Presentation Transcript

1. The Structure: Assessing the Home’s Health and Sustainability; How the Home and Environment Interact

   Session 2
2. The Structure: How the Home and Environment Interact This session looks at the structural and environmental factors of a Holistic Approach. The session includes a short building science review, then “dives in” to the types and purposes of the many assessment measurements that will be made. Built Around the “Measurements part” of the Assessment Tools: Assessment forms, Tape measures, flashlights, camera, Blower Door, Duct Tester, moisture Meter, Thermal Imaging, Combustion tester, pressure gauge, Temp & RH monitor,
3. The Structure Environmental Interactions with the Environment Building Science Review Building Assessment What We will Measure and Why What Element s of the House We’ll Focus on Diagnostic Tools The tools that we will use Measurements & testing How The tools are used to make the measurement
4. Building Science ReviewInteractions with the Environment Climate Driven Site Driven Design Driven Occupant Driven
5. Climate Driven Temperature Wind Precipitation Humidity Solar Gain
6. Site Driven Geology & Soil Wind - Orientation & Protection Drainage Solar Gain Landscaping
7. Design Driven How the house is designed and built will determine how it interfaces and responds to the environment Foundation Type(s) Construction & Materials Size & Floor plan Mechanical Ventilation
8. Occupant Driven How we Operate and Maintain the House Heating and Cooling Exhaust Fans Water Usage Landscaping Pest Management Maintenance of House Envelope Sources brought into house Occupants as Sources
9. Building Science ReviewDynamic Factors Air Flow Heat Transfer Moisture Flow
10. Air Flow Infiltration Exfiltration Controlled Air Flow Uncontrolled Air Flow
11. PressureDriving Force for Airflow Wind Heat Neutral pressure plane Fans Exhaust fans HVAC Fans Radon Control System Duct leakage to outside Air flow Imbalance Imbalanced Supply and return Door Closure
12. Holes and pathwaysfor Air Flow Designed Holes Flues, vents, chimneys, fans, HVAC systems, Windows & Doors Undesigned Holes Attic, Ceilings, Walls, Floors Should be air-sealed and blocked to control spread of draft, smoke and fire
13. Neutral Pressure Plane
14. Backdrafting Spillage of flue gases from combustion equipment into the home Caused by Depressurization Mechanical Environmental Can be Deadly. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is odorless, colorless, and tasteless
15. Air Leakage
16. Heat Transfer Conduction Transfer of heat by direct contact Convection Transfer of heat energy through a moving fluid Radiation Transfer of heat energy through empty space
17. Heat Related Factors U Factor How quickly heat flows through a material Higher the U Factor, Faster the heat flows R value Ability of a material to resist heat flow Inverse of the U factor Heat loss Heat Loss = [(Area) x (∆T)]/R Value
18. Insulation Faults Gaps – cavities not adequately filled Voids – Areas without insulation Compression – should be at recommended density Insulation/Air barrier Misalignment- allows heated air to bypass the insulation Pressure imbalances (+ and -) cause air to cross the insulation.
