Indoor

Ventilation
Minimum Best Practices Guide
Based on ASHRAE 62.2

Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor

California Energy Commission

July 2010
CEC-400-2010-006
CALIFORNIA
ENERGY
COMMISSION

Craig Hoellwarth
Primary Author

Betty LaFranchi
Manager
Building Standards Implementation Office

Valerie Hall
Deputy Director
Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Melissa Jones
Executive Director

DISCLAIMER
Staff members of the California Energy Commission prepared this report. As such, it does not
necessarily represent the views of the Energy Commission, its employees, or the State of California.
The Energy Commission, the State of California, its employees, contractors and subcontractors make
no warrant, express or implied, and assume no legal liability for the information in this report; nor does
any party represent that the uses of this information will not infringe upon privately owned rights. This
report has not been approved or disapproved by the Energy Commission nor has the Commission
passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the information in this report.
 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards
Residential Indoor Air Quality and Mechanical Ventilation
(ASHRAE 62.2)

Minimum Best Practices Guide - Exhaust-Only Ventilation

Introduction:

The California Energy Commission has created the following guide to provide assistance in
complying with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air
Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings (ASHRAE 62.2); which was adopted by reference into
the 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Standards). ASHRAE 62.2 was adopted to
respond to concerns that reliance solely on operable windows is inadequate to provide
ventilation in low-rise residential buildings. This, coupled with concerns about increasing levels
of indoor contaminants and mold growth, has led to the need for mechanical ventilation.

The two main requirements of ASHRAE 62.2 are (1) whole-building ventilation to maintain
acceptable air quality, and (2) local intermittent exhaust fans in each kitchen and bathroom to
reduce the levels of contaminants and moisture in these spaces.

The minimum best practices in this guide apply to residential low-rise newly constructed
buildings and additions, including multi-family occupancies. The guide provides an exhaust-only
approach acceptable for most residential projects needing to meet the Standards. Additional
guidance in meeting the Standards may be obtained by calling the Energy Commission’s
Standards Hotline at (800) 772-3300.

Background:

The 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Standards) require all newly constructed
residential buildings to meet the requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007,
Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings (ASHRAE 62.2).
In California, the requirements of ASHRAE 62.2 also apply to additions over 1,000 square feet
(sf) of conditioned floor area (CFA), and window operation is not allowed as a permissible
method for providing whole-building ventilation (Section 150(o) of the Standards).

ASHRAE 62.2 is a health and safety measure developed by the American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) to enable dwellings to achieve
acceptable indoor air quality. ASHRAE 62.2 has been adopted in the Standards to respond to
concerns that reliance solely on operable windows is inadequate to provide for ventilation in
low-rise residential buildings. This, coupled with concerns about increasing levels of indoor
contaminants and mold growth, has led to the need for mechanical ventilation. Implementation
of these ventilation requirements will demand careful attention by builders and a focused review
by enforcement agencies.

ASHRAE 62.2 specifies two mechanical ventilation airflow requirements - Whole-Building

Ventilation and Local Ventilation Exhaust, and specifies criteria for prescriptive duct sizing for
those ventilation systems. Other additional requirements are specified that affect indoor air
quality. All applicable requirements must be met to demonstrate compliance with ASHRAE 62.2.

Whole-building ventilation is required to maintain acceptable air quality in a dwelling at all times.
A switch is provided for controlling the operation of the fan. This allows the fan to be turned off
1 
 
when there are no occupants in the dwelling or when indoor air quality would be reduced when
outdoor air is brought into the dwelling. The fan used for continuous ventilation must have a low
sound rating in order to avoid having occupants switch off the fan to reduce the noise level.
Local intermittent exhaust fans are required in all kitchens and bathrooms to reduce the level of
contaminants and moisture in these spaces when they occur. These fans can be switched on
and off when needed. The additional requirements are applied as applicable to the dwelling
design in order to support and maintain the levels of indoor air quality provided by the whole-
building and local intermittent ventilation systems.

