Comments on the benefits of tighter house construction and gives a summary of the current tightness levels of the US housing stocks, based on a 300-house survey of infiltration measurements. Looks at 2 case studies of energy-efficient houses both for the details of their construction and for the air quality in the finished houses. Presents a set of drawing details that illustrate specific techniques for reducing infiltration. Includes methods of weatherstripping doors and windows, caulking and sealing, possible leakage points, and installing vapour barriers.

Presents the operating principles for four basic types of air-to-air heat exchangers suited for small scale use: rotary, coil-loop, heat pipe and plate. Discusses individual advantages and disadvantages. Describes test program initiated to evaluate the performance of a few commercial units as well as several units designed and/or built at the University of Alaska. Presents preliminary results from several of these tests along with a critique on theirdesign. Gives a short list of manufacturers of air-to-air heat exchangers in the appendix.

Reports on 2 methods of measuring ventilation rates in the 8-storey San Francisco Social Services Building, using occupant-generated CO2 as a tracer gas. Measures CO2 concentration at regular intervals on the first floor using an infra-red gas detector. Uses the tracer gas decay method and the constant concentration (integral) method to determine ventilation rates. Finds that the CO2 decay method compares favourably with both SF6 tracer gas measurements and with air-flow measurements in the ducts.

Outlines a method for measuring air infiltration using the tracer gas decay technique. SF6 is introduced into a building, and once it is well mixed, container samples of air (in this case plastic bottles) taken over a period of time are analy

An air infiltration computer program, developed earlier, has been further refined by the inclusion of the effects of door openings and vent-fan usage in house air infiltration. The model has also been further verified for its accuracy and precision by comparison to actual air infiltration data from both conventional construction dwellings and also from two advance design homes. A program listing and user manual of the computer program have also been developed.

Describes a scale model test technique designed to estimate building ventilation flow rates due to wind as a function of its primary variables. Use of this method is illustrated by its application to the determination of wind-induced ventilation flow rates in earth-bermed, above-ground fallout shelters. Shelter models with 3 different sets of wall openings are tested over a range of relative wind angles varying from 0 to 90 degrees and wind speeds from 2.25 m/s to 6.75 m/s. Helium filled soap bubbles released in the approach wind boundary layer trace the flow through the buildings.

Assesses the impact of energy-conserving retrofits on air leakage and indoor air quality for several houses that are part of a weatherization programme in the Pacific Northwest offered by a power and light company. Indoor air quality was measured using the Energy Efficient Buildings (EEB) mobile laboratory containing sampling, monitoring, and calibration equipment. Leakage area of the building envelope was determined using the fan pressurization technique.

Describes air leakage tests performed in 2 similar houses (one with added insulation and increased airtightness) using the fan pressurization method. Air infiltration measurements were also conducted using the tracer gas decay method and CO2

Investigates the relationship between fuel consumption in a multi-storey block of flats and climatic exposure. Fuel consumption anomalies between identical flats are attributed to vagaries in the airflow around the building and highlight the need for improved standards of thermal insulation and/or differential thermal insulation, dependent upon flat insulation.