All Debris removed from the HVAC Sy

All service openings capable of being re-opened for future inspection or

 All service openings capable of being re-opened for future inspection or
remediation shall be clearly marked and shall have their location reported to the
owner in project report documents.
(G) Ceiling Tile
The contractor may remove and reinstall ceiling sections to gain access to HVAC systems during
the cleaning process.
(H) Air Distribution Devices (registers, grilles & diffusers)
The contractor shall clean all air distribution devices.
(I) Air Handling Units, Blowers and Exhaust Fans
The contractor shall insure that supply, return, and exhaust fans and blowers are thoroughly
cleaned. Areas to be cleaned include blowers, fan housings, plenums (except ceiling supply and
return plenums), scrolls, blades, or vanes, shafts, baffles, dampers and drive assemblies. All
visible surface conta

Contractor shall utilize the existing service openings already installed in the HVAC

 Contractor shall utilize the existing service openings already installed in the HVAC
system where possible.
2. Other openings shall be created where needed and they must be created so they
can be sealed in accordance with industry codes and standards.
3. Closures must not significantly hinder, restrict, or alter the airflow within the
system.
4. Closures must be properly insulated to prevent heat loss/gain or condensation on
surfaces within the system.
5. Openings must not compromise the structural integrity of the system.
6. Construction techniques used in the creation of openings should conform to
requirements of applicable building and fire codes, and applicable NFPA,
SMACNA and industry standards.
7. Cutting service openings into flexible duct is not permitted. Flexible duct shall be
disconnected at the ends as needed for proper cleaning and inspection.

Controlling Odors

 Controlling Odors
Measures shall be employed to control odors and/or mist vapors during the cleaning process.
(D) Component Cleaning
Cleaning methods shall be employed such that all HVAC system components must be Visibly
Clean as defined in applicable industry standards. Upon completion, all components must be
returned to those settings recorded just prior to cleaning operations.
(E) Air-Volume Control Devices
Dampers and any air-directional mechanical devices inside the HVAC system must have their
position marked prior to cleaning and, upon completion, must be restored to their marked position.
(F) Service Openings
The contractor shall utilize service openings, as required for proper cleaning, at various points of
the HVAC system for physical and mechanical entry, and inspection.

GENERAL SYSTEM CLEANING REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL SYSTEM CLEANING REQUIREMENTS
(A) Containment
Debris removed during cleaning shall be collected and precautions must be taken to ensure that
Debris is not otherwise dispersed outside the HVAC system during the cleaning process.
(B) Particulate Collection
Where the Particulate Collection Equipment is exhausting inside the building, HEPA filtration with
99.97% collection efficiency for 0.3-micron size (or greater) particles shall be used. When the
Particulate Collection Equipment is exhausting outside the building, Mechanical Cleaning
operations shall be undertaken only with Particulate Collection Equipment in place, including
adequate filtration to contain Debris removed from the HVAC system. When the Particulate
Collection Equipment is exhausting outside the building, precautions shall be taken to locate the
equipment down wind and away from all air intakes and other points of entry into the building.

Figure 1is a graph

Figure 1is a graph of the energy cost data for the model kitchen described above in the three climate zones studied at all fractions of transfer air to exhaust airflow rates. Assumed average energy rates were used to demonstrate the energy cost relationships of the same system in different climates which is irrespective of the energy rate used. The highest energy costs are associated with 0% transfer air represent conditioning 100% of the exhaust replacement air. This is the type of system design this measure attempts to minimize. As the amount of transfer air is increased, the associated costs to condition excessive amounts of outside air are reduced.

The cost data for the Percent of Transfer

The cost data for the Percent of Transfer equal to 80% corresponds to the space cooling supply airflow of  2,000 cfm. It is noted that the transfer percentages greater than 80% may produce more annual savings and remains a design option. Higher amounts of transfer air than the percent of {Cooling CFM/Exhaust CFM} requires that the makeup air unit have the ability to use return air. A unit with the ability to use return air may be more expensive and complicated to control than a 100% outdoor air unit, the cost of which would offset the marginal economic benefit of using more transfer air. This system design option is allowed by the proposed code. The case where 100% of the exhaust air replacement is available as transfer air allows the designer to use a recirculating conditioning unit without any outside air. This type of system is allowed by the code although it does use slightly more energy than a system using some outside air. This increased energy for 100% transfer systems is attributed to the loss of any free economizer cooling of which there are many available hours in California. The transfer air percentage equal to {Cooling CFM/Exhaust CFM} appears to be a reasonable limitation for all California climate zones to take maximum advantage of economizer cooling with relatively simple and inexpensive equipment and equipment controls

