Fan pressurization of buildings: Standards, calibration, and field experience

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · ASHRAE Trans.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5552192

Gadsby, K J; Harrje, D T

The fan pressurization method has been widely used by groups working with building retrofits and with new construction to evaluate the air tightness of building envelopes. To ensure uniformity in the testing method ASTM Standard E779-81 was developed. This standard is reviewed with commentary on practical aspects of its application. Calibration of the fan pressurization systems, often referred to as blower doors, will also be discussed, pointing out where calibration difficulties have arisen and the implications on field inspections. Use of fan pressurization together with infrared scanning is one of the best methods to pin-point air leakage sites in building envelopes. The applications of such methods in a variety of buildings will be discussed in order to demonstrate the utility of the methods in the evaluation of building tightness, including seasonal variations; effectiveness of envelope sealing; and the location of problem areas in the building envelope.

• Research Organization: Center for Energy and Environmental Studies, Princeton Univ., Princeton, NJ
• OSTI ID: 5552192
• Report Number(s): CONF-850606-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: ASHRAE Trans.; (United States) Journal Volume: 91:2B
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320100* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Buildings
AIRTIGHTNESS
BLOWERS
BUILDINGS
CALIBRATION
CONSTRUCTION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FIELD TESTS
FLOW VISUALIZATION
INFRARED RADIATION
LEAKS
MEASURING METHODS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PRESSURIZING
RADIATIONS
RETROFITTING
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
STANDARDS
TESTING
VARIATIONS