19. Moisture Flow Bulk Moisture by Gravity Rain, Snow, Groundwater Direct away from the home Close holes Capillary Action by Material Wicking Provide capillary “breaks” Air Transported Moisture Keep moist air out of the building Exhaust moist air Prevent cold spots Vapor diffusion by Vapor pressure Use of vapor Retarders, Correct placement (FL vs.. MN)
20. Contributors to a Wet House Wet foundation Structural Leaks Plumbing Leaks Capillary movement High Vapor Pressure Deficient Insulation (condensation)
21. Building Assessment Comprehensive Physical Exam”the house as the patient”
22. Building Assessment Comprehensive Physical Exam”the house as the patient” Basic Physical Information Construction Layout/Plan Age Dimensions / Volume Equipment Occupant Reported /Related How the house is used Indoor Activities Indoor Sources Housekeeping History – Previous and Current Maintenance Renovations Major Changes Core Tests / Vital Signs Blower Door /Leakage Duct testing Temperature Relative Humidity CO2 Testing Particles Combustion Radon Moisture Imaging – Thermal Imaging Signs & Symptoms Begin assessing root causes
23. What measurements we’ll make - and why Envelope (Size, Volume, Foundation, Attic, Materials, etc) Insulation gaps/voids, Thermal Bridges, water damage, Leakage - Infiltration / Exfiltration Interior Living Space Health, Safety, Comfort, Efficiency Interior pathways, leaks, HVAC, heating/cooling, Ducts etc, Energy & Resources (base loads) Safety (Fire, combustion, radon) Codes, standards, guidance
24. Envelope & Leakage Inspections & Tests To Assess Water leakage Air gaps/leakage Insulation continuity Moisture Control Structural integrity Ventilation Sealing Windows & Doors Opportunities for performance improvement Visual Inspection Thermal Imaging Smoke test Blower Door Testing
25. Interior Living Space Indoor Measurements To Assess: Comfort Adequacy of HVAC Effectiveness of HVAC Adequacy of Ventilation Moisture / Moisture Problems Operation of Combustion Devices Indoor Sources Housekeeping Radon risk Temperature Ambient Surface Humidity CO2 Levels Particles Combustion by products Moisture Flows Pressure Differences Radon
26. HVACEfficiency / Effectiveness / Safety HVAC Measurements To Assess Proper combustion under all conditions Proper exhaust Leaks in ductwork Location of leaks Distribution System Balance Safety Combustion Pressures In system In zones Venting & Draft Ducts Tightness Supply / Return Distribution
27. Energy & ResourcesSession 5 Measurements To Assess Performance Efficiency Opportunities for reductions in Energy use Opportunities for reductions in Water use Selection of more sustainable items and materials Fuel Usage / Base Loads Water heating Appliances Lighting Other Water Consumption Materials Selection
28. Safety & Health Inspections To Assess Safety of combustion devices Identification of Hazards Code Compliance Combustion Electrical Fire Lead paint Asbestos Other
29. Building Assessment Tools Cognitive Ability Questions Identifying Clues Sensory Eyes Ears Nose touch Forms / Software Flashlight Tape measure Smoke tube Camera Digital (Spot) Thermometer Thermal imaging Thermometer RH Meter CO2 CO Moisture meter Anemometer Digital pressure gauge Particle Counter Blower Door Duct Tester
30. TAMS Assessment Forms Part 1 - “Occupant Related” Part 2 – “Structural” Construction Details Dimensions and Volume Thermal Performance Moisture Control HVAC & Ducting Operation Combustion Energy Use Occupants Activities HVAC Use Indoor Sources Housekeeping Allergen Control Health & Safety
31. Measurements and Testing For each type of test: Why we’re making the measurement Where in the home it is made How the Tool works How it is used What the results tell us
32. Temperature / Humidity / CO2 Thermometers / Hygrometers/ CO2 Monitors Temperature (Ambient) Temperature (Surface) Relative Humidity (RH) Carbon Dioxide CO2
33. Thermal Imaging Infrared Camera Identify Cold / Hot Spots Moisture Presence Leaks & gaps Pathways Assess Insulation Gaps Voids Thermal Bridging
34. Particulates Particle Counter Results should generally correlate with: furnishings physical activity occupant activities (e.g. cooking, candles, vacuuming) air movement Maintenance outside PM sources May show temporal variations based upon physical activity and Living and bedrooms
35. Pressure DifferentialsSmoke Tube Manometer / Smoke Tube Simple way to test for Pressure imbalances Indoor/Outdoor Zone/Zone Room/Room Simple way to identify Direction of flow leaks and pathways Presence & quality of seals
36. Pressure DifferentialsMicromanometer Simple way to test for Pressure imbalances Indoor/Outdoor Zone/Zone Room/Room Simple way to identify leaks and pathways Presence & quality of seals
37. Moisture Testing Pin Type Moisture meter Contact Moisture meter
38. Air Flow Testing Tested Devices Instruments Anemometer Pressure pan Pitot tube Flow Hood Heat Exchanger Intakes Exhausts Exhaust fans Bathrooms Laundry Rooms Kitchen Supplemental Ventilation Other
39. Ventilation Testing CO2 Monitors Determine minimum ventilation requirement for occupants Measure mechanical ventilation Determine leakage rate Ensure exhaust fans and dryer vent to outside
40. Blower Door Test Used for testing the air tightness of the structure Air tightness of a building impacts energy consumption, comfort, and ventilation A blower door consists of: Calibrated fan to measure air flow rate Micromanometer to measure the pressure created by the fan flow. Airflow directly Proportional to Surface Area of Bldg Leakage
41. Blower Door Test
42. Blower Door Test Natural Driving Forces- Air leakage not measurable because pressure differences are small and variable Blower Door – Air leakage is measurable because the pressure difference is Larger and Steady.
