Describes air sealing of existing homes by sealants, weatherstripping, air-vapour barriers, and other techniques. Discusses principles of air exchange, moisture movement, air sealing, control of indoor air quality, and combustion air. Identifies procedures for assessing air sealing measures in individual houses. Describes materials for air sealing and their applications.
This report focuses on the repair and upgrading of existing windows to acceptable levels of air and thermal resistance. Improvements to existing windows can be effectively achieved for as low as 25 to 50 cents per square foot by caulking and weatherstripping the primary window and then installing an inexpensive interior storm window. 27 interior storm window products are examined and details of design, operation and performance are given. Air infiltration test results are also examined and the thermal performance of each window system in terms of whole house energy savings is evaluated.
Describes methods of predicting concentration levels of indoor air pollution in a variety of residences by using residence air infiltration rates, residence volumes, and source terms, and by making assumptions about occupant lifestyle and poll
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.
Presents the analysis of the effect of energy saving retrofits installed in low-income housing under a nationwide weatherization demonstration program. Weatherization techniques included caulking and weatherstripping, insulation and modification or replacement of heating systems. Two years of pre-retrofit fuel consumption data were analyzed to predict energy usage if the house had not been retrofitted. Energy reduction due to retrofitting was calculated from this. The average saving in fuel consumption for retrofitted dwellings was 30%.
Reports on a project carried out in the Caswell Hill and Riversdale areas of Saskatoon to investigate the effectiveness of sealing with caulking and weatherstripping to reduce air leakage. This involved sealing 10 homes, and also insulating the attics and basements of five of these houses after thesealing work. A control group of 10 homes which had been insulated without particular attention being given to sealing procedures were also monitored. The homes were pressure tested by the National Research Council before and after sealing to measure the reduction in air leakage.
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.
Describes "house doctoring", a combination energy audit and energy-saving retrofit procedure developed at LBL and Princeton University. House doctoring analyzes areas of energy loss, and locates and eliminates air infiltration sites by using special diagnostic equipment, such as the "blower door" forpressurisation tests. The first part of the manual provides an introduction and overview of house doctoring, including the nature of heat loss in buildings and the tools and techniques used to reduce it.
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:
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