Sources of radon and the high levels of radon in many locations and building materials in Sweden are considered. Improvements in energy conservation through the reduction of ventilation rate have lead to very high levels of radon over 1000 BqRnD/m3 in some houses. Recommendations on acceptable levels of gamma radiation on building sites and radon concentration in dwellings are given. It is estimated that there are 30-40,000 dwellings over the Swedish recommended limit of 400 BqRnD/m3 requiring modification.
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.
Describes intiatives made in North America to reduce energy consumption in buildings. Most energy utilities finance energy efficiency improvements on their customers premises. Reports on super-insulated housing and how this type of construction is being implemented in Canada.
A model that relates fan pressurization results to infiltration values during the heating season is the basis for infiltration estimates in several different audit programs. Describes the model and presents validation results. Uses the model in 3 different audit strategies. The first is an energy audit to determine economically optimal retrofits for residential buildings, based on actual, on-site measurements of key indices of the house. Analyses measurements on a micro-processor and determines retrofit combinations compatible with minimum life-cycle cost and occupant preferences.
States that a comprehensive sealing program should be considered in every residential energy conservation program. Covers the theory of air flow in a structure , how this theory is converted into a practical service, and theeffect on the house including humidity and air quality concerns. Describes the infiltrometer, a pressurization device used to detect air leakage, how to useit and how to interpret data.
States that the dependence between the energy consumption to maintain a comfortable indoor climate and the average outdoor temperature is close to being linear (at least in the absence of significant passive solar gains). Calls the slope of the graph the energy signature of the building. Such an analysis yields a powerful tool to monitor the energy consumption of a building and thereafter to evaluate the effectiveness of a set of retrofits. Suggests that the energy signature be expressed in units of hourly air change rate.
Gives a summary of the work in testing of different energy-saving retrofits performed in dwellings in Sweden. The report is based on work done at the Swedish National Testing Institute and the National Swedish Institute for Building Research carried out during the winter 1979-80. Thermography methods, pressure test method, tracer gas measurements and heat flow measurements wereused in 91 houses, which were retrofitted. Describes different test methods and discusses results of measurements.
Discusses an energy saving project managed by a Swedish contractor ABV and sponsored by the SCBR. The project concerns about 500 flats in buildings that are 25-40 yrs old. Uses and applies experiences from theoretical and experimental work of testing air permeability and calculation of ventilation and infiltration. Describes development of some new techniques for measuring infiltration/ventilation. The work has also resulted in a new measuring unit for recording and treating temperature values.
Long-term efforts in Belgian research has led to the development of computer models for energy consumption predictions. Describes some simplified methodologies to be used for quick analysis of situations, especially in 2 cases:< 1. The analysis of the impact of certain design options on the thermal and energy balance of a house.< 2.
Discusses the second natural energy conservation program in Sweden implemented in 1980. This sets out to estimate the national energy saving potential, with special reference to existing housing. A refined method for calculation of energy sa
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