Identify deficiencies that may impact IEQ and/or sources of odor concerns. Typically includes the following depending on the nature of concern, but not limited to:
- interview/questionnaire of concern individual(s)
- inspection above drop ceiling (condition of roof deck, pipe insulation, return air plenum)
- inspection of ventilation system (operation of variable air volume box and outdoor air dampers, check controls, measurements of carbon dioxide, temperature and relative humidity, sources near outdoor air intake, measure return and supply air volume, cleanliness of coils, liner and condensate pan)
- inspection of exterior
- inspection below drop ceiling (housekeeping, sink and floor drain traps, signs of past and present moisture concern via visual and/or moisture meter, mold growth, ensure connection of current and capping of abandoned sanitary vents, odorizers, excessive plants and fabric items, identify potential pathways, and measure volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and lighting)
Date of Assessment: September 30 and October 7, 2022
The student services area contains a lobby, three offices, a conference room, and a storage room. Various ceiling mounted Fan Coil Units (FCU) are located throughout the area for temperature control. Additionally, numerous supply diffusers deliver outside air for general dilution via Dedicated Outside Air Unit-3 (DOAU-3)
Office 1 (directly across from the Student Services entry door)
This office is finished with drywall, block wall, carpet, and a drop ceiling.
The temperature (73.1 degrees Fahrenheit (F)), relative humidity (41.3%), carbon dioxide (493 parts per million (ppm)), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
No mold growth was observed on surfaces.
No moldy/musty odors were sensed.
The carpet was probed with a moisture meter in a grid pattern throughout the space. No elevated moisture was detected.
The drywall was probed with a moisture meter (drywall setting). No elevated moisture was detected.
Areas above the drop ceiling were assessed. No mold, malodors, or signs of moisture intrusion were identified.
The ceiling mounted FCU was assessed, the supply fins were clean (no visible dust/mold). The inside of the unit appeared clean. The filter contained some amounts of dust, which is not unusual. Building Maintenance cleaned the filters in mid-October as part of routine maintenance activities.
Conference Room
This conference room is finished with drywall, block wall, carpet, and a drop ceiling.
The temperature (68.0 F, HVAC recently started operating), relative humidity (48.1%), carbon dioxide (425), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
No mold growth was observed on surfaces.
No moldy/musty odors were sensed.
The carpet was probed with a moisture meter in a grid pattern throughout the space. No elevated moisture was detected.
The drywall was probed with a moisture meter (drywall setting). No elevated moisture was detected.
Areas above the drop ceiling were assessed. No mold, malodors, or signs of moisture intrusion were identified.
The ceiling mounted FCU was assessed, the supply fins were clean (no visible dust/mold). The inside of the unit appeared clean. The filter contained some amounts of dust, which is not unusual. Building Maintenance cleaned the filters in mid-October as part of routine maintenance activities.
Storage Room
The temperature (70.3 F, HVAC recently started operating), relative humidity (46.1%), carbon dioxide (439), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
No mold growth was observed on surfaces.
No moldy/musty odors were sensed.
Areas above the drop ceiling were assessed. No mold, malodors, or signs of moisture intrusion were identified.
Office 2 (directly adjoins Storage Room)
This office is finished with drywall, block wall, carpet, and a drop ceiling.
The temperature (70.3 degrees F), relative humidity (46.1%), carbon dioxide (439 ppm), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
No mold growth was observed on surfaces.
No moldy/musty odors were sensed.
The carpet was probed with a moisture meter in a grid pattern throughout the space. No elevated moisture was detected.
The drywall was probed with a moisture meter (drywall setting). No elevated moisture was detected.
Areas above the drop ceiling were assessed. No mold, malodors, or signs of moisture intrusion were identified.
The ceiling mounted FCU was assessed, the supply fins were clean (no visible dust/mold). The inside of the unit appeared clean. The filter contained some amounts of dust, which is not unusual. Building Maintenance cleaned the filters in mid-October as part of routine maintenance activities.
Office 3 (adjoins Office 2)
This office is finished with drywall, block wall, carpet, and a drop ceiling.
The temperature (71.9 degrees F), relative humidity (44.6%), carbon dioxide (437 ppm), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
No mold growth was observed on surfaces.
No moldy/musty odors were sensed.
The carpet was probed with a moisture meter in a grid pattern throughout the space. No elevated moisture was detected.
The drywall was probed with a moisture meter (drywall setting). No elevated moisture was detected.
Areas above the drop ceiling were assessed. No mold, malodors, or signs of moisture intrusion were identified.
The ceiling mounted FCU was assessed, the supply fins were clean (no visible dust/mold). The inside of the unit appeared clean. The filter contained some amounts of dust, which is not unusual.
The DOAU that serves the space was assessed:
- The outside air dampers were open.
- The filters were in good condition.
- No concerns were identified with units coils/drain pan.
Numerous supply diffusers associated with the Student Services area were assessed quantitatively using a balometer (measures air volume). Each of the diffusers was delivering significantly less outside air when compared to the design air flows and compared to the balancing report provided bythe Office of School Construction (associated with the recent HVAC renovation).
Building Maintenance (HVAC) collected various static pressure measurements associated with the DOAS Unit (following the balometer readings) and identified inconsistencies when compared to the original balancing report. Building Maintenance (HVAC) utilized a balancing contractor to further investigate the low air flows. A loose bypass damper was identified and corrected (December 12, 2022). Follow-up static pressure readings were acceptable following the repair.