Question: How do I Locate the cause of indoor air quality problems?
The first step is a building investigation. The goal of a building investigation is to identify and solve indoor air quality complaints in a way that prevents them from recurring and which avoids the creation of other problems. To achieve this goal, it is necessary for the investigator(s) to discover whether a complaint is actually related to indoor air quality, identify the cause of the complaint, and determine the most appropriate corrective actions. An indoor air quality investigation procedure is best characterized as a cycle of information gathering, hypothesis formation, and hypothesis testing. It generally begins with a walkthrough inspection of the problem area to provide information about the four basic factors that influence indoor air quality:
- The occupants.
- The HVAC system.
- Possible pollutant pathways.
- Possible contaminant sources.
Preparation for a walkthrough should include:
- Documenting easily obtainable information about the history of the building and of the complaints identifying known HVAC zones and complaint areas.
- Notifying occupants of the upcoming investigation.
- Identifying key individuals needed for information and access.
The walkthrough itself entails visual inspection of critical building areas and consultation with occupants and staff. The initial walkthrough should allow the investigator to develop some possible explanations for the complaint. At this point, the investigator may have sufficient information to formulate a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, and see if the problem is solved. If it is, steps should be taken to ensure that it does not recur. However, if insufficient information is obtained from the walkthrough to construct a hypothesis, or if initial tests fail to reveal the problem, the investigator should move on to collect additional information to allow formulation of additional hypotheses. The process of formulating hypotheses, testing them, and evaluating them continues until the problem is solved.
If you need help with locating your indoor air quality problems, don't hesitate to call us 24 hours a day 7 days a week - ( 1-800-Any-Tyme - Remember to dial Y in Tyme ). We will send a technician out to your San Diego residence or business. In a hurry? Fill out our 30 second Online Service Form now or chat live with a Heating & Air Technician. Don't forget to view our Air Conditioning Basics page to bone up on your technical Heating & Air Condition information. |
Home › Air Conditioning Info › Air Quality Questions › Locating IAQ Problems