Standards Section 10-103 requires the submittal of documentation on the building plans.
Sufficient design information should be placed on the plans to demonstrate compliance with the
applicable requirements of ASHRAE 62.2 prior to issuance of a building permit. Appendix I of
this guide provides sample calculations for airflow requirements and prescriptive fan and duct
system sizing. Appendix II provides sample noteblocks that can be used to provide exhaust
ventilation system design specifications that may be required by the enforcement agency to be
included on the plans. Appendix III provides a sample Homeowner's Maintenance and
Operation Form for use with this Guide. Appendix IV provides a summary checklist that may be
helpful when designing a minimum best practice ventilation system.

The following minimum best practices apply to residential low-rise newly constructed buildings
and additions, including multi-family occupancies. They have been developed to provide a 
design and construction “exhaust-only” ventilation approach acceptable for most residential
projects needing to meet the Standards. ASHRAE 62.2 allows compliance to be shown either
through Prescriptive Ventilation System Inspection or Performance Ventilation System Testing.
This guide does not include explanations for the use of other acceptable compliance
alternatives in addition to “exhaust-only” ventilation, which are described in Section 4.6 of the
2008 Residential Compliance Manual. Guidance for these other than “exhaust-only” alternative
approaches, as well as additional information on the practices described below, may be
obtained by calling the California Energy Commission’s Energy Standards Hotline at
(800) 772-3300.

Minimum Best Practices Guide

The following Minimum Best Practices Guide is a supplement to the 2008 Residential
Compliance Manual and can be used to demonstrate compliance with the ventilation
requirements of ASHRAE 62.2 and Section 150(o) of the Standards. The guide provides a
summary of ASHRAE 62.2 and a simplified exhaust-only approach for meeting its minimum
ventilation requirements. If a statement in this Guide describes an action that must be
completed for compliance with the Standards, there will be a box at the beginning of the
statement that can be used to check off completed items, or to indicate “NA” for “not applicable”
to this project for that item. An underlined blank space indicates that a value is required to be
entered. When (Design) is shown adjacent to an item, that item should be considered during the
design phase of the project. Appendix IV provides a summary checklist that may be helpful
when designing a minimum best practice ventilation system, but does not replace the guide.

The exhaust-only ventilation approach is organized in four sets of requirements: general, whole-
building ventilation, local ventilation exhaust, and other.

2 
 
General Requirements:
… The ventilation system’s design requirements are shown on the building design drawings
utilizing noteblocks, sheet notes, schedules, or other means of written communication that
describe the requirements for ventilation airflow, fan selection and room location, and duct
sizing for Whole-Building Ventilation and Local Ventilation Exhaust. In all cases, Table 7.1
shall be placed on the plans to specify duct sizing requirements that must be met in the field
to comply with ASHRAE 62.2 exhaust-only ventilation. This makes it possible for changes to
be made in the field to accommodate conditions that may not be known at the design/permit
stage and still comply with the ASHRAE 62.2 requirements. Documentation describing
ventilation system controls and labeling, and other indoor air quality measures may also be
required. See the sample noteblocks in Appendix II of this Guide. (Design)

… Prescriptive Ventilation System Inspection. Prior to final inspection, the ventilation system
has been visually inspected by the contractor/installer to confirm that it meets the
prescriptive duct sizing requirements and fan ratings given in Table 7.1 of ASHRAE 62.2
(see Appendix I of this guide), and this information has been included on the Installation
Certificate, (CF-6R-MECH-05);

OR

… Performance Ventilation System Testing. Prior to final inspection, the required minimum
airflow has been confirmed by testing the delivered ventilation airflow of the installed
system using a flow hood or other airflow measuring device, and this information has been
included on the Installation Certificate (CF-6R-MECH-05). 1

… An Installation Certificate (CF-6R-MECH-05) has been completed by the builder/installer, and

is posted or available at the building site for final inspection. The builder/installer signature on
the CF-6R-MECH-05 for the building certifies that the building complies with the ventilation
and indoor air quality requirements of the Standards.

Whole-Building Ventilation Requirements [ASHRAE 62.2, Section 4]:

Whole-Building Ventilation provides outdoor air ventilation for the entire building as contrasted
with Local Ventilation Exhaust for kitchens and bathrooms, which is discussed in the next
section of this guide. The most common solution for compliance using the exhaust-only
approach is expected to be the installation of a quiet ceiling-mounted bathroom exhaust fan,
remote-mounted inline fan, or exterior-mounted exhaust fan. Either the airflow of a single fan or
the sum of the airflows from multiple fans can be used to meet the whole-building total airflow
requirement.

