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Air Exchange Rates in New Energy-Efficient Manufactured Housing
Abstract
During the 1989-1990 heating season, Pacific Northwest
Laboratory, for the Bonneville Power Administration,
measured the ventilation characteristics of 139 newly
constructed energy-efficient manufactured homes and a
control sample of 35 newer manufactured homes. A
standard door fan pressurization technique was used to
estimate shell leakiness, and a passive perfluorocarbon
tracer technique was used to estimate overall air exchange
rates. A measurement of the designated whole-house
exhaust system flow rate was taken as well as an occupant
and structure survey.
The energy-efficient manufactured homes have very
low air exchange rates, significantly lower than either
existing manufactured homes or site-built homes. The
standard deviation of the effective leakage area for this
sample of homes is small (25% to 30% of the mean), indicating
that the leakiness of manufactured housing stock
can be confidently characterized by the mean value.
There is some indication of increased ventilation due to
the energy-efficient whole-house ventilation specification,
but not directly related to the operation of the wholehouse
system. The mechanical systems as installed and
operated do not provide the intended ventilation; consequently
indoor air quality could possibly be adversely
impacted and moisture/condensation in the living space is
a potential problem.
Citation
Hadley, D. L.; Bailey, S. A. (1990). Air Exchange Rates in New Energy-Efficient Manufactured Housing. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /6606.