High Performance Ventilation for

Multi-Family Buildings
- Case Studies Galen Staengl, PE
LEED BD&C
Certified Passive House Consultant
Principal
Staengl Engineering

Ventilation System Design for

Multi-Family Buildings
Design Objectives
1. Maintain Healthy Indoor Environments

Provide Fresh Air Dilute Air Contaminants

Control Humidity in Ventilation Air and Building

2. Minimize Building Energy Consumption

3. Minimize Cost of System and Cost of
Ownership

The Best Strategies Vary Based on Factors Such as

Building Height and Unit Size.

Governing Codes
ASHRAE 62.1
Applies to Multi-Family 4 Stories and Greater
Does Allow Natural Ventilation
ASHRAE 62.2
Applies to Single Family and Multi-Family Up to 3
Stories
Does Not Allow Natural Ventilation in Most Climates
GOOD PRACTICE: Dont Rely on Natural Ventilation!

Centralized vs. Unit Level

Ventilation
Unit Level Ventilation
Less Maintenance for Building Owner
Can Be Cheaper
Can Help to Avoid Stack Effect Issues
Centralized Ventilation
Multi-Family Economy-of-Scale Allows for
Better Heat Recovery / Dehumidification
Equipment
Can Provide Better Energy Performance and
Building Humidity Control
Increased First Cost

Integrated vs. Dedicated

Ventilation

Integrated Ventilation
Ventilation System Integrated with Unit HVAC
Requires System Fan to Operate to Ventilate
Dehumidification is Done by HVAC Unit

Integrated vs. Dedicated

Ventilation

Dedicated Ventilation
Independent System for Ventilation
Does Not Depend on Unit HVAC
Dehumidification Can be Done at the Outdoor Unit

Benefits of Energy Recovery

Ventilation
Reduces Heating and
Cooling Loads by 1530%
Reduces Heating
Energy by 20 35%
Helps to Control
Building Humidity

The Crossings at

th
4

and Preston

BRW Architects

The Crossings at

th
4

and Preston

Low Income Housing

60 Unit Single Room Occupancy
3 Stories + Basement
Mixed Use: R-2, B & A-2
Earthcraft Award
Best Multi-Family 2012

The Crossings at 4th and Preston

Challenges / Opportunities
1. Small Unit Size

2.

Right Sizing Equipment

Encourages Centralized System

Developer Owned

Allows Recoup of Up Front

Investment

3. Low Income Population

Smoking in Units
Occupied Much of The Time

The Crossings at 4th and Preston

Ventilation Strategy
Building:
Dedicated Outside Air Unit
Pressurized Corridors / Building
Units:
Intermittent Exhaust Driven

The Crossings at 4th and Preston

Ventilation Strategy
Pros:
DOA Unit Controls Building Humidity
Reduced Ductwork Cost
Fresh, Neutral Air Available on Demand
Cons:
No Energy Recovery
Good IAQ Relies on Occupant Behavior
Corridor Pressurization Does Not
Effectively Prevent Cigarette Smoke
Migration

Crescent Square

VIA Design Architects, PC

Crescent Square
Low Income Housing
80 Unit Single Room Occupancy
4 Stories
Mixed Use: R-2, B & A-2
Earthcraft (Pending)

Crescent Square
Ventilation Strategy
Building:
Dedicated Outside Air Unit
Energy Recovery
Units:
Continuous, Balanced Ventilation &
Exhaust Ducted to Each Unit
Intermittent Range Hood Exhaust

Crescent Square
Ventilation Strategy
Pros:
ERV + Dehumidification Unit Control
Building Humidity
Energy Recovery Saves Energy
Continuous Ventilation to Building
Cons:
Increased Cost of Ductwork

Crescent Square
Built-Up DOA Unit
Built-up Outdoor Air System with an ERV + Split
A/C Unit.
Cost Effective Outdoor Air Humidity Control

System Testing and

Commissioning
Build it Tight and Ventilate
Right!
Building Air Leakage Testing
Duct Leakage Testing

Summary
Built it Tight and Ventilate Right
Best Ventilation Strategy Varies Based on
Building and Unit Size
Continuous Ventilation Preferred
Dedicated Ventilation Has Many
Advantages
Air and Duct Sealing Important