Housing Research and Education Project Highlights

TECHNICAL RESEARCH

INDUSTRY RESEARCH

Comparison of Effectiveness of Ventilation Systems to Deliver Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Individual Suites

Description The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the commonly used ventilation systems in distributing fresh air to suite rooms, controlling cross- contamination between suites, and overcoming ‘stack effect’ to avoid pollutants migrating between floors. Complaints from occupants are increasing in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBS) due to cross contamination between suites and floors of laundry and kitchen odors from exhaust vents. This project will test a selection of units for airtightness and attic ventilation. It will assess their current condition and propose cost effective improvements to prevent pollutants from migrating between floors, and to minimize the re-entry of exhaust contaminants into nearby suites. Impact This project will compare a selection of ventilation systems used in B.C. and in Europe, based on their effectiveness for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in the building suites, and recommend cost effective improvements.

Status: Project underway Partners: British Columbia Institute of Technology Audience: Builders, architects, engineers, and professionals in the residential construction industry

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69 HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021

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