Compliance with the Standards can be shown by using either the prescriptive or the
performance approach. If the performance approach is used, the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
exhaust fan system must be specified as an input to the compliance software, and that system
type reported on the performance CF-1R. 2 For the prescriptive compliance approach,
specification of the ventilation system type is not required on the CF-1R.

† The ASHRAE 62.2 whole-building airflow equation 4.1a (Appendix I, item I.1) has been used
to calculate the required whole-building ventilation airflow rate, and it is indicated on the
                                                            
1
Note: Although not required, measurement of the actual system airflow is the recommended way to demonstrate
compliance with the requirements of both whole-building ventilation and local ventilation exhaust.
2
Exhaust ventilation system type terminology may vary with the different compliance software programs.
3 
 
 plans. For projects using the performance method of compliance, the required whole-building
airflow rate is reported on the Certificate of Compliance (CF-1R). (Design)

The required whole-building airflow rate = ______ cfm

… For additions over 1,000 sf of conditioned floor area (CFA), the whole-building ventilation
airflow rate has been calculated based on the CFA of the existing dwelling plus the addition.
(Design)

… The ceiling mounted whole-building ventilation fan has a sound rating of one sone or less at
the required ventilation airflow rate. (Design)

Note: A remote-mounted inline fan, or exterior-mounted exhaust fan with a minimum of 4 feet
of duct between the fan and intake grille, does not require a sound rating.

… The exhaust fan control(s) used for whole-building continuous operation is labeled to
communicate the required continuous building ventilation function and importance with a
statement to make clear how the control (e.g., on/off switch) is to be operated. At a minimum,
the label should communicate: “to maintain minimum levels of outside air ventilation required
for good health, the fan control should be on at all times when the building is occupied,
unless there is severe outdoor air contamination.” It is recommended that the label text
should be in bold type, placed on a white background, and no smaller than the equivalent of
Arial 12 point type. (Design)

Sample: To maintain minimum levels of

outside air ventilation required for
good health, the fan control should
be on at all times when the building
is occupied, unless there is severe
outdoor air contamination.

Systems for which compliance is confirmed to meet Prescriptive Ventilation System Inspection
design criteria comply with the following:

… The exhaust fan(s) used for continuous whole-building ventilation is rated by the Home
Ventilation Institute (HVI) 3 to provide at least the required ventilation rate at a minimum static
pressure of 0.25 inches of water column (in. w.c.). (Design)

… The duct design for the whole-building ventilation system meets the requirements of Table
7.1 (Appendix I, item I.3). (Design)

Local Ventilation Exhaust Requirements [ASHRAE 62.2, Section 5]:

In addition to meeting the Whole-Building Ventilation Requirements discussed in the previous

section, ASHRAE 62.2 requires that each kitchen and bathroom have a local ventilation exhaust
system installed that exhausts indoor air to outside the dwelling. The Local Ventilation Exhaust
Requirements in one room can be met by a Whole-Building Ventilation exhaust system installed
in that room (in this case Local Ventilation Exhaust systems would still have to be installed in
other kitchens and bathrooms where the Whole-Building Ventilation exhaust system is not
installed.) Use of operable windows is not allowed for meeting the local ventilation exhaust
                                                            
3
To select fans that meet these criteria, use the HVI certified fan products directory at www.hvi.org.
4 
 
requirements in kitchens and bathrooms. Local ventilation exhaust systems may operate
intermittently or continuously according to ASHRAE 62.2; however, at a minimum, this Guide
assumes that intermittent exhaust fan operation is used, except for the case where an exhaust
fan provides both the continuous exhaust to meet the Whole-Building Ventilation System
Requirements and the Local Ventilation Exhaust Requirements in one room .

… The kitchen hood(s) deliver ventilation airflow at 100 or more cfm. 4,5 (Design)

… All bathroom exhaust fans deliver ventilation airflow at 50 or more cfm for each bathroom. 6
(Design)

… All ceiling mounted intermittent local ventilation fans have a sound rating of three sones or
less at the required airflow rate. 7 (Design)

Note: A remote-mounted inline fan or exterior mounted exhaust fan with a minimum of 4 feet
of duct between the fan and intake grille do not require a sound rating.

