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Air Leakage and Ventilation Guidelines

The document discusses requirements for mechanical ventilation in dwellings from the International Mechanical Code and International Energy Conservation Code. The IMC requires mechanical ventilation if an air leakage test shows a dwelling has less than 5 air changes per hour. The IECC sets minimum efficacy standards for whole-house mechanical ventilation system fans. It also notes ASHRAE Standard 62.2 provides additional guidance on appropriate ventilation for indoor air quality in homes.

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3 views1 page

Air Leakage and Ventilation Guidelines

The document discusses requirements for mechanical ventilation in dwellings from the International Mechanical Code and International Energy Conservation Code. The IMC requires mechanical ventilation if an air leakage test shows a dwelling has less than 5 air changes per hour. The IECC sets minimum efficacy standards for whole-house mechanical ventilation system fans. It also notes ASHRAE Standard 62.2 provides additional guidance on appropriate ventilation for indoor air quality in homes.

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BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM | AIR LEAK AGE GUIDE

IMC, Section 401.2 Ventilation Required


Where the air infiltration rate in a dwelling unit is less than 5 air changes per hour when tested
with blower door at a pressure of 0.2-inch water column (to Pa) in accordance with Section
[Link] of the International Energy Conservation Code, the dwelling unit shall be ventilated by
mechanical means in according with Section 403.
IECC, Section R403.5.1 Whole-House Mechanical Ventilation System Fan Efficacy
Mechanical ventilation system fans shall meet the efficacy requirements of Table 403.5.1.
Exception: Where mechanical ventilation system fans are integral to tested and listed HVAC
equipment, they shall be powered by an electronically commutated motor.

Table 4. 2012 IECC Table R403.5.1, Mechanical Ventilation System Fan Efficacy

Fan Location

Air Flow Rate Minimum


(CFM)

Minimum Efficacy
(CFM/watt)

Air Flow Rate Maximum


(CFM)

Range Hoods

Any

2.8

Any

In-line Fan

Any

2.8

Any

Bathroom, Utility Room

10

1.4

< 90

Bathroom, Utility Room

90

2.8

Any

In addition, ASHRAE Standard 62.2 provides guidance on the appropriate ventilation for acceptable
indoor air quality in low-rise residential buildings. The standard specifies that forced ventilation is required
in houses with a natural infiltration rate less than 0.35 ACH. This is typically accomplished with heat
recovery ventilation or exhaust fans running constantly or periodically. The standard offers guidance for
incorporating whole-house systems into a home. This standard is not referenced in the IECC, though some
jurisdictions and states adopt this standard as part of their requirements.

For more information on whole-house mechanical ventilation,


refer to Appendix B.

22

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