Field characterization of the envelope leakage of houses for determining rehabilitation priorities

This paper presents the results of a field study conducted on 8 houses (out of a set of 31) owned and managed by a French social housing public leasing company. The central objective of our investigation was to evaluate and characterize the envelope leakage of these houses in order to propose and prioritize rehabilitation scenarios. For this, envelope leakage measurements were performed together with infrared thermography measurements. In parallel, the occupants were interviewed to better understand their interaction with the thermal functions and what their feeling was about the thermal comfort and indoor quality in their homes. Also, heating energy use, as well as temperatures and humidities at several locations in the houses have been monitored during 63 days. Based on the analyses of the results of the measurements and interviews, actions including cost/benefit considerations have been proposed to the owner.