… All intermittent local ventilation exhaust fans have been designed to be operated as needed
by the occupant. At a minimum, a wall switch may be used. Alternatively, some other type of
control such as shut off timers, humidity sensors, or occupancy sensors may be used.
(Design)

Systems for which compliance is confirmed to meet the Prescriptive Ventilation System
Inspection design criteria must also comply with the following:

… All exhaust fans used for intermittent local ventilation are rated by the HVI to provide at least
the required ventilation rate at a minimum static pressure of 0.25 in. w.c. (Design)

… All duct designs for intermittent local ventilation meet the requirements of Table 7.1
(Appendix I, item I.3). (Design)

Other Requirements [ASHRAE 62.2, Section 6]:

The items listed below (6.1 through 6.8) correspond to the “Other Requirements” of ASHRAE
62.2, Section 6, and all Section 6 requirements must be met. Other applicable California
Building Code (CBC) requirements must also be met as noted. Refer also to Section 4.6.5 of the
2008 Residential Compliance Manual for information describing these “Other Requirements”.

6.1. Transfer Air

Dwelling units shall be designed and constructed to provide ventilation air directly from the
outdoors and not as transfer air from adjacent dwelling units or spaces, such as garages,
unconditioned crawl spaces, or unconditioned attics.

Section 6.1 does not prohibit whole-building exhaust or local exhaust ventilation systems and
does not require mechanical systems to maintain pressure relationships with adjacent spaces
except as specified in Section 6.4.
                                                            
4
A kitchen [for purposes of indoor air quality requirements] is any room containing cooking appliances.
5
Recirculating range hoods that do not exhaust pollutants to the outside cannot be used to meet the requirements of
ASHRAE 62.2.
6
A bathroom [for purposes of indoor air quality requirements] is considered a room containing a bathtub, shower, spa
or other similar source of moisture. Note that a room containing only a toilet is not required to meet the Local
Ventilation Exhaust Requirements.
7
Fans that have a maximum rated airflow that exceeds 400 cfm do not require a sound rating.
5 
 
… Measures consistent with the requirements of Standards Section 117 (Residential
Compliance Manual Section 3.5) have been taken to prevent air movement between adjacent
dwelling units (e.g., through party walls), and between the dwelling unit and other spaces that
are either vertically or horizontally adjacent, such as garages, unconditioned crawl spaces, or
unconditioned attics. All cracks, voids, and air leakage points have been filled; and all seams
in plasterboard surfaces have been taped and sealed. (Design)

6.2 Instructions and Labeling

Compliance, operating, maintenance, and ventilation information on the ventilation approach

being used and the expected performance of the system must be provided to the dwelling
owner as specified in Section 10-103(b) of the Standards. This information can be in paper or
electronic format.

… Compliance forms and system manuals, brochures and cut sheets, or other ventilation
system information have been provided to the dwelling owner to describe proper operation
and maintenance of the system, the approach being used for ventilation, the expected
system performance and required actions to maintain system performance, including the
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) filter requirements in Section 6.7 of this guide.

Note: The ASHRAE Homeowner’s Operations and Maintenance Documentation form

presented in Appendix III may be used to provide some of the required information.

Note: The labeling requirements for the whole-building ventilation control are described in the
Whole-building Ventilation Requirements section of this Guide.

6.3 Clothes Dryers

… All clothes dryers must be exhausted directly to the outdoors (California Mechanical Code
[CMC] 905.2). (Design)

6.4 Combustion and Solid-Fuel Burning Appliances

… Combustion and solid-fuel burning appliances are provided with adequate combustion and
ventilation air, and vented in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s installation
instructions and the CMC.

