Mechanical ventilation for enclosed parking garages must operate continuously. True or False?

The statement is considered false because mechanical ventilation in enclosed parking garages is not required to operate continuously at all times. Instead, the ventilation system is generally designed to operate based on specific conditions, such as the presence of vehicle emissions, temperature, and occupancy.

Local codes and standards often dictate ventilation rates and the conditions under which these systems must function. For instance, many modern ventilation systems are equipped with controls that activate ventilation based on occupancy sensors or air quality monitors. This means that the system can function only when necessary, such as when the garage is occupied or when the levels of carbon monoxide or other pollutants exceed safe thresholds.

Therefore, requiring continuous operation disregards the advances in technology and efficiency that allow for dynamic control of air quality while reducing energy consumption when the garage is unoccupied.