Describes the computerized instrumented residential audit (CIRA), a collection of building energy analysis programs designed for a wide variety of microcomputers. Covers methods and type of input, and types of output produced.

Describes a predictive model for air infiltration in residential structures. Uses wind speed and outdoor temperature data, along with selected building and site parameters to predict average infiltration. Presents long-term field validation results obtained in a portable test structure, together with long-term data from 3 unoccupied test houses at the Owens-Corning Technical Centre. Finds that the ratio between predicted and measured infiltration peaks near one in all comparisons. The estimated standard deviation of the ratios decreases with longer averaging times.

Reviews literature and presents annotated bibliographies for indoor air quality, indoor air pollution health effects and residential air infiltration. Analyzes air infiltration data, and describes factors related to the house itself, the behaviour of residents and the microenvironment surrounding thehouse. Discusses future trends of infiltration rates.

Gives a brief overview of energy-estimating procedures for energy conservation in buildings. States that most of these procedures are either too simplistic to provide the desired level of accuracy and comprehensiveness or they are too complex to gain widespread usage. Reports on the development of a comprehensive modified bin method for estimating building energy usage, created by the ASHRAE Technical Committee (TC) 4.7 for Energy Calculations. This procedure can lend itself for manual calculations and can be easily programmed into microcomputers.

Investigates the accuracy of the TWOZONE computer auditing program (used in analyzing the energy performances of residences) when used with home-owner supplied data. Compares actual energy consumption data collected from houses in New Mexico with estimates obtained from the TWOZONE model using input data from occupant questionnaires. Finds a high degree of variability between predicted and observed values, and concludes that much of the error introduced into the prediction is attributable to the qualitative nature of the data supplied by the respondents.

Discusses a method of calculating the amount and type of ventilation required in an underground car-park, based on likely usage.

Reports the results of an experimental assessment of the effect of a chimney on the air leakage characteristic of an unoccupied two-storey detached house heated by either gas or electric furnace. Measurements were taken of air tightness values and air infiltration rates with the chimney capped anduncapped.

Describes an analytical model used to study the effects of air supply rates on the dynamics of an occupied space as related to energy consumption and occupant's comfort. Reviews the concept of Air Diffusion Performance Criteria (ADPI) and uses it to derive air movement control strategies to reduce energy consumption in buildings. Discusses the relationship between the air movement control strategies and passive thermal control strategies for energy efficient buildings.

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.

Compares the air change rates measured using the decay method with several different tracer gases. Tracer gas measurements were conducted in a tightly sealed room where constant air leakage rates were maintained using an exhaust fan. Tracer gases investigated were CH4, CO, CO2, N2O and SF6. Agreement between tracer gas measurements and measured flow rates of the exhaust fan was very good for CH4, CO and N2O. The agreement was also satisfactory for CO2 and SF6, but the scatter in tracer gas data was much greater then it was for the other three gases.