What is the purpose of Outside Air Controls in HVAC systems?

• A. To control minimum outside air, air-side economizer, and demand controlled ventilation.
• B. To monitor indoor lighting levels.
• C. To regulate humidity solely.
• D. To sequence ductwork.

Answer: (A)

Outside Air Controls govern how much outdoor air is brought into the building and when, balancing IAQ needs with energy use. They ensure the system meets the minimum outdoor air required for ventilation, enable the air-side economizer to bring in outdoor air when conditions are favorable to reduce cooling energy, and implement demand-controlled ventilation to adjust outdoor air flow based on occupancy or IAQ signals. This combination keeps ventilation sufficient for air quality while avoiding unnecessary energy waste. Other options don’t describe this control scope: monitoring lighting is a separate building system function, humidity regulation is handled by dedicated humidification/dehumidification controls, and sequencing ductwork is about the order and timing of air handling operations rather than outdoor air management.