What is the primary purpose of continuous monitoring and testing of ventilation performance?

• A. To document energy savings only.
• B. To ensure ongoing compliance with IAQ criteria and design intent.
• C. To verify occupant comfort after move-in.
• D. To determine the color of walls.

Answer: (B)

Continuous monitoring and testing keeps ventilation performance aligned with IAQ criteria and the designer’s intent throughout the building’s life. Over time, occupancy patterns, equipment aging, filter loading, and control drift can cause actual ventilation rates and pollutant levels to diverge from the design. By continuously tracking things like outdoor air delivery, airflow, and pollutant indicators (for example CO2, VOCs, or particulate levels), the system can confirm that the ventilation is providing the intended outdoor air fraction and filtration effectiveness. When a fault or drift occurs—such as a damper not opening fully or a filter bypass—the monitoring signals alert facilities to take corrective actions, maintaining healthy IAQ for occupants. While energy use and comfort are related considerations, the primary purpose here is to ensure ongoing compliance with IAQ criteria and the original design intent.