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Glossary

What is an air test?

Air Tests in Construction: Assessing Airtightness and Enhancing Energy Efficiency

Air tests assess building airtightness, measuring air infiltration or escape. They guide targeted improvements, reducing heat loss, enhancing energy efficiency, and improving occupant comfort. Regulatory compliance is ensured, and analysis of results informs effective measures for energy-efficient and sustainable construction.

Understanding Air Tests for Energy-Efficient Construction

Air Test: A procedure that measures a building’s airtightness, evaluating the rate of air infiltration or escape through its envelope, including walls, windows, doors, roofs, and floors.

Importance:

  • Energy Efficiency: Identifying air leakage areas allows targeted improvements, reducing heat loss, and lowering energy consumption.
  • Comfort and Indoor Air Quality: Addressing air leaks enhances occupant comfort and prevents issues related to drafts and poor indoor air quality.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Many building regulations and energy standards require air tests to ensure compliance with efficiency and sustainability goals.

Process:

  1. Preparation: Securely close windows, doors, and openings. Install a large fan in a doorway to depressurise the building.
  2. Measurement: The fan creates a pressure difference, enabling the measurement of airflow required to maintain the differential. Results are expressed as air permeability index (API) or air changes per hour (ACH).
  3. Analysis and Recommendations: Identify significant air leakage areas for targeted improvements, including sealing gaps, enhancing insulation, and optimising ventilation systems.

Summary:

Air tests play a crucial role in assessing a building’s airtightness and identifying air leakage areas. By conducting these tests, construction professionals enhance energy efficiency, improve comfort, and ensure compliance with regulations. Air tests contribute to the construction industry’s pursuit of energy-efficient and high-performance buildings.

Air Changes per Hour (ACH)

Air Changes per Hour (ACH) quantifies ventilation effectiveness by measuring the number of complete air exchanges in a space per hour. Discover its importance in maintaining indoor air quality, designing ventilation systems, and providing a healthy environment.

Approved Document A

Approved Document A (Part A) provides regulations and guidelines for structural design and safety. It ensures buildings are constructed to high standards of structural integrity and resistance to various forces. Compliance with Approved Document A is essential for professionals involved in building design and construction.

Resonance

Resonance is a phenomenon in which an object or system vibrates at its natural frequency when exposed to external forces, leading to amplified vibrations. It is a fundamental concept in acoustics, physics, and engineering.

Airtightness Index

The Airtightness Index quantifies the level of airtightness and air leakage in buildings. Discover how this measure influences energy efficiency, identifies areas of concern, and guides air sealing efforts for improved building performance.