2009 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code. International Code Council, Washington, D.C.
Continuously Operating Ventilation and Exhaust Fans
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Scope
Ventilation Controls
Continuously operating ventilation and exhaust fans include readily accessible override controls:
- Install continuously operating ventilation and exhaust fans that have override control accessories.
- Install override controls for all fans in an easily accessible location.
Notes:
Override Control Location
It is important for HVAC contractors and electricians to locate the override controls for continuously operating ventilation and exhaust fans in a location easily accessible to the homeowner. It is also important to properly label these controls. If controls are not properly labeled, fans may be mistakenly turned off.
Override Control Location Recommendations:
Locate the labeled control near the thermostat, creating a control center for the homeowner. This allows the homeowner to access the majority of the HVAC system controls in one place. This setup is ideal for ventilation systems, such as ERVs and HRVs, that may be located in inaccessible places.
Locate a switch on the electrical panel with a label. This prevents accidental turn off of fans and also provides one switch for all fans. This setup is ideal for a house that has multiple continuously running exhaust fans.
Some bath exhaust fans have internal override systems, either on the electrical switch plate or defined in the manufacturer’s manual. These exhaust fans meet the requirement as long as the override is accessible.
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Description
To meet ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation requirements, the HVAC designer may specify that an exhaust fan should be set for continuous operation. In homes with continuously operating ventilation and exhaust fans, it is important for HVAC contractors and electricians to select fans that have override controls and that they locate the override controls in a location easily accessible to the homeowner. It is also important to properly label these controls. If controls are not properly labeled, fans may be mistakenly turned off.
For more on continuously operating exhaust fans and ASHRAE 62.2 requirements, see Obvious Ventilation Controls, Bathroom Exhaust, Continuous Supply/Exhaust Fan Ratings, and Bathroom Ran Ratings.
How to Locate the Override Controls
The installer has three options for locating the override controls:
1. Locate the labeled control switch on a wall next to the thermostat. This creates a control center for the homeowner, allowing the homeowner to access the majority of the HVAC system controls in one place. This setup is ideal for ventilation systems, such as ERVs and HRVs that may be located in inaccessible places.
Figure 1 - The ventilation controller is located next to the thermostat creating a control center for the homeowner. The ventilation controller has a manual override button. 
2. Locate a switch on the electrical panel with a label. In a house with multiple continuously running exhaust fans, all of the fans can be wired to one switch on the electrical panel. Because the switch is out of sight, although easily accessible, this option can help prevent the fans from being accidentally turned off.
Figure 2 - In a home with several exhaust fans, all of the fans can be wired to one labeled switch at the electrical panel.
3. Exhaust fan models that have an internal override system, either on the electrical switch plate or as defined in the manufacturer’s manual, can meet the requirement as long as the override is accessible. Figure 3 shows a ventilation controller for a central air handler fan. Figure 4 shows a bath exhaust fan ventilation controller that is installed in the outlet box under the switch plate. It can be set by the HVAC technician for continuous operation, delayed shut off, or a set amount of minutes each hour. The fan will run continuously or automatically come on once per hour for the set ventilation time. The occupant moves the toggle switch up to turn on the fan and light and down to turn the light off. The fan will run continuously or for a set delay time to meet the required ventilation amount. Any manual fan operation and delay operation will be subtracted from the ventilation time for that hour. To override or cancel the delay time, the occupants can move the toggle up again for at least 1 second then down again. The fan will shut off, canceling the set delay time.
Figure 3 - This ventilation controller, which has an obvious override switch, is located on a central air handler fan that is located in an accessible location.
Figure 4 - This bath exhaust fan ventilation control can be set by the HVAC technician for continuous operation, delayed shut off, or a set amount of minutes each hour. To override the delay time, move toggle up again for at least 1 second then down again, to shut off the fan, canceling the set delay time.
Ensuring Success
In homes with continuously operating ventilation and exhaust fans, the HERS rater should inspect to ensure that the fans include readily accessible override controls.
Climate
No climate specific information applies.
Right and Wrong Images
Presentations
None Available
Videos
None Available
CAD Images
None Available
Compliance
ENERGY STAR Version 3, (Rev. 6)
HVAC System Quality Checklist, Controls. Continuously-operating ventilation and exhaust fans include readily accessible override controls.
Exhibit 1: Mandatory Requirements. Certified under ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Version 3.
Continuously operating ventilation and exhaust fan controls are not specifically addressed in the 2009 IECC.
Continuously operating ventilation and exhaust fan controls are not specifically addressed in the 2009 IRC.
Section R403.5 Mechanical ventilation (Mandatory). Building ventilation must meet the requirements of the International Residential Code or International Mechanical Code, as applicable, or have another approved means of ventilation.
Continuously operating ventilation and exhaust fan controls are not specifically addressed in the 2012 IRC.
Case Studies
None Available
References
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2009 IECC—International Energy Conservation Code
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2009 IRC—International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings
2009 IRC, International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings. 2009. Fifth Printing. International Code Council, Washington, D.C.
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2012 IECC—International Energy Conservation Code
2012 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code. International Code Council, Washington, D.C.
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2012 IRC—International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings
2012 IRC, International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings. 2012. Second Printing. International Code Council, Washington, D.C.
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ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings
ASHRAE. 2010. ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings. Atlanta: American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.
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DOE Challenge Home National Program Requirements
DOE. 2012. DOE Challenge Home National Program Requirements (Rev. 02). Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C.
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ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 06) Inspection Checklist for National Program Requirements
EPA. 2012. ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 06) Inspection Checklist for National Program Requirements. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
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HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist
EPA. 2011. HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
