Impact of energy conservation measures on radon and radon progeny concentrations: A controlled study

Conference · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1985 · ASHRAE Trans.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5431278

Rector, H E; Koontz, M D; Cade, D R; Nagda, N L

The effects of retrofitting for building tightness, air-to-air heat exchangers, and HVAC circulation fans on radon and radon progeny levels were investigated using two matched test houses. One test house was retrofitted for tightness and outfitted with an air-to-air heat exchanger. The two houses were unoccupied; selected occupant-related activities were simulated in a controlled manner. Retrofit for tightness reduced the annual average air infiltration rate by 24% and increased radon and radon progeny concentrations by a similar amount. The air-to-air heat exchanger reduced radon and radon progeny concentrations commensurate with mechanical ventilation. Increased mixing from the furnace circulation fan equalized the upstairs/downstairs concentrations. Extended use of the circulation fan reduced radon progeny levels similar to those obtained with the heat exchanger (about 50% reduction). Seasons had considerable impact on indoor radon and radon progeny; higher levels were found in the summer and fall seasons.

• Research Organization: GEOMET Technology Inc., Germantown, MD
• OSTI ID: 5431278
• Report Number(s): CONF-850606-
• Journal Information: ASHRAE Trans.; (United States), Vol. 91:2B; Conference: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers' semiannual meeting, Honolulu, HI, USA, 23 Jun 1985
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
AIR
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
BUILDING MATERIALS
EMISSION
HOUSES
AIR QUALITY
AIRTIGHTNESS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
RETROFITTING
RADON
DAUGHTER PRODUCTS
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
AIR FLOW
BLOWERS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
FURNACES
HEAT EXCHANGERS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
MIXING
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
SIMULATION
SPACE HVAC SYSTEMS
AIR POLLUTION
BUILDINGS
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FLUID FLOW
FLUIDS
GAS FLOW
GASES
ISOTOPES
MASS TRANSFER
MATERIALS
NONMETALS
POLLUTION
RARE GASES
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
VARIATIONS
500300* - Environment
Atmospheric- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
320101 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Residential Buildings- (-1987)