The study used an average energy

The study used an average energy cost of $0.15. Simple payback calculations used this average energy cost applied to the measured energy savings but did not include maintenance costs or the energy savings associated with heating or cooling makeup air. The shortest payback periods were associated with new construction installations and installations with high fan horsepower systems and high cooking demand diversity. New construction is typically less costly than retrofit installations because of the complexities associated with retrofits. Systems with high horsepower motors and high demand diversity experience the largest savings because of extended periods when large fan systems operate at lower speeds under low cooking demand.  Figure 5 below demonstrates the daily electrical power demand for an exhaust fan for one of the hotels installations. The BLACK curve shows the power used by this fan which operates 24 hours per day without any speed control. The RED curve shows the power required when the fan was modulated to the cooking demand under the hood. The GREEN line is the daily average of the RED curve and represents a 46% reduction in daily power demand.

Example of an Exhaust Fan

Figure 5: Example of an Exhaust Fan Daily Power Demand With and Without DCV
The longest payback period of all the study sites is associated with the El Pollo facility which is attributed to the project being a retrofit installation of a low fan horsepower system and low diversity. This facility had relative little cooking demand diversity associated throughout a typical operating day as shown in Figure 6. However, a DCV system did save enough energy through reduce fan power alone to pay for the system in a reasonable time period. If conditioned makeup air savings were included then the payback is conceivably less.

Kitchen Ventilation

Kitchen Ventilation – Conditioned Makeup Air Limitation Page 22
2013 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards September 2011
Table 7 below includes the annual energy savings using this average cost. Also, included are adjusted installation cost estimates assuming the same installations were new construction and performed in a time when the technology is more mature and prevalent in the market due to code requirements and natural market growth. Annual maintenance costs were estimated with the assistance of a vendors and contractors as the product of 30 minutes of service at $100/hr performed quarterly. The simple payback periods for all installations in the case study including maintenance and reduced installation costs are less than 9.1  years.

4.5.2 Measure 2: Type I

4.5.2 Measure 2: Type I Exhaust Hood Airflow Limitations The total energy and energy cost savings potential for this measure are 0.78 W/SF, and 4.21 kWh/SF. Applying these unit estimates to the statewide estimate of new construction of  2.314 million square feet per year results in first year statewide energy savings of 1.803 MW, and 9.74 GWh.
4.5.3 Measure 3: Makeup and Transfer Air Requirements The total energy and energy cost savings potential for this measure are 1.37 W/SF, 8.02 kWh/SF, and 0.08 therms/SF. Applying these unit estimates to the statewide estimate of new construction of  2.314 million square feet per year results in first year statewide energy savings of 3.18 MW, 18.55 GWh, and 192,150 therms.
4.5.4 Measure 4: Commercial Kitchen System Efficiency Options The total energy and energy cost savings potential for this measure are 5.36 W/SF, and 31.11 kWh/SF. Applying these unit estimates to the statewide estimate of new construction of  2.314 million square feet per year results in first year statewide energy savings of 12.41 MW, 72.0 GWh, and 741,600 therms.

holder Input

Stakeholder Input To the extent possible, explain the key issues discussed and key concerns raised by stakeholders.
5.1 Measure 1: Direct Replacement of Exhaust Air Limitation No issues were raised in Stakeholder meetings regarding this measure.
5.2 Measure 2: Type I Exhaust Hood Airflow Limitations No issues were raised in Stakeholder meetings regarding this measur

Figure 2: Design Option 1

Figure 2: Design Option 1: Makeup Air Equals Cooling CFM
Figure 2 illustrates the system described in the scenario above where the kitchen cooling load is 2,000 cfm and is provided by a dedicated makeup air unit that does not recirculate any air. The balance of makeup air is provided from the Dining area zone. The unit serving the Dining unit brings in outside air to satisfy the Dining zone ventilation requirements. General exhaust requirement such as bathrooms only exhaust 2,500 cfm of the total ventilation 5,500 cfm. 3,000 cfm of air would other have to be relieved from the space. By transferring this air resource into the kitchen, energy is conserved from otherwise conditioning more outside air. Kitchen ventilation requirements are provided by the kitchen unit

Rust, Warping

Rust, Warping of Roof Decking, and Deterioration of Roof System

In a moist environment, rust can form on metal components like nails and fasteners, which can eventually weaken and fail. Warped roof decking can occur after excessive moisture seeps into the roof decking and dissolves the adhesives that hold them together. The decking warps or sags between the rafters. Deterioration of the roof system, including the underlayment and shingles can be caused by excessive heat and moisture not being vented out of the attic.

