SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Accessibility and Wellness

Topic

Comfort, Views, and Acoustics

Question #

A2.1 – Humidification

Question

Are humidification systems present and properly maintained?

Applicability

All asset classes Owner/landlord occupied building Tenant occupied building – systems managed by the owner/landlord

Answer & Scoring

  • Yes – humidification systems are present and properly maintained = 2 points
  • No = 0 points
  • Not applicable – Tenant occupied building: No systems managed by the owner/landlord OR Humidification systems were considered but deemed not necessary = 0/0

Max of 2 points

Requirements

  1. Describe the type of humidification system present at the building
  2. Maintain the humidification system in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations
  3. OR

  4. Describe the steps taken to understand the building’s humidification needs (e.g. not needed in humid climate)
  5. Explain why humidification systems are not used at the building

Requirements apply to humidification delivered to occupied spaces.

Water treatment in HVAC equipment must, at all times, meet local provincial and/or federal guidelines and regulations.

Documentation

  • Humidification System Maintenance Program and Maintenance records
  • Annual cleaning and inspection logs

Suggested Lead

In-house

Value

  • Humidification at a building is important to maintain occupant comfort
  • When the relative humidity at a building is too low, occupants will become uncomfortable This is often the case in cold climates during winter months when the air becomes dry
  • If a building is located in a climate that experiences cold, dry winters, install humidification systems to maintain a comfortable RH level at their building
  • Properly maintain humidification systems to ensure optimal indoor conditions are maintained

RELATED Question:

Description

Low indoor relative humidity is a common problem in cold climate buildings during winter months and a common source of indoor air quality complaints. The addition of a carefully maintained whole-building humidification system, that is focused on human comfort, can help maintain a more comfortable work environment.

Humidification systems should be cleaned and inspected annually. ASHRAE 180-2018 recommends annual inspection and cleaning of strainers, drain pans, distributors and semi-annual cleaning of steam traps, pumps and controls

References

ASHRAE 180-2018 Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems, Table 5-11

For more guidance on creating this risk management plan, please review the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) risk management plan in ASHRAE Standard 188, Prevention of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems.

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

New in BOMA BEST 4.0