insulation

There are two types of air movement in the shell of a building - movement along the insulation as in cavity walls and movement through the insulation. Generally the heat losses due to the faults in the inner lining of the vapour barrier and the consequential air movement through the shell are much bigger then losses due to faults in the insulation - they cannot be compensated for by using tighter wind protection.

Illustrates the measures which can be carried out on building elements in order to save energy. Describes different methods and states advantages and disadvantages as well as suitable combinations of measures. Includes descriptions of how to improve windows and doors, and a calculation of theenergy conservation measures.

Investigates the effect of energy-saving measures by selecting a large number of multi-family and single-family swedish houses where such measures have been carried out. Energy saving methods include insulation of external walls and attics, triple glazing windows, and installation of radiator thermostatic valves. Concludes that these modifications have, in average, led to anticipated savings when they have been modified individually. Also considers moisture problems arising in retrofitted houses, and the effectiveness of different types of weatherstrips in energy conservation.

Presents the extra costs in new housing of a number of measures designed to reduce space heating costs. The measures used to reduce energy consumption in new houses in Sakatoon were:< 1. airtightness with controlled ventilation< 2. superinsulation< 3. use of the south windows for passive solar gain.< States that results are applicable in most parts of the Canadian prairie.

Reviews the overall aims and methods of the Conservahome Project, devised under the joint initiative of the Saskatchewan Office of Energy Conservation and the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. The primary aims of the Project are to:< 1. Define the technical and economic problems of retrofit by conducting retrofit work on 6 houses< 2. Use the 6 houses as demonstration centres< 3.

Presents the results from a comprehensive empirical investigation of 1144 swedish buildings in which energy conservation measures eligible for Government funding assistance have been undertaken.

Reviews some of the cost effective techniques for energy conservation in new dwellings. Covers site layout and design, insulation of roofs, walls, doors and windows, ventilation control and control of condensation.

Examines the economic aspects of energy conservation techniques suitable for retrofitting into existing homes. Includes insulation, storm windows and doors, and weatherstripping. The object of this study is to determine that combination of techniques which will maximise net dollar savings in life-cycle operating costs for heating and cooling operations in existing homes, subject to specific climate conditions, fuel costs and retrofitting costs.

An attempt was made to make the super-insulated Saskatchewan Conservation House as air-tight as possible, to avoid heat loss. By lapping all joints in the vapour barrier over solid backing, by continuous sealing of all joins, and by protecting the vapour barrier with solid covering, the natural air-change rate(A/C)was decreased to 1/20 change per hour. At this rate, induced air change was necessary to control odour and humidity. Most of these details could be modified to make any insulated house air-tight.

The perfomance of single-family houses built to the new swedish building code was considered. In the code, the requirements for thermal insulation for different building sections were strengthened, and completely new requirements for a building`s airtightness were introduced. One site- built design acheived a estimated 1/3 reduction in energy consumption, but another less airtight factory-made house showed serious shortcomings in the indoor climate acheived.