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Measuring air flows and tightness of ventilation ductwork is compulsory in Sweden but not measuring air infiltration or building tightness which normally is done only in some research projects. Instead building tightness is regarded to be covered by compulsory construction guidelines. Tightness of a buildings envelope (external walls, roof and floor) is required for two reasons: to reduce dampness problems and to reduce the use of heating energy of the building. This aim and direction of the Swedish building authorities today is different from earlier codes as shown below.
During the 1980’s several studies reported health problems from emissions in badly ventilated dwellings. This resulted in in a new Swedish law requiring compulsory inspection of ventilation systems – the OVK commissioning system that is described shortly in the paper.
The quality of ventilation systems in Sweden is also governed by another unique scheme – AMA - General Material and Workmanship Specifications. It has been in use since 1950 and is a tool for the customer to specify his demands on a new building and its installations. AMA contains e.g. requirements for tightness tests of ventilation ductwork, methods for measuring and adjusting airflows shortly described in the paper.