Pressure pans are often misused, and the information they provide can mislead the inexperienced. Bruce Manclark of Delta-T Incorporated (Eugene, Oregon) and Jeffrey Siegel, formerly of Ecotope Incorporated (Seattle, Washington), investigate how mistakes are made, and share their research into one strategy for more accurate pan readings.
Uncontrolled air infiltration in buildings is compromising energy efficiency and wrecking attempts to reduce CO2 emissions. The time is right to act. This month, Building Services Journal announces a joint initiative involving the CIBSE, BRE and the BSRIA, aimed at improving building airtightness. In an exclusive report, ClBSE president Geoffrey Brundrett launches the airtightness campaign.
This report is one of a series giving practical advice on methods of reducing radon levels in existing dwellings. It is intended to help surveyors, builders and householders who are trying to reduce indoor radon levels by positive pressurisation. The report is based on a large body of remedial work carried out to advice from the Building Research Establishment (BRE), and on discussions with others working in the field. The measures it describes are applicable, in principle, to all dwellings and similar buildings.
Building diagnosticians routinely use measurements of differential pressures, building and duct system airtightness, and mechanical system airflow when investigating air quality, comfort, durability, and energy use problems in commercial and residential buildings. Unfortunately, wind and other sources of noise can create large pressure fluctuations which significantly increase the variability of these measurements, often to the point where they can not be relied upon in the diagnosis of performance problems, or as quality control indicators.
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