EQ Credit: Indoor Air Quality Assessment (1โ2 Points)
๐ โFlush it OR prove itโbut donโt mix it.โ
This credit ensures that:
๐ After construction, the air is actually clean before people use the building
You can either:
- Flush the building with fresh air
OR - Test the air to prove it’s clean
๐ฏ Intent
To establish better indoor air quality after construction and during occupancy.
๐ TWO OPTIONS (CORE STRUCTURE)
Option | Approach | Best For |
Option 1: Flush-Out | Flush building with outdoor air | Simpler, no testing |
Option 2: Air Testing | Test contaminants in air | Faster occupancy |
๐ฌ๏ธ OPTION 1: FLUSH-OUT (MOST TESTED)
๐น Two Paths
Path | When Used | Requirement |
Before Occupancy | Building empty | 14,000 cu ft/sf of outdoor air |
During Occupancy | Occupancy starts early | Start at 3,500 cu ft/sf, then continue |
ย
๐ KEY REQUIREMENTS (MEMORIZE THESE)
Parameter | Value |
Total air required | 14,000 cu ft/sf |
Partial flush (before occupancy) | 3,500 cu ft/sf |
Ventilation rate (during occupancy) | 0.30 cfm/sf |
Temperature | 60โ80ยฐF |
Humidity | โค 60% |
โ ๏ธ DURING OCCUPANCY RULES
If using Path 2:
- Must continue flushing until 14,000 cu ft/sf total
- Ventilation must:
- Start 3 hours before occupancy
- Continue during occupancy
๐ง MEMORY TRICK
๐ โ3,500 โ 14,000 โ 0.30โ
- Start = 3,500
- Finish = 14,000
- Rate = 0.30
๐งช OPTION 2: AIR TESTING
๐น When to Use
- Faster occupancy needed (Possible Exam Question)
- Want proof instead of flushing
ย
๐ REQUIREMENTS
Requirement | Details |
Timing | After construction, before occupancy |
Conditions | Normal occupied ventilation |
Sampling | Breathing zone |
Locations | โฅ 1 per space + โฅ 1 per floor |
Retesting | Required if limits exceeded |
โ ๏ธ SPECIAL NOTE
- Retail projects: testing allowed within 14 days after occupancy
๐ซ CRITICAL RULE
๐ Options CANNOT be combined
๐งฑ COMMON REQUIREMENT (BOTH OPTIONS)
Before either option:
โ All finishes must be installed
โ VOC sources must be complete
Examples:
- Paint
- Carpet
- Furniture
- Ceiling tiles
๐ Possible Question Alert
โ ๏ธ COMMON EXAM TRAPS
Trap | Reality |
Flush-out is optional | Must choose one option |
Air testing can be partial | Must meet all thresholds |
HVAC not needed | Must run at normal conditions |
Can combine options | โ Not allowed |
Flush-out before finishes | โ Must be after finishes |
๐ Two choices:
- Flush the air
- Test the air
๐ But always:
- Finish construction first
- Prove clean air before occupancy
Official FAQs
What is the total outdoor air required for a full flush-out?
B. 10,000 cu ft/sf
C. 14,000 cu ft/sf
D. 0.30 cfm/sf
โ Answer: C
What is the minimum ventilation rate during occupancy flush-out?
B. 0.30 cfm/sf
C. 1.0 cfm/sf
D. 14,000 cfm
โ Answer: B
A project begins occupancy after delivering 3,500 cu ft/sf but stops ventilation. What is wrong?
B. Needs higher temperature
C. Must continue ventilation until 14,000 cu ft/sf
D. Must switch to testing
โ Answer: C
A project performs IAQ testing before installing carpets and furniture. Is this compliant?
B. No
C. Only for retail
D. Only if HVAC is off
โ Answer: B
A project wants early occupancy but minimal disruption. Which option is best?
B. Flush-out during occupancy
C. Air testing
D. Skip IAQ credit
โ Answer: C
Air testing shows high VOC levels in one zone. What must the team do?
B. Reduce ventilation
C. Retest entire building
D. Correct issue and retest affected area
โ Answer: D
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