Air infiltration; Airtightness; Energy efficiency of buildings

Improving the airtightness of housing is an issue that concerns the Chilean state. Building ordinances do not currently include any requirement to limit infiltration and its associated energy loads. This situation affects the energy and environmental performance of housing, and has economic and social consequences of great importance for inhabitants and the State. This text presents part of a research project commissioned by the Chilean Ministry of Housing and Public Works, with the aim of defining acceptable airtightness standards for buildings by territorial zone in Chile.