Presents the results of air leakage measurments in 18 single-family detached houses at the Midway substation, Hanford, Washington, performed as part of the Bonneville Power Administration Energy Conservation Study. Compares the change in energy consumption following various retrofit strategies. Measures air leakage in each house with the fan pressurization technique, before and after retrofits are installed.
Assesses the impact of energy-conserving retrofits on air leakage and indoor air quality for several houses that are part of a weatherization programme in the Pacific Northwest offered by a power and light company. Indoor air quality was measured using the Energy Efficient Buildings (EEB) mobile laboratory containing sampling, monitoring, and calibration equipment. Leakage area of the building envelope was determined using the fan pressurization technique.
Describes air leakage tests performed in 2 similar houses (one with added insulation and increased airtightness) using the fan pressurization method. Air infiltration measurements were also conducted using the tracer gas decay method and CO2
The Heimdal project concludes that airtight houses can be built. Measurement results from 11 detached houses indicate an average leakage factor of 0.9. Building regulations in Norway require a value below 4 and NBI's field investigations indicate that there have been problems in complying with this requirement. The results from the trial houses have been achieved through the implementation of available methods but construction on site has been carefully planned and executed.
Air leakage tests (using the fan pressurisation method) were conducted on four schools, before and after they were retrofitted, in order to determine the effectiveness of various measures for reducing leakage. Caulking wall joints will generally reduce air leakage and is worthwhile if the joints are accessible. Replacing leaky windows will also improve airtightness but may not be cost effective. Routine inspection of outside dampers of the air handling system can help ensure continued airtightness of schools.
Reports the results of an experimental assessment of the effect of a chimney on the air leakage characteristic of an unoccupied two-storey detached house heated by either gas or electric furnace. Measurements were taken of air tightness values and air infiltration rates with the chimney capped anduncapped.
Describes the results obtained and the problems encountered in the sealing and testing of 15 homes in Ottawa Ontario, for the Ontarion Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Gives a data summary for the 15 homes, outlining house characteristics, reductions in air leakage, materials and time needed. Finds that the average air leakage reduction is 38.7%, and the average time taken to perform the sealing and testing is 31 hrs. Covers:
Gives a brief survey of aspects of research into air infiltration. Discusses methods of measurement of ventilation rates and of building leakiness, covering the infrasonic and pressurisation methods of leakage testing, and thermography and tracer gas methods of measuring ventilation rates. Describes the available techniques for predicting leakiness and infiltration rates, and discusses their ease of application and accuracy. Concludes that the achievements of research to date are sound methods of measuring leakiness and infiltration rates.
Two series of pressurisation and ventilation measurements have been made in a low-energy house. One of the objectives of the work was to assess the extent to which the ventilation pattern of the house could be improved by modifying its leakage distribution. The first series of measurements was interpreted to understand the ventilation pattern and to make recommendations for the modifications. The second series was used to find out the effects of the modifications.
This parameter study with the IMG calculation model for ventilation is an attempt at forming some background for decisions relating to the preparation of a standard in the Netherlands. From the results one can see that air tightness and the heat loss caused by infiltration cannot be considered as a simple linear relationship .
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