43. Blower Door Test ELA: Estimated total air leakage of all little holes in the building. Pre and Post Weatherization Blower Door readings to determine effectiveness of actions Can also compare to other houses of same building type. The blower door is your ultimate quality control device
44. Blower Door Test Air Changes per Hour (ACH/Hr) This is the fresh air ventilation rate based on the size of a home and the number of occupants. Building Tightness Limit (BTL) To ensure adequate fresh air through leakage if no mechanical ventilation CFM 50 (standard for blower door) The Blower Door measures the air flow rate in CFM at House pressure of -50 pascals
45. Blower Door Test Typical Sources of Depressurization Temperature Differential (Stack Effect) Combustion Appliances Air Handlers Duct Leakage Exhaust fans Clothes Dryer Door Closures
46. Zonal Pressure Tests Blower Door Configured for Whole House Tests relative leakiness of different zones Surface exposed to interior and to outdoors Can be separated from rest of house Zone = Outside Zones Not Conditioned Attics Garage Porches Crawlspace Basement Inside Zones Conditioned Interior Walls Floors Between Stories Crawlspace Basement
47. Duct Testing Determines the leakiness of supply and return ducting Identifies loss of conditioned air to outside Identifies the need for sealing of ducts Calibrated Dust testing fan attached to main air handler or return Registers temporarily sealed
48. Duct Leakage
49. Duct Testing Variations Duct Leakage Duct Leakage to Outside While simultaneously pressurizing house Blower Door Subtraction With and without registers sealed Pressure Pan Test While house is depressurized, measured at each register.
50. Pressure Pan Test Measures Pressure in duct (at register) relative to house pressure Ducts should be 0 WRT House pressure Indicates relative leakiness of duct in proximity to that register Higher the ∆P, Leakier in that area of duct Identifies loss of conditioned air to outside
51. Air Flow Testing Heat Exchanger System Temperature Difference Exhaust fans Anemometer Pitot tube Calibrated Pan
52. Combustion Testing & Inspection Carbon Monoxide (CO) Combustion Flue Gases Venting System Combustion Appliance Zone Outdoor (reference) Gas/Oil Leakage Inspection Unvented Combustion Appliances Combustion Appliance Zone Combustion appliance vent inspection Oven Range
53. Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) Any zone that contains combustion appliances. Including: Furnaces Boilers Water heaters Fireplaces, gas logs or solid fuel appliances Cooking ranges and ovens Vented and unvented space heaters
54. Worst Case Draft Test Assures Combustion Appliances will operate in a safe draft condition during periods of depressurization created by occupants and environmental drivers Test performed with house in a condition that will put the Combustion Air Zone (CAZ) in the highest negative pressure Identifies need for appropriate actions to ensure proper drafting Must be done after modifications that tighten envelope or mechanical exhaust systems
55. Worst Case Draft Test Turn all combustion devices off Measure baseline pressure relative to outdoors “Tighten” House Replace or clean filters Activate all Exhaust Appliances Activate air handler Position CAZ and Interior doors to maximize ∆P in CAZ Fire Appliance check for spillage after 2 minutes Measure Draft in flue
56. Water Heater Draft Test Thermostat setting Signs of leakage Insulation of pipes Pressure relief valve
57. Radon Testing Recommended even if house previously tested (and mitigated) Identifies potential for elevated Radon levels requiring mitigation Conducted in Living Area in “worst case” conditions Can be affected by weatherization actions – test after weatherization retrofits
58. Quality Assurance QA Plan (QAP/QAPP) Recommended to assure that data supports good decisions May be required by Tribe or funding source If supported by EPA Grant funds, QAP is needed (check with Project Officer) Level of rigor should match type of measurements and intended use: graded approach
59. Quality Assurance Standardized assessment procedure Standard procedures for instruments Calibration is current and documented Good recordkeeping for data and associated information (e.g. photos) Training records for staff Ensure procedures are followed and deviations noted