… If an atmospherically vented appliance (e.g., gas furnace or water heater), or solid fuel
appliance (e.g., fireplace) is inside the building pressure boundary, the total net exhaust of
the two largest exhaust fans (with both fans operating at full capacity) does not exceed 15
cfm per 100 sf of occupiable space. (Design)

6.5 Garages

… To prevent migration of contaminants from the garage to adjacent occupiable spaces, and in
addition to the requirements specified in 6.1, doors between the garage and dwelling unit are
gasketed and weather stripped. (Design)

… HVAC systems that include air handlers or return ducts located in the garage, have been
sealed to less than 6 percent of total fan airflow and verified by a HERS rater as specified by
Standards Section 151(f)10. (Design)

6 
 
6.6 Ventilation Opening Area 8 (for operable windows, skylights, through-the-wall-inlets, or
other operable openings to the outside)

… Habitable spaces have an operable ventilation opening area equal to at least 4% of the room
floor area (sf), but not less than 5 sf. For habitable spaces where it is not possible to provide
the minimum Ventilation Opening Area to the outside, the opening to the adjoining rooms is
unobstructed as specified in Section 1203.4.1.1. of the CBC, and the dwelling total operable
opening area to the outdoors, based on the total occupiable floor area, meets the
requirements of Section 1203.4.1 of the CBC. (Design)

… Toilet and utility rooms have ventilation openings with an operable area of not less than 4% of
the room floor area (sf), nor less than 1.5 sf. Toilet and utility rooms that meet Local
Ventilation Exhaust Requirements are not required to meet this Ventilation Opening Area
requirement. Utility rooms with ducted dryer exhaust and toilet compartments in bathrooms
are also not required to meet the minimum Ventilation Opening Area requirement. (Design)

6.7 Minimum Filtration

… Mechanical systems that supply air to an occupiable space through ductwork exceeding 10
feet in length and through a thermal conditioning component (e.g., heating/cooling coil) are
provided with a filter having a minimum efficiency rating of MERV 6. The air filter provided is
selected and sized to operate at a clean filter pressure drop no greater than 0.1 in. w.c.. The
filter is installed in a manner that makes it accessible to the occupant for regular
maintenance, consistent with CMC Section 305. (Design)

… Information describing the air filter selected for the building ventilation system, its location,
maintenance, and replacement requirements are included in the compliance, operation,
maintenance, and ventilation information provided to the owner according to Section 6.2
above.

6.8 Air Inlets (all operable ventilation openings)

… Any air inlets that are part of the ventilation design are located a minimum of 10 feet from
known sources of contamination, such as stack, vent, exhaust hood, or vehicle exhaust.
(Design)

… Ventilation openings (such as windows) are readily accessible and readily controllable by the
building occupants consistent with the CBC (1203.4). (Design)

… Where ventilation openings are covered by louvers or are otherwise obstructed, the openable
area is based on the free unobstructed area through the opening. (Design)

Note: For additional information concerning these “Other Requirements,” including any
additional exceptions that may not have been covered in this Minimum Best Practice Guide,
refer to the Residential Compliance Manual or contact the Energy Standards Hotline at (800)
772-3300.

                                                            
8
Ventilation openings must be provided to serve as back-up ventilation if the mechanical ventilation system becomes
disabled (e.g., power failure).
7 
 
 Appendix I: Fan and Duct Sizing Calculations
The process for exhaust-only ventilation system design is to: (1) determine the minimum
amount of airflow required: (2) select a fan or multiple fans that are rated to provide ventilation
airflow that equals or exceeds the minimum required; and (3) design and install a ventilation
duct system that meets the requirements of ASHRAE 62.2 Table 7.1.

(I.1) Whole-Building Ventilation Requirement Calculations

Equation 4.1a (from ASHRAE 62.2):
Qfan = 0.01xAfloor + 7.5x(Nbr + 1)

Where:
Afloor = conditioned floor area, ft²
Nbr = number of bedrooms; not to be less than one
Qfan = ventilation airflow requirement = minimum fan airflow rating, (cfm)

Example:
2,500 sf CFA house with 5 bedrooms
Qfan = 0.01x2500 + 7.5x(5 + 1) = 70 cfm

(I.2) Local Ventilation Exhaust Requirement Calculations

This Minimum Best Practices Guide provides information for intermittent fan operation only
for local ventilation exhaust systems. The minimum airflow rates for intermittent local
ventilation exhaust are specified in Table 5.1 of ASHRAE 62.2. The required minimum
intermittent local ventilation exhaust airflow rate for bathrooms is 50 cfm. The minimum
intermittent ventilation exhaust airflow rate for kitchens is 100 cfm.

(I.3) Prescriptive Duct Sizing Calculations

Prescriptive duct sizing can be utilized to demonstrate compliance with the ventilation
airflow requirement through inspection of the installed whole-building ventilation system, or
local ventilation exhaust system, to confirm conformance with the requirements of Table
7.1. Instructions for the use of Table 7.1 and example calculations are provided below.

