Describes sources of radon in buildings. Summarizes data on observed indoor radon concentrations in houses in New York, Salzburg Austria, and Florida. LBL studies in energy efficient buildings in Maryland, Minnesota, and New Mexico show that tight houses have higher radon concentrations then conventional houses. The data reported is based on "grab samples" taken on mild days (low wind and small indoor and outdoor temperature differences) with all doors and windows closed, resulting in a "worst case" estimate.
Describes the extent of the problem of condensation in roof spaces of well-insulated dwellings, discusses the mechanisms resulting in condensation, and evaluates possible solutions. Factors considered in condensation occurrence include air movement to the roof space, and roof space ventilation rates. Control measures discussed include direct extract ventilation to the kitchen and bathroom to control water vapour, and the provision of adequate roof ventilation according to British Standard BS 5250.
Investigates what minimum fresh air supply per person is required to prevent unacceptable odour annoyance due to stale smells in offices and comparable buildings. The experiment is carried out in different buildings in rooms of varying size and occupancy density, with mechanical or natural ventilation. Determines the air supply to the room, the CO2 concentration, the number of lighted cigarettes, the odour concentration and the extent of odour annoyance to occupants.
Outlines the design of 6 energy efficient houses in Co. Kildare by the Electricity Supply Board, Ireland. The aim of the project is to collect and disseminate information on the costs and benefits of energy efficient houses. The houses will be monitored both occupied and unoccupied over a number of years, using a microcomputer on-site, with the required parameter values eventually being processed on a mainframe computer. Includes a description of the methods to be used in minimizing natural ventilation losses eg improved window joinery, entry point lobbies and appropriate draught sealing.
Uses a multi-channel infra-red gas analyser to measure nitrous oxide tracer gas concentration at six points round a house. Combines concentrations to give overall house ventilation rates and to estimate the air exchange between individual rooms. The gas analyser is also used to measure air movement between the house and its roof (with 5 sampling points in the house and one in the roof). Results show that typically 20-30% of the air that enters a houseleaves via the roof space through gaps in the ceiling.
Describes the methods and considerations employed in the development of a detailed monitoring and evaluation programme for passive solar residences. Data analysis is performed by determining the hourly heat transfer of all critical energy transfer components, using an on-site microprocessor based data acquisition system. Discusses air infiltration as one of the components, and describes measurement methods, including pressurisation and tracer gas techniques.
Describes the application of a model that relates infiltration to a quantity called the effective leakage area. This quantity scales the infiltration to local weather conditions and major design features of the house. The model isused to calculate the ratio of infiltration to leakage area averaged over the heating season, for a large number of sites in the US. It provides an effective tool for builders and designers who need a rational basis for assessing compliance with construction quality standards in ventilation.
Compares the air change rates measured with SF6 and CO2 using the tracer gas decay technique and the fan extraction method over a wide variety of test chamber sizes and mixing systems. Shows that the conventional air handling orportable floor fans can provide adequate mixing for SF6 tracer gas decay measurements of infiltration. Warns that the mixing operation may become the dominant driving force of infiltration during calm climatic conditions. Finds that +-0.08 ach/h is a reasonable measure of experimental error at the 95%confidence level using SF6 as the tracer gas.
Briefly reviews sources and types of air contaminants common in tight houses. Covers four indoor pollutants - carbon-monoxide and nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves, particleboard plywood and urea-formaldehyde from insulation, and radon from various building materials.Suggests ways of lowering pollutant levels without compromising energy conservation considerations.
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