Underground Parking Garages

The International Mechanical Code (IMC) and the American Society of Heating Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning (ASHRAE) have established the standardization of proper ventilation in all enclosed parking garage facilities throughout North America. This standardization within a garage building stipulates that these specialized ventilation systems must run continuously throughout the day and night during open business hours. The only exception to this continuous ventilation, is if the building is using carbon monoxide detecting sensors. In this case, the ventilation is not demand controlled by these sensors / controls.

CO sensor based systems are a great alternative to running ventilation systems continuously since they can save the building owner a considerable amount of money over time due to reduce usage of electricity. These CO sensor controls are quite accurate and are typically set to trip the fans or ventilation to ON when they detect 35 parts per million (PPM). Once the contaminated atmosphere has been evacuated from the building, the ventilation will turn OFF automatically, and remain OFF until the CO levels have reached the trip point once again.

Another reason these ventilation systems play such a vital role in sealed buildings or subterranean garage facilities is because, in many of these buildings there are full HVAC (heating, ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems. Since the building itself, as well as the vehicles that occupy the building can create gases beyond just carbon dioxide, it is important that proper replacement of harmful air with a fresh air supply be implemented. This is done using 3 types of fans / blowers: 1) Air Supply Fans or Make-Up Air Fans for the bring in of fresh uncontaminated air 2) Transfer or Induction Fans which move the air from the Air Supply Fans to the Exhaust Fans for proper circulation 3) Exhaust Fans for the removal of stale or contaminated air  

Another harmful contaminant that can occur in a sealed buildings atmospheric environment is Radon, which can cause sick building disease.

It is important to have proper air supply and air exhaust, along with air circulation throughout the entire building, as well as within the parking garage itself. When constructing your facility, be sure to choose high quality ventilation equipment. This will reduce down time due to malfunctions and repairs of cheaper quality products.  

Industrial Fans Direct can help you find the right equipment and manufacturer  for the job: Call 866.727.1060