|
Air Leakage
Control Guidelines: |
|
|
|
Integrity of
the building envelope will be controlled for the purpose maintaining
optimal indoor air quality, energy efficiency and comfort, and
preserving the structure. |
|
Typical Air Leak Points
The
house will be pressure tested for air leakage by a specialty
contractor who is a member of the Affordable Comfort Home
Performance Association. The test will be conducted after completion
of the interior building envelope, but before installation of
cabinets, casework, electrical and plumbing fixtures and insulation.
The maximum allowable air leakage will be 10 air changes per hour at
50 pascals (ACH@50,) based on a single-point depressurization test
and guidelines developed by Washington State Department of Trade and
Economic Development for their Low-Income Weatherization Program.
Contractor will provide a test report.
|
New
Construction:
Contractor will follow new construction Air Leakage Control Guidelines
established by Bonneville Power Administration for their Super Good
Cents Program, as outlined in their Builders? Field Guide, DOE/BP-1998 |
|
|
Tightening Existing Construction:
Pressure diagnostics with a blower door will be used to define the air
leakage characteristics of the house. Targeted, or pressure guided, air
sealing measures will be applied to both existing and new construction
as needed to bring the air leakage rate to within 10 ACH @ 50 Pascals,
or lower if a mechanical whole-house ventilation system is installed. |
|
|
|
Duct System Leakage:
Air leakage in the heating duct system will be measured using a Duct
Blaster. Maximum allowable air leakage to outside will be 150 cubic
feet per minute at 50 pascals (CFM50.) Targeted duct sealing
measures will be applied as needed to bring duct leakage to within
150 CFM50.
|
Duct Blaster and Blower Door
|
|
