residential building

States that although controlled mechanical ventilation is becoming more widespread, the installations and their application are capable of improvement. Illustrates diagrammatically and explains methods of improving the components, their installation and operation. Considers ways of improving the air tightness of the buildings. Concludes by describing methods of simulating the performance of controlled mechanical systems, which facilitates the evaluation of measures aimed at improving their operation.

Presents four short articles treating aspects of building ventilation: 1) Achieving a balance - the work of the AIC, 2) House full of horrors - indoor air pollution and progress in eradicating hazards, 3) Letting off steam - test houses with ventilation system for condensation control, and 4) High and dry - condensation in the roof, eaves to eaves ridge ventilation.

Reviews ways of reducing energy loss due to infiltration while maintaining air quality. Results from existing houses are presented. Describes a method to reduce the average air flow coefficients of the envelope to minimum required values and to determine the heat criteria of various ventilation systems.

Discusses the installation of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery in residential buildings. The various ventilation strategies are summarized for both blocks of flats and single houses. Building components and guidelines are described.

Presents a compact control system of modular construction, developed in the Netherlands, which incorporates in one unit the functions of air circulation and ventilation, heat recovery and heating. It conforms to the German health and building regulations and operates with any fuel. In 1983 it was installed in 6000 new, highly-insulated Dutch dwellings and in another 10000 dwellings in 1984. Operating costs are 700-800 florins/year for heating a living area of 110m2. Future models may include water heating.

Describes four ventilation options for a 3-4 person dwelling of 100-140 m2 living area. These are: a simple transverse system conforming to State (Land) building regulations, a shaft system conforming to Standard DIN 18017 (old design), a central heat recovery based system conforming to Standard VDI 2088, and a central heat recovery/heat pump system. Presents the energy balances of the four systems with the aid of energy flow diagrams.

Discusses the problems arising from inappropriate ventilation in highly-insulated flats and houses: outlines the advantages of ventilating systems with heat recovery as a possible solution. Deals with the advantages of combined ventilating and space heating installations including those which can blow air directly into bedrooms.

Discusses the various measures used to achieve the energy-conservation aims of the Federal Republic of Germany thermal insulation regulations of 1 January 1984 and to counter the health problems that arose as a result of higher fuel prices leading to reduced domestic fuel consumption in conjunction with poor ventilation. Discusses the advantages of installing heat recovery based central air conditioning systems with filters which are eligible for tax relief.

Over the last few years frequent cases of mould growth in dwellings have occurred. The problem is essentially due to an excessive moisture content of the building elements, which can result from hygroscopic adsorption or from frequent surface condensation.