Briefly describes method for pressure testing a house. Discusses problems and limitations of method. Discusses results of 130 (de)pressurization tests carried out in dwellings in the Netherlands. Gives results of the distribution of air leakage in four houses found by measuring the leakage of all components separately.
Tests carried out during the sixties and seventies showed that there was a correlation between lung cancer and the existence of radon gas in mines and that there was radon gas in homes built of aerated concrete based on slate. This led to political activity with regulations for limits on emanation in new, re-built and existing buildings. Provisions were also made for grants to help house owners finance the improvements specified.< In the new bye-laws, SBN 80, gamma radiation is not to exceed 50 mu.R/h, the radon content is not to exceed an annual mean of 70 Bq/cu.m.
Notes that many existing dwellings are inadequately insulated and in need of caulking and weatherstripping. Gives criteria for the selection of retrofit materials which are eligible for the Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program. Materials discussed are insulation, storm windows and doors, caulks and sealants, weatherstripping, vapour barriers, clock thermostats and replacement windows. Discusses the literature on retrofitting. Describes the different caulks and sealants available. Outlines precautions to be taken when applying different retrofit materials.
Encore-Canada is a Fortran IV computer program which performs a dynamic simulation of energy use on an hourly basis using weather data. The program includes the calculation of air infiltration and solar effects. This report describes the program structure, data preparation, output and procedures for running the program. Gives examples of program applied to a house giving floorplan of the house, input data and program output.
Gives a brief guide to the computer program ZSTEP, which is a program for simultaneous calculation of the thermal performance of up to ten zones in a building. Outlines the structure and operation of the program and describes the type of input needed and the output produced. Discusses applications of the program and planned developments. An appendix gives data preparation sheets.
Reports a study carried out to assess whether homeowners occupying more highly insulated houses have actually realised fuel savings over those realised by comparable homeowners in less heavily insulated houses. Describes method of the survey which included air leakage tests.
Reviews results of tests carried out during a joint industry/university project. Discusses characteristics of single and two-component foam, airtightness, condensation and safety regulations since polyurethane foam contains isocyanates. Diagram illustrates typical cross-section through window frame under normal conditions and when conditioned at 15 deg. C and 65% R.H.
Discusses the use of a regenerative air-to-air rotary heat exchanger (thermal wheel) for heat recovery in residential ventilation systems. Describes a small rotary heat exchanger designed to handle low air flow rates typical of residential houses. The heat exchanger is constructed of a light-weight honeycomb structure made of aluminium foil sheets. Laboratory tests of the heat exchanger showed a high sensible heat recovery effectiveness of the order of 85% with acceptable levels of pressure drop and cross leakage. Cost saving analysis showed significant savings even at today's energy cost.
Discusses materials and systems for reducing or eliminating air infiltration through identified leakage sources. Methods include caulking, adhesive/glass mat, weatherstripping, vent dampers etc. Gives recommended procedure for treating new and existing construction by pressurizing the building to detect air leaks, then retrofitting to reduce leakage. Cost effectiveness of the methods has not been reliably measured but the evidence suggests that many air infiltration reduction materials are highly cost effective. Gives bibliography of 233 citations.
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