Make Up Air Units Explained

MUA units make up the air that gets exhausted from kitchen, bathroom, and dryer exhaust systems to maintain balanced airflow in buildings.

MUA units are generally located at the top of the building, either in the mechanical room or on the roof.

Balancing building pressure is important to prevent noise complaints and smells in hallways.

Air balancing ensures each floor receives the proper amount of air by adjusting hallway grills and measuring airflow in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM).

MUA systems temper the air in winter to prevent icy cold air from being delivered to hallways.

VFDs control and slow down the motor operation, saving energy by reducing airflow when less is needed.

Regular maintenance is important to change filters, inspect belts and motors, and lubricate inlet dampers to ensure proper functioning.

MUA units improve indoor air quality by ensuring a constant supply of fresh air, reducing the concentration of indoor pollutants.

MUA units contribute to energy efficiency by recovering heat from exhaust air and using it to preheat incoming fresh air, reducing the need for additional heating.

Common safety features in MUA systems include fire dampers, smoke detectors, and automatic shut-off controls to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.