The following heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) operating parameters and system modifications have been implemented and are consistent with the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards:
- Space temperature and setpoints are maintained across campus for thermal comfort.
- Ventilation increases through a mix of site-specific strategies, including:
- Mechanical equipment is scheduled to run two hours before and after normal occupancy for a full air flush.
- Exhaust fans, particularly rest rooms, are now operational for 24 hours.
- Operable windows are in use to greatest extent while allowing for a comfortable experience.
- Ventilation is modified to allow consistently high levels of outdoor air to circulate.
- Filtration increases through a mix of site-specific strategies, including:
- Higher levels of filtration are installed on the majority of mechanical equipment.
- Air filtration ventilation units (AFVUs) are installed within interior locations that experience large variability of occupancy and natural ventilation.
- Local air purifiers are deployed in smaller special use spaces.
| System Type | Level of Service |
|---|---|
| Space environmental conditions | Space temperature setpoints are maintained as normal. |
| Operable windows |
Use of operable windows is encouraged, except for research laboratories and/or spaces with very specific environmental conditions. Occupants must close windows upon leaving spaces. Deployment of AFVUs will be utilized within spaces that are naturally ventilated when the use of windows is not practical (seasonal or operating restrictions) and/or the space occupancy needs exceed the occupancy restrictions in place for such spaces. |
| Radiant/passive heating and cooling | Radiant heating and cooling systems operate as normal. |
| Recirculated air handling units (AHUs) and multiple spaces/zones |
AHUs need to operate on an expanded schedule, one to two hours pre- and post-occupancy to flush the building. Normal minimum and maximum outdoor air percentages are maintained to bring fresh outdoor air into the building. Any existing demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) sequences that would reduce the levels of outdoor air are removed. Filtration media are upgraded to MERV13 or higher. |
| Local recirculated AHUs (fan coil units [FCUs], split systems, among others) |
Local recirculating systems are run at a low-speed setting, when possible. Filtration media is upgraded to MERV13, where feasible. Deployment of local air purifier units may be considered based upon space type and planned occupancy levels where identified by EHS. |
| 100% outdoor air AHUs and exhaust air systems |
100% outdoor air AHUs operate as normal. Toilet exhaust fans are scheduled to operate 24 hours day, seven days a week. |
| Special considerations |
Total energy recovery wheels are air-to-air heat exchangers will operate normally. Spaces that currently do not have operable windows or mechanical ventilation, but require occupancy, will be evaluated for either temporary or permanent ventilation solutions. |
| Electrical systems | No changes. |
| Plumbing systems | No changes. |
| Utility systems | No changes, continue service. |