Reports on the Swedish Energy Saving Survey of 1980, which produced two kinds of estimates on the effects of a number of energy conservation measures:< 1. Theoretical estimates based on simple degree-day models.< 2. Empirical estimates based on the amount of savings actually obtained in a house after retrofitting.< Compares the two methods of estimation, which shows the limitations of the theoretical estimates.

Shows the development of a procedure at Princeton University which involves an instrumented energy audit combined with a partial retrofit, and especially applicable to post-war single-family housing. This procedure is known as the `house-doctor' approach and is being tested in a 168 house experiment. Preliminary results show a 10-15% reduction in total use of natural gas following partial retrofit measures. Further retrofits based on house doctor observations led to a 20-25% reduction.

Describes an energy audit being developed at LBL to determine economically optimal retrofits for residential buildings, based on actual, on-site measurements of key indices of the house. Measurements are analyzed on a microprocessor and retrofit combinations compatible with minimum life-cycle cost and occupant preferences are then determined. An important element of this audit is its treatment of infiltration.

The potential for energy consevation in space heating of new residential buildings is characterized using results from computer analysis, and from a survey of low-energy houses. Simulations of the energy requirements of a proto-type house in the USA at different levels of conservation show that much higher levels of conservation then those presently employed in new houses result in minimum life-cycle costs.

Assesses the efficacy of an engineered mechanical ventilation system in controlling indoor humidity in one of the HUDAC Mark XI houses. Develops a mathematical model of the home, which is used to demonstrate the interaction between outdoor humidity, infiltration and ventilation rates, and indoor moisture generation and their influence on indoor humidity levels. Discusses the operating effectiveness of the rotary heat exchanger and the energy saved through its use.

Describes a new method, termed Minisystem Analysis (MSA) developed for the calculation of the energy conservation potential of an individual building in which a number of energy conservation measures interact. In this method, account is taken of the fact that effects cannot at all times be added, and that certain measures must always be combined in order that the full effect may be obtained.

Reports on continuous energy measurements carried out in 6 detached single-family, low-energy houses in Copenhagen. Describes a few typical construction details to illustrate solutions to the problem of cold bridges, and to demonstrate ways of obtaining airtight constructions. Measures air change rate using tracer gas decay method and pressurisation and suction tests. Works out total heat loss for a period when ventilation systems are sealed and the houses heated by electric resistance heaters.

Discusses and analyses the characteristics of methods of determining local air flows through the building envelope, methods of determining the air leakage and ways of determining air changes in rooms. Summarises in a table methods of determining local air flows. Of the air leakage methods, treats static and non-static methods. Considers three commonly used tracer gas methods for air change measuring methods.

Measures the air infiltration in individual rooms of a one-storey airtight house, using a special tracer gas measurement technique. Concludes that the overall ventilation rate was very low for the test house, although it had mechanical ventilation (exhaust fan). States that the best way of getting adequate ventilation is to install a ventilation system with built-in routes where fresh air can enter the building. This should either be balanced ventilation system or an exhaust fan system with special vents to the outside for supplying fresh air.

Investigates the effect of energy-saving measures by selecting a large number of multi-family and single-family swedish houses where such measures have been carried out. Energy saving methods include insulation of external walls and attics, triple glazing windows, and installation of radiator thermostatic valves. Concludes that these modifications have, in average, led to anticipated savings when they have been modified individually. Also considers moisture problems arising in retrofitted houses, and the effectiveness of different types of weatherstrips in energy conservation.