Describes trials undertaken by BRE and ECRC at Inverclyde to test small domestic electric dehumidifiers in council houses. Assesses 3 types of machine, selected to give a range of extraction rates from 1-4 kg per day. These were supplied free of charge and the running costs reimbursed. Shows that the equipment did lower the moisture levels in the houses satisfactorily. Preliminary analysis of results show that the early BRE model predicting moisture and ventilation interactions work well.

Energy is consumed in heating the air infiltrating into houses maintained at temperatures above ambient. By using climatic data tapes and a daily profile for indoor temperature of a house, it is possible to calculate factors, which in conjunction with a relationship between air change rate and wind speed enable the energy consumption due to infiltration to be calculated on amonthly basis. This has been done for Melbourne, Australia and the factors tabulated on a monthly, annual and heating season (April Nov) basis.

Although indoor pollution is a greater problem than outdoor pollution, much less research has been devoted to it. Describes the sick building syndrome and an experiment (as distinguished from an opinion poll), comparing a diagnosed sick and a clean modern Swedish preschool. Forty eight previously unexposed subjects were tested in two buildings for two days, and the effect of the exposure was assessed.

Waste air windows protected by intermediate louvres show the share of absorption in the transmission coefficient to be dependent upon the air throughput through the window. To calculate it, a general solution is given. Practical calculation is simplified by graphs established for two common louvre designs in two, three and four-pane windows.

Measures air permeability of 21 facades of occupied dwellings. Investigates what proportion of air permeability is due to various gaps (moveable sections) and joints (between fixed sections) in 12 of the facades. Results show that the contribution of joints to air permeability is greater than mentioned in the Dutch Standard NEN 3661. This standard stipulates conditions with regard to the manufacture of facade elements. It is apparent that the gaps of 5 out of the 12 measured facades do not meet the minimum requirements of the standard.

Discusses the Swedish trend to build super insulated nearly airtight dwellings. Mentions problems encountered in tight buildings, such as severe ground floor condensation and mould growth. Shows the importance of the vapour barrier in preventing condensation. Compares exhaust and balanced ventilation systems in tight houses. States that sealing houses in Sweden is costeffective, partly because of an integrated approach to incorporating energy saving features in new housing.

A spunbonded polyolefin air infiltration barrier (AIB) was installed immediately beneath the siding of a 5 year old ranch-style house. The AIB reduced the heating energy consumption by 27% during the first heating season and is expected to reduce the heating load by 28% over the remaining life of the house.

Presents pressure tests pre and post retrofit for several groups of North American houses which have been sealed to reduce air leakage. This summarizes research carried out in Canada and the USA over the last few years. Briefly discusses test procedures used.

Reviews recent research in residential infiltration with an analysis of how the results are utilized in the design-build process. Identifies component testing as the research area most applicable to practical application efforts. Provides component and assembly test data. Discusses the need to reorient certain research efforts to more practically meet the needs of the residential industry. Presents clarifications and extensions of recently published work on component leakge.

Makes a field study of energy consumption in 3 electrically heated high rise apartment buildings in Chicago, to see if stack effect causes significant variations in the heating requirements of apartments according to their location in tall buildings. The buildings have 30, 42, and 45 floors, and theheating consumption for December through March is computed and plotted against floor number. Results show that normal stack effect is suppressed in a tall apartment building when supply and exhaust fans are running.