Most folks think that opening a window in your unit is how you get fresh air. However, your unit has another source of fresh air – “make-up” air. Make-up air is pulled in from the roof, heated or cooled as needed, then piped throughout the building.
- Podium units have make-up air pumped into the hallways, and have gaps under the unit front doors to let the air in. If you’re having trouble with condensation in the winter, make sure that gap is clear.
- Tower units have make-up air pumped directly into each unit, coming in via either the hot air return duct, or else into the utility room. This is why it’s important to have your utility room door closed when the HVAC is running, it ensures air is pulled in as designed.
The intake for the MAU. You can see air filters just past the louvers. Farther back, there’s a gas-fired heater to warm the air if needed
This is the A/C for the MAU, it cools the make-up air if needed.
Shining a light into the air return register shows the MAU pipe delivering fresh air to my unit. The other side of the register goes to the HVAC in the utility room
In the podium units, MAU air enters the unit through the door gap
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