In Sweden there are two major sources to indoor radon, the building material and radon from uranium rich soils. It is now widely accepted that indoor radon daughter concentration in Sweden, higher than 1000 Bq/m3 is most frequently caused by
A database on the airtightness performance of houses built according to current construction practices (1980 to 82) was established, province by province, across Canada. Airtightness tests were conducted using the fan-depressurisation method and the results were compared by province, builder, house style, and house size. The survey shows considerable variation in the leakiness of the houses when the results are compared by province. Less variation in airtightness exists when the houses are compared by builder, house style, and house size on a provincial basis.
Examines the behaviour of buildings with regard to ventilation and air leakage. Calculation of the air leakage of a building involves application of well known and accepted relationships concerning hydrodynamics and aerodynamics. Sets out some elementary cases in order to illustrate thecalculation procedure, and to show the way in which air leakage is dependent on the type of ventilation system in the building.
Describes a 2 year study sponsored by EPRI to ivestigate relationships between energy use, air infiltration and indoor air quality. Uses 2 bi-level, detached houses, identical in design and wind exposure. Continuously monitors parameters related to related to energy use, air infiltration, and indoor air quality.
Presents the results of tests on the air leakage characteristics of a number of different energy conservation products applied to a double hung window. Gives air leakage characteristics under simulated in-situ conditions atvarious wind speeds for the different products. Results show that interior shutters perform best, followed by interior storm windows, a reflective shade, quilts and standard window shades. Within a group, products involving perimeter sealing give the best air leakage characteristics.
Tests of airtightness and raintightness of windows have been carried out continuously at the Swedish National Testing Institute since 1977. As many factors such as size, material, method of opening and type of weatherstrip employed can all vary among windows tested, it is not easy to draw conclusions about the influence of any one factor. Test results for each window are also strongly influenced by the workmanship and quality of the individual window.
Leakage measurements of houses are common practice in many countries, partly because they are needed for predicting ventilation rates. To use the measurements in this way it is usually necessary to fit an equation to the measured leakage data, so that the data can be extended into the region of interest. At present, the power-law equation is generally chosen for the curve fit. Considers a new approach using a quadratic equation. Shows that there can be large differences between the 2 equations, so the choice of equation is important.
A major pathway for loss of conditioned air in east Tennessee homes with externally located HVAC systems is leakage in the ductwork. The effect on infiltration rates, as measured by Freon-12 tracer gas dilution, becomes marked if the central duct fan is operating. Duct fan on and duct fan off measurements of the rate of air exchange gave mean values of 0.41 and 0.78 ach respectively in a total of 31 homes.
Describes a simple method to calculate the leakage area of a house regardless of design or weather conditions. The leakage area is used in the LBL infiltration model to calculate infiltration for any weather condition. This method, which uses fan pressurization to measure leakage area has been used in a survey of over 300 houses located through out North America. Presents the results of that survey and suggests that the present capability in air infiltration modelling offers an excellent framework for an air leakage standard for residential buildings.
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