What is the primary objective of the Indoor Air Quality Procedure specified in ASHRAE Standard 62-1989?

The primary objective of the Indoor Air Quality Procedure specified in ASHRAE Standard 62-1989 is to maintain acceptable indoor air quality based on ventilation rates. This standard emphasizes the importance of providing adequate ventilation to ensure that the air within buildings is safe and healthful for occupants. By establishing minimum ventilation rates, the procedure aims to dilute indoor pollutants, thereby helping to prevent issues such as sick building syndrome and ensuring that the indoor environment supports the health and comfort of the people who live and work in those spaces.

This focus on ventilation rates is fundamental because the quality of indoor air directly affects overall comfort and well-being. Proper ventilation also helps control various contaminants that can accumulate indoors, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, and particulate matter, which can have significant implications for health and productivity.

While controlling humidity levels and managing temperature variances are certainly important aspects of maintaining indoor comfort and can impact air quality, they are not the primary objectives of this particular standard in isolation. Energy consumption is a consideration in HVAC design, but it is not the central aim of the Indoor Air Quality Procedure. The essence of ASHRAE Standard 62-1989 is grounded in achieving a balance of proper ventilation to enhance indoor air quality effectively.