Test method for determining the thermal performance of houses.

Describes a test method for determining the overall heat loss coefficient of a house. Bases method on the statistical correlation of measured heat consumption with outdoor weather data. Derives a regression equation from the heat balance giving the relation between indoor air temperature, internal heat production and the outdoor weather data. Continuously monitors the power consumption (from electrical heaters) in an unoccupied house, together with indoor air temperatures and outdoor weather data, as solar radiation, outdoor air temperature and wind velocity. Uses this data to solve the regression equation giving the unknown thermal parameters of the house. Discovers that error is introduced by a floating indoor air temperature, and the effects of wind.