house

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 .

The needs, history, procedures, and past case studies for the house doctor approach are outlined. This program of individualized instrumented energy audits and retrofits has reached a stage in development where steadily increasing numbers of house doctors are envisioned for the years immediately ahead.

Measurements made in Finland have shown that the airtightness of many small houses is lower then the level of requirements specified in Sweden. States that the most important areas for sealing up external walls in concrete structures are the joints in the internal shell, the joints between concrete and timber structures, and the joints between door and window frames. All these areas can be made airtight by using appropriate materials and construction methods. In general, the air tightness of small concrete houseshas been found to be good and to comply with the specified requirements.

Measures air infiltration and tightness of Swedish houses using the tracer gas technique and the fan pressurisation technique. Uses a previously developed model correlating air tightness and infiltration to evaluate the performance of Swedish homes. Shows that it is difficult to achieve the recommended minimum ventilation rate according to the Swedish Building Code by relying on natural air infiltration. Most new homes do, however meet the Code's stringent air tightness requirements. A comparison with American houses show that Swedish homes are very tight.

Reports on a comparative study of residential infiltration as predicted by computer model and as measured in the Mobile Infiltration Test Unit (MITU) as well as in selected test houses, both occupied and unoccupied. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted on each parameter contained in the model against data obtained from MITU.

Reports measurements on air transport through homes made by a committee working a Dutch Standard on Heating Load Calculation similar to DIN 4701, but taking account of air infiltration losses through joints and cracks between glazing, window-frame and facade construction. Describes the measuring method applied. Tables air leakage coefficients c and flow exponents, n ,of a number of flats and single family houses. Also tables c and n values of cracks according to type of construction and material, use of weather strips and measuring institute.

Describes detailed experimental analysis of the low energy Plainevaux House with regard to:< 1. Air infiltration, measured by the decay rate of CO2 tracer gas< 2. Air tightness, measured by the fan pressurization technique< 3. The evolution of inside temperature in a period of no-heating< 4. The corresponding air contamination.

Measures the air infiltration in individual rooms of a one-storey airtight house, using a special tracer gas measurement technique. Concludes that the overall ventilation rate was very low for the test house, although it had mechanical ventilation (exhaust fan). States that the best way of getting adequate ventilation is to install a ventilation system with built-in routes where fresh air can enter the building. This should either be balanced ventilation system or an exhaust fan system with special vents to the outside for supplying fresh air.

Investigates the effect of energy-saving measures by selecting a large number of multi-family and single-family swedish houses where such measures have been carried out. Energy saving methods include insulation of external walls and attics, triple glazing windows, and installation of radiator thermostatic valves. Concludes that these modifications have, in average, led to anticipated savings when they have been modified individually. Also considers moisture problems arising in retrofitted houses, and the effectiveness of different types of weatherstrips in energy conservation.

Assesses the quality of retrofit work carried out in 329 Swedish houses, which had received government energy-saving funds. Describes the selection of dwellings, the measurement methods employed (including thermography, pressure testing, tracer gas and heat flow) and the results.< In most houses, insulation work in attics and on external walls had been carried out satisfactorily. However, the houses were still not air tight and exhibited high ventilation figures (for pressure tests 8 air exchanges per hour at 50 Pa and for tracer gas tests 0.6 air exchanges per hour).