What is one potential issue with exhaust fans during testing?

What is one potential issue with exhaust fans during testing?

• A. Exhaust fans operating unexpectedly
• B. Exhaust fans failing to turn on
• C. Exhaust fans shutting off too frequently
• D. Exhaust fans not shutting off when scheduled

Answer: (D)

In the context of whole-building airtightness testing, a key concern with exhaust fans during testing is that they may not shut off when scheduled. When exhaust fans continue to operate despite being scheduled to be turned off, they can create an unintended negative pressure in the building envelope. This can lead to inaccurate test results. The primary goal during testing is to measure the airtightness of the building accurately, which requires controlling environmental factors, including airflow that can be affected by these fans. If the exhaust fans are not shut off as planned, they can introduce additional air leakage pathways and skew the data collected, thus misleading the assessment of the building’s airtightness. In contrast, the other issues—such as exhaust fans operating unexpectedly, failing to turn on, or shutting off too frequently—can also cause complications but are generally more manageable or less impactful during the testing process compared to the issue of fans not shutting off at all.

In the context of whole-building airtightness testing, a key concern with exhaust fans during testing is that they may not shut off when scheduled. When exhaust fans continue to operate despite being scheduled to be turned off, they can create an unintended negative pressure in the building envelope. This can lead to inaccurate test results. The primary goal during testing is to measure the airtightness of the building accurately, which requires controlling environmental factors, including airflow that can be affected by these fans. If the exhaust fans are not shut off as planned, they can introduce additional air leakage pathways and skew the data collected, thus misleading the assessment of the building’s airtightness.

In contrast, the other issues—such as exhaust fans operating unexpectedly, failing to turn on, or shutting off too frequently—can also cause complications but are generally more manageable or less impactful during the testing process compared to the issue of fans not shutting off at all.