Home energy is responsible for approximately 28 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions in the UK. This can greatly contribute towards climate change. With the help of air tightness testing, new and existing buildings can be made more energy efficient to reduce emissions and save money, energy and our environment.
Air leakage from both new and existing buildings is the main reason for increasing emissions and energy loss. By improving the air tightness in homes, the uncontrolled air flow through cracks and gaps (often referred as exfiltration, draught or infiltration) can be reduced. With the help of proper ventilation and controlled flow of air, you can easily increase the safety and comfort of the occupants.
Excessive air leakage can lead to discomfort and unnecessary heat loss from cold draughts. Moreover, with increasingly stricter building regulations and the need for better energy efficiency, air tightness is becoming an important issue.
Air leakage from a building can also be quantified as air permeability. Air permeability is actually the rate of leakage inside or outside of the dwelling. It is generally measured with a reference pressure difference of approximately 50Pa between the outside and inside of the dwelling.
In order to ensure air tightness, the issue needs to be addressed at the design stage itself. Careful thought should be given to make sure gaps and cracks are sealed properly to ensure an air tight dwelling. And as such, an air tight construction along with well-designed ventilation will greatly help to improve the comfort levels and energy efficiency in your home.
Total Energy Compliance