historic building

Indoor temperature and humidity conditions as well as CO2 and airborne mould concentrations were measured in four manor schools in the Estonian cold climate. Based on these measurements, the influence of the indoor climate on the performance of schoolwork was assessed. The indoor environmental quality in manor schools turned out to be quite poor due to the inadequate performance of ventilation and heating systems. Intermittent stove heating was found to secure the minimum temperature in general but in winter thermal comfort was not always guaranteed.

The thermo-hygrometric treatment related to the air change in buildings requires a relevant quota of the total energy demand for heating and air conditioning, especially when the ventilation exigency is significant. For this reason a correct energy saving strategy should always focus on the use of suitable techniques in order to reduce this consumption. For example, as the modern comfort science teaches, more flexible values can be accepted for the internal humidity set point without compromising indoor comfort conditions.

Increasing demand for energy efficiency places new requirements on energy use in historic buildings. Efficient energy use is essential if a historic building is to be used and preserved, especially buildings with conventional uses such as residential buildings and offices. This paper presents results which combine energy auditing with building energy simulation and an indoor environment survey among the occupants of the building. Both when comparing simulations with measurements as well as with survey results good agreement was found.

For the conservation of an important museum collection in a historic building a better controlled indoor climate may be necessary. One of the most important factors is controlling relative humidity. Museum collections often are part of the interior of a historic building. In most cases the installation of an expensive air-conditioning system may cause damage to the building and its historic authenticity. Furthermore humidifying may lead to dramatic indoor air conditions with mould and condensation effects on the cold indoor surfaces or even internal condensation in the construction.