PH-79-10-1 -- Approaches to Evaluation of Air Infiltration Energy Losses in Buildings

Air infiltration is an important component of energy loss in all heated buildings. The question of how to evaluate the magnitude of air infiltration in a given building is a vital part of any energy audit. Simplified methods that provide an accurate evaluation of this often elusive energy loss component could play an important role in any national energy audit or even in the approach taken by a local retrofit contractor.

In this paper the parameters governing air infiltration are outlined. Problem areas of house-to-house comparisons of air leakage are discussed. The methods primarily dealt with here are the tracer gas-dilution method as compared to the pressurization/depressurization approach. The testing takes place in townhouses of recent construction as well as in a number of older homes of varied design. A rooftop laboratory test chamber is used to clarify the importantquantity of the placement of openings in the house envelope. Wind tunnel results are used to provide other important data on pressure distributions around the test houses. All of these factors help to clarify the problems and the potential for evaluation of air infiltration in buildings. Both energy related and internal air quality issues are involved in the level of air exchange rate finally achieved.

Citation: ASHRAE Transactions, Volume 85, Part 1, Philadelphia, PA



Product Code(s): D-PH-79-10-1