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.