8 
 
TABLE 7.1 PRESCRIPTIVE DUCT SIZING REQUIREMENTS (FROM ASHRAE 62.2)
Duct Type Flex Duct Smooth Duct
Fan Rating
(cfm at 0.25 50 80 100 125 50 80 100 125
in. w.g.)
Maximum Allowable Duct Length (ft)
Diameter, (in) Flex Duct Smooth Duct
3 X X X X 5 X X X
4 70 3 X X 105 35 5 X
5 NL 70 35 20 NL 135 85 55
6 NL NL 125 95 NL NL NL 145
7 and above NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL
This table assumes no elbows. Deduct 15 ft of allowable duct length for each turn, elbow, or fitting. Interpolation and
extrapolation in Table 7.1 is not allowed. For fan rating values not listed, use the next higher value. This table is not
applicable for fan ratings > 125 cfm.
NL = no limit on duct length of this size.
X = not allowed, any length of duct of this size with assumed turns and fittings will exceed the rated pressure drop
(0.25 in w.g.).
Note: water gauge (w.g). is the same as water column (w.c.)

a) Determine the duct material that will be used for the installation (smooth or flex). Duct sizing
will use the Table 7.1 columns under the selected type of duct.
b) Identify the fan rating(s) used to provide whole-building and local ventilation exhaust (cfm).
c) Select the column that corresponds to the required fan rating for the system. If the required
fan rating (airflow cfm) is not shown on the chart and falls between columns, use the next
highest fan rating column for determining the duct length and diameter. The Table is not
applicable to fan ratings greater than 125 cfm.
d) Select the preferred duct diameter to determine the corresponding maximum allowable duct
length from the fan rating column for each exhaust fan. For each turn, elbow or fitting in the
duct run, subtract 15 feet of length from the allowable duct length specified in the Table. If
the allowable length of (straight) duct is not sufficient for the design, select the next higher
diameter of duct, and recalculate the allowance. An "NL" in the table indicates that any
length of duct for that diameter is in compliance.
Examples:
Example 1: For a 50 cfm fan using 4” flex duct, the length can be a maximum of 70 feet (ft) of
straight duct without elbows.
Example 2: For an 80 cfm fan using 4” flex duct, the length would be limited to 3 ft of straight
duct without elbows.
Example 3: For the Equation 4.1a example shown above in Appendix I, item I.1, assume
smooth duct will be used, there will be 3 elbows, and there is 40 ft. of straight duct required to
run a duct from the fan to the exterior of the building. The determined fan rating (70 cfm) is not
on the chart, so use the next highest column that is greater than 70 cfm – use the 80 cfm
column. Since the system requires 3 elbows, 45 ft. must be subtracted from the values in the
table. For smooth ducts in the 80 cfm column, 4-inch duct has a maximum allowable duct length
of 35 ft. (too short). 5-inch duct has an allowable straight length of 135 ft. from which the
allowance for elbows (3 x 15 = 45 ft) must be subtracted (135 – 45 = 90 ft.). Since the allowable
length (90 ft.) is greater than the required length (40 ft) this combination of duct material, duct
diameter, duct length and number of elbows meets the Table 7.1 duct sizing requirement.

9 
 
 Appendix II: Sample Noteblocks

Noteblocks, sheet notes, schedules or other forms of written communication that specify the
requirements for ventilation airflow, the rooms where the whole-building and local ventilation
exhaust fans are located, and duct sizing for Whole-Building Ventilation and Local Ventilation
exhaust shall be specified on the plans submitted to the enforcement agency for a building
permit. However, in all cases, Table 7.1 shall be placed on the plans to allow for duct changes
that may be required during construction of the system.

The following sample noteblocks may be placed on the building design plans to meet the
requirements for submittal of the ventilation system specifications to the enforcement agency.

