Air Infiltration Defined
Air infiltration refers to the unintended or uncontrolled flow of air into a building from the outside. This can be through leaks, cracks, and openings in the building envelope. Common areas include gaps around doors and windows, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, and other openings. Infiltration can lead to higher energy consumption as heating and cooling systems work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, and it can also impact indoor air quality.
Air Tightness and Ventilation Considerations
To determine the amount of air leakage through infiltration we can carry out air tightness testing. A balance is required between air tightness and ventilation. Air infiltration is relied upon for ventilation strategies, such as a System 1 Intermittent Extraction and Background Ventilation.
RDSAP10, Energy Performance Certificates and Air Pressure Test
Air leakage can account for significant heat loss in a building. RDSAP10 assumes a default value of 15 cubic metres per square metre per hour at 50 Pascals. A typical real world measured permeability is more likely to be around 5.
By carrying out as-built testing can increase an EPC energy rating which could be the difference between a D rating and a C rating. Definitely worth considering if you are renewing your Energy Performance Certificate. An air pressure test can easily be added to a domestic energy assessment and is something Building Compliance Testing offers.
Building Compliance Testing
We are a multi-disciplinary consultancy so we fully recognised and understand the relationships between air leakage and the health of a building. Contact us today to discuss your project.