According to ASHRAE Standard 62-1989, what is the ventilation rate per person recommended for office spaces?

• A. 15 CFM
• B. 25 CFM
• C. 30 CFM
• D. 35 CFM

Answer: (B)

The recommended ventilation rate per person for office spaces under ASHRAE Standard 62-1989 is 25 CFM (cubic feet per minute). This standard emphasizes the importance of adequate ventilation to ensure healthy indoor air quality and occupant comfort. Ventilation helps dilute and remove indoor pollutants, including carbon dioxide and other potentially harmful substances, thereby enhancing overall air quality.

Setting the ventilation rate at 25 CFM aims to strike a balance between ensuring a healthy environment and managing energy consumption, making it a key guideline for HVAC professionals to follow in designing and maintaining ventilation systems in commercial and residential settings. This rate is specifically tailored to accommodate the needs of typical office environments, where occupant density and activity levels can generate a variety of contaminants that require adequate air exchange to maintain a safe environment.