A comparison of various ventilation strategies and their effect on air infiltration using a pair of experimental single family size houses. Discusses natural ventilation with and without ventilation grilles in the windows, centralized and decentralized mechanical ventilation. Concludes that mechanical ventilation is not economic at present energy prices.

Notes that air infiltration in buildings affects the room air quality and the occupants, the building construction in connection with moisture exchange processes and the heating and cooling loads. Lists papers dealing with typical aspects of air infiltration and/or buildings which are too well sealed. Defines basic concepts relating to air infiltration and ventilation in buildings to promote constructive discussions between concerned professionals. Examines the consequences of uncontrolled air infiltration. Treats research and development work relating to controlled air infiltration.

The minimum fresh air requirements needed for perfect indoor air quality are being studied and these will form the basis of the Swiss Guidelines for Ventilation. An optimization between the need to reduce heat loss and fresh air requirements for health is the aim. Pollutants in indoor air, such as formaldehydes, radon, carbon dioxide, tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulates, have to be considered.

Defines air change and air penetration. Describes the differential pressure method, the infrasound method, qualitative judgement methods, and acoustic measurement devices for determining air penetration. Explains procedures todetermine air change - the rate of decay method, the constant concentration method, and the constant emission method.

Reviews the literature on techniques of air infiltration measurement, including pressurization methods, use of tracer gas and thermography.

Reviews air infiltration measurement methods, prediction models, and flow through components of buildings. Attempts to construct a device capable of measuring air flow through a building component under a given pressure difference and to investigate the existence of a coefficient which, when multiplied by the pressure difference, raised to an exponent, will yield the air flow through that component. Components were tested under differing pressure differences and the testing device was calibrated by a tracer gas technique.

The Energy Signature Monitor (ESM), an innovative energy monitoring system, addresses the data acquisition and analysis demands of test programmes which require monitoring of large samples of buildings. It has been developed aspart of the Whole Building Evaluation System (WBES). Only a nominal number of sensors are required per test site, with less stringent sensor accuracy demands as compared to laboratory investigations. The aim is to provide an inexpensive user friendly system for use by non-technical personnel.

Describes a survey of standard homes built between 1907 and 1973, not fitted with double glazing, to assess potential draught gaps, and of consumer attitudes to insulating products particularly draught excluders.

Describes three research programmes measuring tightness of components, of specific areas of a building and of complete buildings. Defines the Belgian standards currently applicable. For air tightness, the area or building is depressurized by 5 to 100 Pa and the flow of air that enters is measured. Thenthe components are made air tight one by one, and each time the new flow rate is measured to give values for the different components. The specific area alone can be depressurized, the specific area plus the whole building or just the whole building.

A survey of retrofitting possibilities for the amateur. Air infiltration, air quality, insulation and heat flow are described simply. Detailed examples are given of retrofitted houses. Various products available in Canada are listed. Concentrates on vapour barrier details and external retrofits and refers mainly to timber-framed houses.