Step 1: Gather Information
Questions to ask:
- What type of problems are there?
- When did they first occur?
- What do you think the problem is?
- Are people experiencing any symptoms?
- Do symptoms improve when leaving the building?
- Are symptoms more prevalent at certain locations in the building?
- Are symptoms more prevalent at certain times of the day, days of the week, or after certain activities?
- Any reported doctors visits?
- Have there been documented air quality issues in the past?
- Have any other assessments been done in the building?
- Do you anticipate any legal action?
- Any recent renovations or new furnishings?
- Any construction in the area?
- How old is the building?
- Is there any known or suspected asbestos or lead in the building? Is there a management plan?
- How is the building heated and cooled?
- Is it a constant volume or variable air volume system?
- Where is the HVAC system located?
- How is the building ventilated?
- How old is the HVAC system?
- What type of filtration is used in the HVAC system?
- How often are filters changed? On what basis, timing or pressure drop?
- Is the return air ducted or does it use a plenum?