pressurization

Describes measurements of the leakage area of fireplaces,bathroom and kitchen exhaust vents, electrical outlets and leakage in the ducts of forced air distribution systems. Makes component leakage measurements in a total of 34houses in Atlanta, Georgia, Reno Nevada and the San Francisco Bay area. Finds damperless fireplaces and ductwork to be the most significant sources of leakage in the western houses.

Measures houses with energy efficient designs in Eugene, Oregon and Rochester (NY) for effective leakage area using blower door fan pressurization. Determines air change rates by tracer gas decay analysis. Makes fan pressurization measurements on 13 new houses in the San Francisco Bay area that have been partially sealed with polymeric foam sealant. Measures a similar group of 13 unsealed houses as a control. Uses the results of thesemeasurements in conjunction with an infiltration model developed at LBL to predict average annual and heating season infiltration rates.

Descibes tests conducted by the Pacific Gas and Electric (PGE) and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to evaluate cost effectiveness of certain retrofits. 20 houses in Walnut Creek CA underwent an air infiltration reduction program, simi

Sets out the design and construction of pressure test rigs for use in studying leakage rates of windows and doorways in the Arts building of Sheffield University. Tests 7 doors (including fire doors) and selected windows, categorized according to deterioration of sealants. Finds that window leakage is far in excess of the suggested leakage from the CIBS guide (results of infiltration coefficients range from 0.911-6.097). Shows that 56% of the airflow across a doorway is due to the gap between the door bottom and the floor, and that weatherstripping the door reduces the flow by approx. 50%.

Briefly reviews definitions of airtightness, sources of leakage in buildings and describes the "blower door" method of measuring air leakage. Describes typical results obtained, names and addresses of some manufacturers of blower doors and the difficulty in relating air leakage results to air infiltration rates. Briefly discusses other methods of testing for airtightness.

Describes the installation and use of the Gadzco blower door, as part of a house doctor's program for identifying source of air leakage before retrofitting. Discusses advantages and drawbacks of this particular type of blower door.

Describes the Mobile Infiltration Test Unit (MITU) and its instrumentation, including some preliminary tests of the individual measurement systems. MITU has a completely automated data acquisition system that records air infiltration rates, surface pressures and weather as half hour averages. Theshell of the tracker is well sealed and the quantity ,type and distribution of leakage area is controlled using removable leakage panels in 16 window openings.

Notes initial airtightness requirements in SBN 1980 and discusses various forms of ventilation. Discusses how tightness testing can reveal location and magnitude of leaks. Gives theoretical method of calculating air leakage flow and relates this to practical measurement. Considers different alternatives such as pressurising the building and combining tightness testing with thermography. Discusses 1980 building regulations and what buildings ought to be tested. Lists critical points of a building and measures which can contribute to good airtightness.

Presents the results of air leakage measurments in 18 single-family detached houses at the Midway substation, Hanford, Washington, performed as part of the Bonneville Power Administration Energy Conservation Study. Compares the change in energy consumption following various retrofit strategies. Measures air leakage in each house with the fan pressurization technique, before and after retrofits are installed.

Air leakage tests (using the fan pressurisation method) were conducted on four schools, before and after they were retrofitted, in order to determine the effectiveness of various measures for reducing leakage. Caulking wall joints will generally reduce air leakage and is worthwhile if the joints are accessible. Replacing leaky windows will also improve airtightness but may not be cost effective. Routine inspection of outside dampers of the air handling system can help ensure continued airtightness of schools.