In this presentation, we’ll break down residential building science by introducing the “house as a system” approach to construction. Here, we’ll show how each part of a home should work together with all other parts to create an effective and efficient design. When most people hear the term “home performance”, energy is what comes to mind. However, there are additional and often more important benefits that result from having a high-performance home. We’ll also cover the diagnostic testing involved that ensures building enclosures and duct systems are correctly installed and sealed. This includes a crash course on blower door and duct leakage testing using calibrated fans and high-precision manometers. We’ll show you the proper way to set up a house and include items to watch out for before starting a test.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the “house as a system” approach to residential construction.
- Understand the benefits of having a high-performance home in regards to durability and occupant comfort.
- Understand how a blower door and duct leakage test works to measure and expose air leaks.Air infiltration can come from several areas, some of which can introduce contaminated air.
- Demonstrate the relationship between air leakage and moisture behavior in buildings. High moisture can lead to deterioration of the structure and drastically reduce indoor air quality for the occupant.
