Description

Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD) distributes heating, ventilation, and cooling in commercial office buildings. In addition to superior indoor air quality, UFAD enables designers to reduce building height by up to one foot per floor and minimize overhead service work. UFAD also improves space aesthetics by removing unsightly ductwork and increases rentable square footage per floor plate. These benefits, coupled with lower first costs and energy savings, have made UFAD a promising choice for new construction, tenant fit-outs, and higher education. Join us in learning more about the benefits and capabilities of Underfloor Air Distribution Systems.

Sponsored by:

Speaker:

Drew Maggio  joined HIGHMARK as Technical Director in 2023 and has since played a pivotal role in augmenting the business. He has strengthened HIGHMARK’s presence and partnerships through his strategic engagement with industry groups such as NESEA, NY-Geo, and NY Passive House. Additionally, he ensures that NYSERDA is aware of HIGHMARK’s manufacturer’s capabilities, securing funding and development opportunities to drive innovation. He supports HIGHMARK and it’s manufacturing partners in special projects and evaluating novel technologies in the HVAC and Plumbing industry.

Continued Education:

• AIA Credits: 1 LU - TBD
• PHI Credits: 1 LU - TBD
• PHIUS Credits: 1 LU

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the impacts of Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD) on building performance within the Passive House framework, including its influence on thermal comfort, air change effectiveness, and latent and sensible load control for energy modeling. Recognize the operational benefits of Underfloor Air Distribution specifically for commercial office space applications.
• Compare and quantify the energy performance and efficiency advantages of UFAD systems versus conventional ducted HVAC and ceiling return plenum assemblies using Passive House performance criteria as benchmarks.
• Deconstruct the key components of Underfloor Air Distribution systems, such as raised access floor plenums, low-velocity diffusers, and underfloor air handlers, and evaluate how their design, leakage characteristics, and control strategies integrate with Passive House airtightness, ventilation balancing, and heat recovery requirements.
• Evaluate the architectural and enclosure design implications of specifying UFAD in a Passive House project, including effects on slab-to-slab height, distribution strategy, thermal bridging risk, integration with the thermal envelope, and aesthetic outcomes while maintaining Passive House design targets.