Multifamily Ventilation Systems: Do We Really Need CAR Dampers?
Constant air regulators (CAR dampers) are instrumental to the success of central mechanical ventilation systems, assuring that fresh air gets to bedrooms and living areas while contaminated air is removed from kitchens and bathrooms. This session will summarize why centralized ventilation systems are an attractive solution in passive multifamily buildings, why CAR dampers are necessary and how they work, what best practices exist for design, installation and testing, and what the various troubles have been. We will review successful applications and failures, propose new ideas that we are currently implementing on projects, and collectively address issues with CARs with the intent of making room for other challenges we face in a dynamic world.
Session Chairs
Session Speakers
Examine basic approaches for accomplishing mechanical ventilation in multifamily buildings.
Analyze the pros and cons of a central ventilation approach in multifamily buildings.
Describe the basic methods for testing and balancing ventilation systems and the problem that is expected to be solved by use of constant air regulators (CAR).
Contribute new ideas and actions to resolve engineering, contracting, program, and measurement and verification challenges.
This session is pre-approved for 1 credit hour toward AIA (LU|HSW), BPI, LEED (BD+C, O+M), WELL, MA CSL, and NARI certification. Those who attend a full day of the conference are additionally eligible for credit toward Phius and RESNET certification.