WHOLE-BUILDING VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS (FROM ASHRAE 62.2)

AT LEAST ONE MECHANICALVENTILATION SYSTEM IN THE BUILDING MUST BE DESIGNATED FOR USE IN
COMPLIANCE WITH THE WHOLE-BUILDING VENTILATION REQUIREMENT. ALTERNATIVELY, THE SUM OF
THE RATED AIRFLOWS FROM MULTIPLE FANS CAN BE UTILIZED TO MEET THE REQUIRED WHOLE-
BUILDING VENTILATION AIRFLOW. THE SYSTEM(S) MUST DELIVER CONTINUOUS VENTILATION AIRFLOW
AT A RATE GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO THE RATE SPECIFIED IN EQUATION 4.1 a, AND FAN SONE
RATINGS MUST NOT EXCEED 1.0. FOR DWELLING OCCUPANT DENSITIES KNOWN TO BE GREATER THAN
(NBR + 1), THE RATE SHALL BE INCREASED BY 7.5 CFM FOR EACH ADDITIONAL PERSON.
Where:
Eq 4.1a Calculation:
Afloor = conditioned floor area, ft2
(Eq. 4.1a) Qfan = 0.01Afloor + 7.5(Nbr + Nbr = number of bedrooms; not to be less than
Afloor =
1) one
Nbr =
Qfan = ventilation air requirement = fan flow rate,
Qfan =
(cfm)

LOCAL VENTILATION EXHAUST REQUIREMENTS (FROM ASHRAE 62.2)

LOCAL MECHANICAL EXHAUST FANS SHALL BE INSTALLED IN EACH KITCHEN AND BATHROOM
ACCORDING TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF ASHRAE 62.2. THE MINIMUM AIRFLOW RATES SHALL BE
GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO THE AMOUNT INDICATED IN TABLE 5.1 BELOW AND FAN SONE RATINGS
MUST NOT EXCEED 3.0.
TABLE 5.1
MINIMUM INTERMITTENT LOCAL VENTILATION EXHAUST AIRFLOW RATES
APPLICATION AIRFLOW NOTES
VENTED RANGE HOOD REQUIRED IF EXHAUST FAN FLOWIS LESS THAN
KITCHEN 100 CFM 5 ACH.* IF THE RANGE HOOD IS USED FOR LOCAL EXHAUST IT MUST BE
VENTED TO THE OUTDOORS

BATHROOM 50 CFM

* Air Changes per Hour (ACH), which is determined by multiplying the volume of the space by five (5)
ACH = cubic feet per hour, and then dividing by 60 minutes per hour to determine the cubic feet per
minute (cfm).

10 
 
PRESCRIPTIVE DUCT SIZING REQUIREMENTS (FROM ASHRAE 62.2)
IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH THE PRESCRIPTIVE DUCT SIZING REQUIREMENTS OF ASHRAE 62.2, A
VENTILATION FAN MUST BE SELECTED THAT IS RATED TO PROVIDE AT A MINIMUM THE REQUIRED
VENTILATION AIRFLOWAT 0.25 IN. W.G. AND THE DUCTS MUST BE SIZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
SPECIFICATIONS GIVEN IN TABLE 7.1, BELOW.
TABLE 7.1
Duct Type Flex Duct Smooth Duct
Fan Rating
(cfm at 0.25 50 80 100 125 50 80 100 125
in. w.g.)
Maximum Allowable Duct Length (ft)
Diameter, (in) Flex Duct Smooth Duct
3 X X X X 5 X X X
4 70 3 X X 105 35 5 X
5 NL 70 35 20 NL 135 85 55
6 NL NL 125 95 NL NL NL 145
7 and above NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL
This table assumes no elbows. Deduct 15 ft of allowable duct length for each turn, elbow, or fitting. Interpolation and
extrapolation in Table 7.1 is not allowed. For fan ratings not listed, use the next higher value. This table is not
applicable for fan ratings > 125 cfm.
NL = no limit on duct length of this size.
X = not allowed, any length of duct of this size with assumed turns and fittings will exceed the rated pressure drop
(0.25 in w.g.)
Note: water gauge (w.g). is the same as water column (w.c.)

OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY (FROM ASHRAE 62.2)

THE BUILDING MUST COMPLY WITH THE “OTHER REQUIREMENTS” SPECIFIED IN ASHRAE 62.2 SECTIONS
6.1 THROUGH 6.8.

