TLDR

• Poppy launched Direct Ventilation Monitoring (DVM) to measure outdoor air delivery in each building zone against ASHRAE 62.1 standards, helping identify under- or over-ventilation.
• The system uses sensors at outdoor-air intakes and inside zones to track actual ventilation, offering clear data for property managers, contractors, and owners to optimize comfort and energy use.
• DVM supports smarter HVAC management by enabling ongoing monitoring, better ventilation adjustments, and creating new service opportunities for contractors.

On November 5, 2026, Poppy launched Direct Ventilation Monitoring (DVM), a new system that measures outdoor air reaching each occupied zone in commercial buildings. It compares these measurements to targets set by ASHRAE 62.1, a standard that defines proper ventilation levels for indoor air quality. This continuous, zone-level tracking helps property managers, HVAC contractors, and building owners spot under- or over-ventilation. By providing clear, real-time data, DVM supports smarter ventilation adjustments and better energy use without relying on one-time inspections or damper positions alone.

Standards and verification: ASHRAE 62.1, made simple

ASHRAE 62.1 is a key standard that sets ventilation targets for commercial buildings. It defines how much outdoor air each space should receive to keep indoor air fresh and healthy. Poppy’s Direct Ventilation Monitoring (DVM) system tracks the actual outdoor air delivered to each zone and compares it to these targets. This data creates clear, easy-to-understand records that help property managers and contractors verify ventilation performance. With accurate zone-level reports, you can have focused, data-driven discussions about system settings and adjustments. It’s important to remember that any work involving dampers, controls, or electrical systems should be handled by qualified professionals. Proper installation and servicing ensure safety and maintain system reliability.

Who benefits and how the work changes

Property managers gain clear data on outdoor air delivery by zone. This helps them plan ventilation resets, adjust schedules, and give vendors specific information. HVAC contractors can expand their services by installing sensors, verifying ventilation levels, and fine-tuning systems over time. This creates ongoing work beyond one-time installations. Building owners benefit by spotting zones that get too much or too little outdoor air. This helps cut energy waste from over-ventilation and prevents under-ventilation that can harm comfort and compliance. Overall, this technology changes the way teams work by shifting from guesswork to data-driven decisions, making ventilation management smarter and more efficient for everyone involved.

How DVM works in plain English

Poppy’s Direct Ventilation Monitoring (DVM) uses one sensor placed at the outdoor-air intake and several small, battery-powered sensors installed in key zones inside the building. These sensors detect a shared tracer gas in the air, which acts like a fingerprint to track fresh outdoor air as it moves through the system. The DVM software compares the timing and pattern of tracer gas levels outside with those inside each zone. This comparison helps estimate exactly how much outdoor air reaches each occupied space. The results appear on easy-to-read dashboards. Zones are clearly marked as below, on, or above their target ventilation levels based on ASHRAE 62.1 standards. The system also tracks these readings over time, helping managers and contractors see trends and make informed adjustments to ventilation settings.

Actions for HVAC365 customers

Property managers can start by booking a strategy call to plan a pilot project on floors where outdoor air delivery varies the most. This helps target adjustments more effectively. HVAC contractors have access to a dedicated portal where they can find deployment kits, checklists, and track orders in real time. This streamlines installation and ongoing support. Building owners and their teams should explore indoor air quality sensors and ventilation controls available through HVAC365. These tools provide guidance and help maintain proper ventilation levels. Each group has clear next steps to make the most of Poppy’s Direct Ventilation Monitoring technology and improve building airflow management.

Key Takeaways

• Poppy’s Direct Ventilation Monitoring (DVM) measures outdoor air delivery in each occupied zone of a commercial building, ensuring ventilation meets ASHRAE 62.1 standards for healthy and efficient airflow.
• DVM helps property managers pinpoint zones with too much or too little outdoor air, supporting smarter ventilation adjustments and better energy use.
• HVAC contractors gain new opportunities for ongoing work by deploying sensors, verifying ventilation, and optimizing controls with DVM technology.
• Building owners can reduce energy waste from over-ventilation and avoid under-ventilation issues by using zone-level data instead of relying on damper positions or one-time checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Direct Ventilation Monitoring (DVM) and how does it work?

DVM is a system that measures how much outdoor air reaches each occupied zone in a commercial building. It uses a sensor at the outdoor-air intake and battery-powered sensors in key zones to track a common air tracer. By comparing outdoor and indoor tracer levels, it estimates actual outdoor air delivery for each zone.

Why is meeting ASHRAE 62.1 ventilation targets important?

ASHRAE 62.1 sets standards for outdoor air ventilation to ensure healthy indoor air quality in commercial spaces. Meeting these targets helps balance comfort, energy use, and safety by providing enough fresh air without wasting heating or cooling energy.

Who benefits most from using DVM technology?

Property managers can use DVM data to adjust ventilation and plan energy use more precisely. HVAC contractors gain recurring work through sensor installation and system optimization. Building owners avoid energy waste from over-ventilation and catch under-ventilated zones that don’t meet design goals.

How does DVM improve on traditional ventilation monitoring methods?

Unlike relying only on damper positions or one-time inspections, DVM continuously measures actual outdoor air delivery at the zone level. This provides accurate, real-time data to identify zones receiving too much or too little fresh air, enabling smarter adjustments and better system performance.

Related Topics: Direct Ventilation Monitoring, ASHRAE 62.1, outdoor air tracking, HVAC efficiency, zone-level ventilation, HVAC maintenance, home comfort, energy efficiency, HVAC monitoring, ventilation standards, HVAC adjustments, HVAC technology