Calculating Infiltration: Implications for a Construction Quality Standard

摘要

Extensive work in infiltration measurement and modeling has led to a simple method to calculate the leakage area of a house regardless of design or weather conditions. The leakage area, in turn, is used in the LBL infiltration model to calculate infiltration for any weather condition. This method, which uses fan pressurization to measure the leakage area, has been used in a survey of over 300 houses located throughout North America. The results of that survey are presented and it is suggested that the present capability in infiltration modeling offers an excellent framework for an air leakage standard for residential building. Examples of the interpretation of such a standard are described based on the ventilation rates adopted in ASHRAE Standard 62-1981. The results of the interpretations illustrate differences in structural requirements that will occur when such a standard is applied to several ventilation system designs. (ERA citation 08:039046)