6.1 TRANSFER AIR

6.2 INSTRUCTIONS AND LABELING
6.3 CLOTHES DRYERS
6.4 COMBUSTION AND SOLID-FUEL BURNING APPLIANCES
6.5 GARAGES
6.6 VENTILATION OPENING AREA
6.7 MINIMUM FILTRATION
6.8 AIR INLETS

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 Appendix III: Homeowner’s Operations and Maintenance
Documentation Form

(ASHRAE 62.2)

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 Appendix IV: Summary Checklist for
ASHRAE 62.2 Minimum Best Practices Guide
Exhaust-Only Ventilation

General Requirements:

… Design requirements shown on building design drawings

… Compliance with the ventilation airflow requirements demonstrated by:
… Prescriptive Ventilation System Inspection. Visually inspecting prescriptive duct
sizing and fan ratings
OR
… Performance Ventilation System Testing. Testing to confirm the delivery of the
minimum ventilation airflow
… Complete, sign and make an Installation Certificate (CF-6R-MECH-05) available at
the site

Whole-Building Ventilation:

… Whole-building exhaust ventilation system meets the required whole-building

ventilation airflow, which is ______ cfm
… Whole-building exhaust fan(s) has a sound rating of one sone or less at the required
ventilation airflow rate
… Whole-building exhaust fan control(s) is labeled as to function and importance
For systems complying with the Prescriptive Ventilation System Inspection
requirements:
… Whole-building exhaust fan(s) is rated to provide at least the minimum ventilation rate
at a minimum static pressure of 0.25” w.c.
… Whole-building ventilation duct design meets requirements of Table 7.1

Local Ventilation Exhaust:

… Kitchen hood delivers ventilation airflow of at least 100 cfm

… Kitchen fan(s) exhausted to exterior
… All bathroom exhaust fans deliver ventilation airflow of at least 50 cfm for each
bathroom
… All local exhaust fans have a sound rating of three sones or less at the required
ventilation airflow rate
… All intermittent local exhaust fans have been designed to be operated as needed by
the occupant (such as wall switch, shut-off timer, humidistat or occupancy sensor)
For systems complying with the Prescriptive Ventilation System Inspection
requirements:
… All local exhaust fans are rated to provide at least the minimum ventilation rate at a
minimum static pressure of 0.25” w.c.
… All local ventilation duct designs meet the requirements of Table 7.1

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Other Requirements:

6.1 Transfer Air

… Measures have been taken to prevent air movement between dwelling units and
between dwelling units and other adjacent spaces.

6.2 Instructions and Labeling

… Compliance forms and information describing the approach, operation, maintenance
and expected performance of the ventilation system has been provided to the owner.

6.3 Clothes Dryers

… All clothes dryers are exhausted directly to the outdoors.

6.4 Combustion and Solid-Fuel Burning Appliances

… If atmospherically-vented or solid-fuel appliances are inside the building pressure
boundary, the total net exhaust of the two largest exhaust fans (at full capacity) does
not exceed 15 cfm per 100 sf of occupiable space.

6.5 Garages
… In addition to 6.1, doors between garage and dwelling unit must be gasketed and
weather stripped.
… HVAC systems with air handlers or return ducts in the garage are sealed to less than
6% leakage of total fan airflow and verified by HERS rater.

6.6 Ventilation Opening Area (for operable windows, skylights, through-the-wall-inlets,

or other operable openings to the outside)
… Habitable spaces have a ventilation opening area no less than 4% of room floor area
nor less than 5 sf.
… Toilet and utility rooms not meeting local exhaust ventilation requirements have
operable window area no less than 4% of room floor area nor less than 1.5 sf.

6.7 Minimum Filtration

… Mechanical systems supplying air to occupiable space through a thermal conditioning
component (e.g., heating/cooling coil) and with duct run greater than 10 ft must have
a filter:
… With a minimum efficiency of MERV 6.
… Sized to operate with a clean filter pressure drop no greater than 0.1” w.c.
… Information provided to owner that describes filter location, maintenance and
replacement requirements.

6.8 Air Inlets (all operable ventilation openings)

… Any air inlets that are part of the ventilation system are located a minimum of 10 ft
away from known sources of contamination (e.g., stack, vent, exhaust hood, or
vehicle exhaust).
… Ventilation openings are readily accessible and controllable by occupant.
… Where ventilation openings are covered or obstructed, the openable area is based on
the free, unobstructed area through the opening.
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