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Mechanical / HVACaka: MAUaka: supply air unitaka: dedicated outdoor air system

Makeup Air Unit

In Plain English

A unit that brings in and conditions fresh outdoor air to replace air being exhausted from a building.

Definition

A dedicated air handling unit that supplies conditioned outdoor air to replace air exhausted from a building or space. Makeup air units are required when large exhaust systems—such as kitchen hoods or laboratory fume hoods—create negative pressure that could cause combustion appliance backdrafting or occupant discomfort. They typically include heating and sometimes cooling and humidity control.

Example

A 10,000 CFM makeup air unit above the commercial kitchen supplies tempered air to replace the volume exhausted by the hood system.

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