A spun-bonded polyolefin air infiltration barrier (AIB) was installed immediately beneath the siding of a 5-year-old, ranch-style house [conventional comparison house (CCH)]. The AIB reduced the heating energy consumption by 24% over the remaining life of the house. This test confirmed earlier field studies and allowed the development of the mechanism by which AIBs function and the recommendation of required AIB physical properties.
Describes the evaluation of a new simple passive perfluorocarbon tracer technique for determining air infiltration rates into houses and buildings. The authors explain the methods used and present and discuss their results.
Air qulaity measurements along with airflow rate measurements of air conditioning system were conducted in an office building occupied by workers with clerical activities. Contaminamts measured were CO2, SPM (suspended particulate matters) NOx and airborne bacteria. Indoor CO2 and SPM levels were found to be quite high, 1,600 ppm (CO2) and 0.25mg/ m3 (SPM), respectively, at their maximum and exceeded Japanese Standards The cause of the high concentration was found to be air leakage in the outdoor air intake duct. The air leakage rate was estimated applying mass-balance model of CO2.
The Energy Division is working toward development of ventilation systems capable of providing acceptable levels of indoor air quality in superinsulated houses. The research was designed to analyze and improve the indoor air quality of a superinsulated retrofit house located in St. Paul, Minnesota. The occupants had encountered 'stuffy air' problems after their house was superinsulated and weatherized to reduce heat loss, and uncontrolled air infiltration. High levels of CO2 build up were revealed indoors, despite the presence of a continuously operating air-to-air heat exchanger.
Discusses the natural ventilation of the Paintings Room of Altamira Cave, in Spain. The radon-222 concentration was measured by scintillation cells of capacity 500 cm3. From the mean monthly Radon-222 concentration the natural ventilation was calculated using Wilkening's method. Compares the variations in ventilation rate (monthly) with the temperature differences between the Paintings Room and the Hall Chamber. Natural ventilation is the major factor affecting changes in the carbon dioxide concentration.
This note arises from work to identify the effectiveness and cost of remedial treatments for condensation and mould problems in housing. Although the four factors - moisture generation, ventilation, insulation and heating - which control the likelihood of mould growths have long been established there hasnot been a straightforward way of showing their interrelationship, particularly where energy costs are important.
This paper describes part of a research programme on energy consumption in the Polish building sector. The work, carried out from 1980 to 1985, aimed at developing methods for measuring air flows and their influence on heat consumption in typic
Factsheet includes useful chart on glazing materials. Gives basic advice on limiting heat loss from doors and windows, together with recommendations for materials and installation, Also deals with the new hi tech windows using heat reflective film, and problems of condens- ation.
Investing in insulation is a good way to reduce energy consumption in the home. The homeowner must determine where adding insulation will be most cost effective. Attics are usually the place to start, followed by floors and walls. Since there is a wide variety of material on the market, thedo-it-yourselfer must choose carefully and install them with proper regard for ventilation and vapour barriers. Even if the work is performed by a contractor, the informed homeowner will benefit by his knowledge of materials and procedures.