HVAC System Inspection, Maintenance Standard Open for Public Comment

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HVAC System Inspection, Maintenance Standard Open for Public Comment

IEQ Review

by Jodi Dunlop, www.ashrae.org

http://www.imakenews.com/pureaircontrols/e_article000802352.cfm?

x=b9qSSfw,bvtv58G

ATLANTA – A proposed standard setting requirements for inspection

and maintenance of HVAC systems is open for public comment.

ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180P, Standard Practice for Inspection and

Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems, would establish

minimum HVAC inspection and maintenance requirements that aid a

system's ability to achieve acceptable thermal comfort, energy

efficiency and indoor air quality in commercial buildings.

The standard is being developed by the American Society of Heating,

Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Air

Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). It is open for public

review until April 30.

" The comments we received during the first review were almost

universally supportive and constructive, " Baker, chair of the

Standard 180 committee said. " There were several excellent comments

that helped us to clarify and re-word some areas to avoid

confusion. Most of these revisions were minor and could have been

considered `editorial' in nature. The committee, however, preferred

to be conservative so voted to submit the entire document for public

review again. "

A more significant set of comments was directed to Section 5 which

described mandatory inspection and maintenance items, he said.

Although the suggestions for text revision were minor in nature, the

layout of the section was seen as difficult and potentially

confusing to use.

As a result, the committee created 25 separate tables, each of which

deals with a specific type of system component. In addition several

comments observed that the proposed 563 optional inspection points

were better reserved for inclusion in a future guidance document as

they detracted from the clarity and impact of the standard. The

committee concurred and removed these, according to Baker.

Proposed ASHRAE standards are available during public review

periods. To read the addenda or to comment, visit

www.ashrae.org/publicreviews.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some

50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating,

ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity

and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing,

publishing and continuing education.

ACCA is the nationwide association of heating, ventilation, air

conditioning, and refrigeration contractors, representing members in

every state. For over 40 years ACCA has served the educational,

policy, and technical interests of the small businesses who design,

install, and maintain indoor environmental systems.

http://www.ashrae.org/pressroom/detail/16245#