This paper deals with the concept of energy efficient houses as integrated systems. Quantitative analysis is used to show that evenly distributed insulation is more effective than excessive insulation applied to only one element of a house and that ventilation rates are a critical factor in determining the magnitude of energy loss. For a new approach to be adopted on a large scale, it is suggested that a means to implement Planned Change is required. Various models to bring about this change are discussed with an indication of the final recipe used for a demonstration project.
A mobile laboratory has been constructed for the sensory analysis of air quality in the field. It is used as a human exposure chamber for prolonged exposure to low concentration pollutants, a generator chamber for air pollutants, and a pollut
Evaluates the space-conditioning energy conservation potentials of landscapes designed to ameliorate building microclimates. The physical bases for vegetative modifications of climate are discussed, and results of past study of the effects of vegetation on space-conditioning energy consumption in buildings are reviewed. The state-of-the-art of energy-conserving landscape designs is assessed and recommendations are presented for further research. Landscaping mobile houses and single family dwellings is considered.
Volatile organic chemicals in indoor air of a home-for-the-elderly and a new local government office building were identified and quantified using Texax GCR samplers and capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. Over three hundred chemicals were tentatively identified in indoor air of thehome-for-the-elderly. Comparison of night-day levels were made. The new office building was also part of a longitudinal study which revealed a rapid decrease in levels with time for some chemicals (after completion) while others increased.
A report from the research and development programme Domestic Ventilation is presented. Describes quantitative and qualitative experimental investigations in two flexible test houses of identical size, structure and thermal insulation to compare various ventilation installations and devices under natural weather conditions. The comparative criteria were air infiltration rates and air change, ventilation heat losses, operational behaviour, possible requirement of auxiliary energy, problems and weak points.
Air leaks which can bypass attic insulation in US wood framed houses are identified. Examples of heat loss paths include gaps at the entry of plumbing, heating or cooling ducts and electrics gaps around flues, and trapdoors. Remedial measures discussed include stuffing gaps with fibreglass, weatherstripping, taping polythene sheet over gaps, sealing and insulating ducts, and covering ceiling fan vents during the winter.
Briefly deals with Finnish research into formaldehyde concentrations in modern dwellings. Describes materials and methods used by the Institute of Occupational Health in Finland to measure formaldehyde concentrations in more than 100 dwellings. Ventilation rates have also been measured in 35 rooms in 20 dwellings, and 46% have been below the minimum acceptable value of 0.5 ach.Where the ventilation rate exceeded 0.5 ach only 9% of the measured HCHO concentrations exceeded the limit value for old houses.
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%.
Describes energy use in Swedish homes from 1963 to 1980 using data assembled and analysed for the first time. Changes in energy use by fuel and purpose before and after the 1973 oil price rise are illustrated and discussed, and savings in space heating in the year 1980, compared with the pre-embargo period, are quantified.
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