A new publication from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) (Atlanta) puts control of indoor air quality in the hands of building operators. Poor operations and maintenance procedures often lead to indoor air quality problems, according to Chad Dorgan, co-author of Application Guide: Indoor Air Quality Standards of Performance. The book outlines methods to ensure hvacr equipment, plumbing systems, and building envelope systems are working properly to obtain good IAQ. Using these methods should increase occupant comfort, satisfaction and productivity, according to Dorgan.
Standards of performance provide a way to record system performance parameters to ensure that IAQ is maintained at acceptable levels. Parameters include tests or other methods performed on system components that could affect system performance.