Protecting the HVAC System During Construction: An Industry Standard of Care for Contractors

The relationship between construction activities and an increased risk of microbial contamination and degradation of air quality in new building construction and renovation projects was studied. Poorly designed or installed ventilation systems and inferior workmanship during construction were determined to have an adverse impact on the performance of the building ventilation system. This presentation will provide guidelines to protect HVAC system components during building construction and renovation projects and for building commissioning procedures for building ventilation systems. It also underscores the importance of educating the building owner on proper operation and maintenance of building mechanical systems as part of the building commissioning and transfer process.