Mildew or Mold

Mildew or Mold

Mold and Mildew growing on the underside of a roof.
Mold and Mildew growing on the underside of a roof.
A humid environment is the perfect place for mildew or mold to grow. Mold growth in attics causes a health risk for the people living in the home, and can cause deterioration of the interior building components.

Proper ventilation reduces moisture build up and minimizes the opportunity for mold to grow, which prolongs the life of your home’s building components and reduces health impacts.

The first

The first is through a methodology known as "vapor dissemination." Water vapor commonly moves from high to low moistness conditions –such as from the living space to the loft. The energy of vapor dissemination is great to the point that dampness will even go through sheet rock and vapor boundaries intended to retard this procedure.

The second route is via air traveling through openings cut into the building envelope. Such openings are basic and incorporate recessed lighting apparatuses and storage room hatches. On the off chance that lavatory or kitchen fans are not appropriately ducted to the outside, the relocation of dampness to the loft is more purp

Two guilty parties

Two guilty parties cause the greater part of the building-solidness and wellbeing issues connected with disgraceful loft ventilation –moisture and heat.

Dampness

Dampness is made inside a home each one time somebody scrubs down, cooks, does dishes, or does clothing. Dampness from these exercises will quite often go to the storage room. Damp air is attracted to the loft in two ways.

In the event

In the event that you have worries about your home, we propose asking an expert to assess your home's ventilation framework. This assessment is an essential piece of a vitality review.

Upper room ventilation is reasonably economically to do effectively, even in a retrofit connection. A decent mantra, particularly regarding the matter of your home's capability to vent dampness and hotness, is that "an ounce of anticipation is worth a pound of cure."

How the Clean Air Act Reduces

How the Clean Air Act Reduces Air Pollution Such as Particle Pollution and Ground-level Ozone

First, EPA works with state governors and tribal government leaders to identify "nonattainment" areas where the air does not meet allowable limits for a common air pollutant. States and tribes usually do much of the planning for cleaning up common air pollutants. They develop plans, called State/Tribal Implementation Plans, to reduce air pollutants to allowable levels. Then they use a permit system as part of their plan to make sure power plants, factories, and other pollution sources meet their goals to clean up the air.

your home

If you have concerns about your home, we recommend asking a professional to evaluate your home’s ventilation system. This evaluation is a basic part of an energy audit.

Attic ventilation is fairly inexpensively to do correctly, even in a retrofit context. A good mantra, especially when it comes to your home’s ability to vent moisture and heat, is that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Two culprits

Two culprits cause most of the building-durability and health problems associated with improper attic ventilation –moisture and heat.

Moisture

Moisture is created inside a home each time someone takes a shower, cooks, does dishes, or does laundry. Moisture from these activities will almost always make its way to the attic. Moist air is drawn to the attic in two ways.

The first is through a process known as “vapor diffusion.” Water vapor naturally migrates from high to low humidity conditions –such as from the living space to the attic. The force of vapor diffusion is so great that moisture will even travel through sheet rock and vapor barriers designed to retard this process.

The second way is by air moving through openings cut into the building envelope. Such openings are common and include recessed lighting fixtures and attic hatches. If bathroom or kitchen fans are not properly ducted to the outside, the migration of moisture to the attic is more pronounced.

