Infiltration, energy conservation and indoor air quality.

One option of reducing residential energy consumption is to improve air tightness but adequate ventilation must be provided for health reasons. Sources of infiltration and factors affecting infiltration rates are described, with methods for quantifying and comparing rates. The relationship with air quality is explained and the effect that air quality has on respiration and health. Typical indoor pollutants are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, radon and radon progeny, formaldehyde gas, particulates, tobacco smoke and odours. Heat exchangers are suggested as a solution to the problem, but study of their performance parameters and economic analysis leads to the conclusion that, although feasible from the energy conservation point of view, payback periods from their installation make them unattractive for the consumer.