Predicted and measured air change rates in houses with predictions of occupant IAQ comfort.

The purpose of this study was to test an Indoor Air Quality model on a variety of Canadian homes, and use this model to determine the optimal ventilation levels necessary to provide appropriate comfort levels. The Indoor Air Quality model tested (the AQ1 program), was a single zone hour-by-hour model of air leakage, mechanical ventilation and pollutant concentration. Measured weekly air change rates were compared to the model's predicted rates, and sensitivity analysis' performed on a number of inputs. The model was exercised under a number of different conditions, and its limitations and reliability were investigated. The AQ1 model was then applied to some current Canadian household characteristics. The relationship between air tightness and carbon dioxide concentrations in typical Canadian homes was calculated, and the ventilation requirements to provide a reasonable level of comfort in Canadian homes was estimated using carbon dioxide concentration as an indicator.