Weather

Weather and the lay of the land (for example, hills around a valley, high mountains between a big industrial city and suburban or rural areas) help determine where ground-level ozone goes and how bad it gets. When temperature inversions occur (warm air stays trapped near the ground by a layer of cooler air) and winds are calm, high concentrations of groundlevel ozone may persist for days at a time. As traffic and other sources add more ozone-forming pollutants to the air, the ground-level ozone gets worse.

two types of chemicals

The two types of chemicals that are the main ingredients in forming ground-level ozone are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). VOCs are released by cars burning gasoline, petroleum refineries, chemical manufacturing plants, and other industrial facilities. The solvents used in paints and other consumer and business products contain VOCs. The 1990 Clean Air Act has resulted in changes in product formulas to reduce the VOC content of those products. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are produced when cars and other sources like power plants and industrial boilers burn fuels such as gasoline, coal, or oil. The reddish-brown color you sometimes see when it is smoggy comes from the nitrogen oxides.

Ground-level Ozone

Ground-level Ozone

Ground-level ozone is a primary component of smog. Ground-level ozone can cause human health problems and damage forests and agricultural crops. Repeated exposure to ozone can make people more susceptible to respiratory infections and lung inflammation. It also can aggravate pre-existing respiratory diseases, such as asthma. Children are at risk from ozone pollution because they are outside, playing and exercising, during the summer days when ozone levels are at their highest. They also can be more susceptible because their lungs are still developing. People with asthma and even active healthy adults, such as construction workers, can experience a reduction in lung function and an increase in respiratory symptoms (chest pain and coughing) when exposed to low levels of ozone during periods of moderate exertion.

Clean Air Act

Before the 1990 Clean Air Act went into effect, EPA set limits on airborne particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter called PM10. These are tiny particles (seven of these particles lined up next to each other would cover a distance no wider than a human hair). Research has shown that even smaller particles (1/4 the size of a PM10 particle) are more likely to harm our health. So in 1997, EPA published limits for fine particles, called PM2.5. To reduce particle levels, additional controls are being required on a variety of sources including power plants and diesel trucks.

Fine particles

Fine particles can remain suspended in the air and travel long distances with the wind. For example, over 20 percent of the particles that form haze in the Rocky Mountains National Park have been estimated to come from hundreds of miles away.

Particles also make buildings, statues and other outdoor structures dirty. Trinity Church in downtown New York City was black until a few years ago, when cleaning off almost 200 years worth of soot brought the church's stone walls back to their original light pink color.

EPA scientists

EPA scientists and other health experts are concerned about particle pollution because very small or "fine" particles can get deep into the lungs. These fine particles, by themselves, or in combination with other air pollutants, can cause increased emergency room visits and hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses, and tens of thousands of deaths each year. They can aggravate asthma, cause acute respiratory symptoms such as coughing, reduce lung function resulting in shortness of breath, and cause chronic bronchitis

Ventilation

Ventilation, which means totally hygienic inside air, is a basic requirement for living in a healthy house.

Ventilation – health aspects

Since the early 1980s there has been much discussion about Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). This refers to allergic disorders, and even illness symptoms, which frequently occur in certain buildings and rooms. This can lead to chronic illness, reducing the person’s ability to work and function in general. This, in turn, results not only in the individual losing his or her quality of life, but it also has a major detrimental impact on the economy and incurs huge costs. Basically, the following potential risks jeopardising people’s health are to be found inside buildings:

• Toxic pollution caused by harmful chemical substances and dust.
• Effects of noise, light, odours, dampness and climate.
• Accumulation of microbes (bacteria, viruses, mould) in terms of infection risks.
• Exposure to allergens.

Ridge Ventilator

Ridge Ventilator

ACI Ridge Ventilator is extremely efficient and requires minimum maintenance. This ventilator is perfect for environments such as factories, as it exchanges the air between the inside and the outside, allowing for coolness and fresh air. The unique design blends in perfectly with different buildings and structures; this can be attributed to its simple likeable design.

ACI Ridge Ventilator takes maximum advantage of natural stack action, which is a result of temperature difference between the inside and outside of the factory causing pressure variations resulting in air movement. Heat from plant personnel and also solar heat radiating through the roof and walls warm the inside air which rises and flows out of the building through the ACI Ridge Ventilator.

It is for this reason that the ACI Ridge Ventilator should be mounted on the ridge of a stopping structure or above areas of concentrated heat on flat roofed buildings. The hot air is then replaced by fresh air, which must be allowed to enter the building through openings at its base.

ACI Ridge Ventilator provides continuous natural ventilation with effective weather protection, under normal weather conditions. The vent ridge is designed to effectively remove heat, smoke and fumes on an ongoing basis from factories and industrial buildings.