Describes the mathematical methods employed in the ENCORE-Canada computer program which predicts the hourly as well as the annual heating requirements of small residential-type buildings. The model includes the effects of thermal storage, internal heat gains, basement and air infiltration losses, transmission heatlosses and solar heat gains. The heating system is a thermostatically controlled oil-fired furnace with warm air distribution. Hourly solar radiation and weather data forvarious Canadian cities are used to simulate outdoor conditions.

Describes an infrasonic method as an alternative to blower method for measuring the composite effective size of all the air-leakage passages of a building. Sinusoidally varying volumetric flows between 0.05 and 5Hz are generated by a motor-driven bellows-like source located inside the building under test. Resulting pressure variations are measured using a microphone-like sensor having an electronic signal processor. Reports system design and test results obtained to date. One house, five apartment and three interior rooms have been tested.

Examines the influence of air movement on the thermal performance of the building envelope by identifying and discussing the mechanisms of 8 distinctive air movement paths. These are; convection from interior air to interior surface ; convecti

Describes the results of a major study to find out whether or not wall insulation installed without a vapour barrier causes an increased risk of moisture damage within walls. The exterior walls of 96 homes in Portland, Oregon were opened. Presents results of field and laboratory tests which show the absence of indications of moisture damage. Gives data on shrinkage and settling of insulation and results of air leakage measurements by fan pressurization tests. Concludes that the addition of wallinsulation without a vapour barrier does not cause moisture damage in existing homes.

Discusses the problem of increased levels of indoor air pollution due to reduced ventilation. Suggests ways of lowering pollutant concentrations without compromising energy conservation. One promising method is to mechanically ventilate a residence and recover heat from the exhausted air with an air-to-air heat exchanger.

Outlines the problems of modelling air infiltration. Reports measurements of the leakage function measured at low pressures using an alternating pressure source with variable frequency and displacement. Synchronous detection of the indoor pressure signal created by the source eliminates the noise due to fluctuations caused by the wind. Presents comparisons between these results and extrapolations of direct fan leakage measurements.

Reports on a project to assess the air infiltration performance of new residential windows and compare field test results with anticipated performance. Supporting tests and techniques included air leakage tests of windows in the factory, leakage testing of the window/wall installation crack and infrared thermography of test conditions. Tests were also run to determine performance of new windows during cold weather, the possible change in performance over time, the performance of fixed sash and of old and retrofit windows. Presents results of pilot study.

Presents theoretical model which represents a technique of correlating the easily performed pressurization measurement with the more difficult tracer gas technique. The neutral pressure level is explicitly included to estimate the distribution of openings around the building envelope. Describes model in detail and its application to a number of houses in New Jersey and California.

Compares annual fuel consumptions of seven large factories against calculated requirements to illustrate seasonal thermal efficiencies of 7.7 to 49.7%. Shows that ineffective and uncontrolled ventilation is by far the most significant factor in excess fuel consumption. Illustrates savings of 38 to 80% in fuel which have been achieved. Shows that fuel savings of 20 to80% are possible in the factories studied, with 35 to 95% savings possible when heat recovery is provided in addition to other improvements.

Discusses conditions that must be satisfied for a model in a wind-tunnel to give the same air-flow as a full-sized building. Reports two series of tests on interior and exterior air flow patterns, made on a full-sized building and a scale model of the building. Air flow patterns were observed using titanium tetrachloride smoke. Tests were also made to determine the limits by which the product of the height of the model by the air speed may vary without serious error.