TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: Contaminant Control, which includes strategies to prevent contaminants from entering HVAC systems during construction to maintain indoor air quality.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, Option 3: Construction Indoor Air Quality Management (1–2 points)
During construction, seal off all duct boots and vents after HVAC rough-in installation to prevent dust, debris, and other contaminants from entering the system, ensuring clean air distribution upon occupancy.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Contaminant Control
Sealing duct boots and vents during construction is a required step to prevent contamination of HVAC systems, protecting indoor air quality.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isseal off all duct boots and vents(Option C), as this prevents contaminants from entering the HVAC system during construction, aligning with the credit’s requirements.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148., B. Open all the windows in the house: This may help with ventilation but does not protect HVAC systems from construction debris.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148., D. Install temporary fans throughout the house: Temporary fans are not a specified strategy for this credit.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EQ credits, including contaminant control during construction, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of duct sealing., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148., LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits)., LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4)., USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4)., LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming contaminant control strategies., ]
