Seasonal variation in effective leakage area
Previous research on the seasonal changes in airtightness has been conducted by other researchers on one or two houses in one location. This paper describes air leakage rate measurements using the fan pressurization technique performed monthly over a period of one year in ten occupied houses in three different climates. The purpose of this study is to determine the seasonal variation in effective leakage area in houses in different climates. The three sets of houses included in this study are located in Reno, Nevada (semi-arid, high desert), Truckee, California (alpine, mountainous), and the San Francisco Bay Area (temperate, coastal). The houses are all wood-frame construction and range from one year to seventy years in age. Indoor and outdoor air temperatures, wind speed, and the moisture content of wood framing and other building components were measured at the time of each fan pressurization test. Indoor moisture levels were monitored by measuring the moisture content of a reference block of wood that was located indoors at each site. The results indicate a seasonal variation in effective leakage area in some but not all of the houses; the largest variations are seen in the Truckee houses with effective leakage areas up to 45% higher in the summer as compared to those measured in midwinter.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-76SF00098
- OSTI ID:
- 5544870
- Report Number(s):
- LBL-19337; ON: DE86012825
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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