Domestic Testing

 

Why Air Test? Recently amended Part F (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations 2000 are now in force. DFP Technical Booklet Part F1 2006 (Dwellings) Refers to new dwellings but excludes student accommodation and nursing homes, it requires samples of development dwellings to be tested, also a penalty value or testing for individual builds. There is no requirement to test domestic extensions.     Reducing Carbon Emissions Part F is a vital part of the UK Governments strategy towards its carbon emissions reduction targets (20% reduction in CO2 emissions below 1990 levels by 2010). Air leakage accounts for a large proportion of the energy wasted in buildings. Put simply, the more heated air that escapes through leakage (uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks), the more energy that is needed to reheat that building, energy that at present is mostly generated at power stations or through the burning of fossil fuels, i.e. oil, coal or gas which combined produce vast quantities of carbon gasses, all of which contribute to global warming.   Reduction in Energy and Plant Cost and Increased Comfort Reduced air-leakage is clearly in the interests of building owners and/or occupiers. Substantial savings in heating costs are the result. (For comparison, the average detached house in Northern Ireland consumes nearly 20% more energy than its equivalent in Denmark). In addition, the size (and therefore capital cost) of the heating system can be reduced. Reduced air leakage also results in increased comfort through the eradication of cold spots, draughts etc. Protection of the Building fabric. If warm, moist air is allowed to leak into the external wall cavities of a building, it will tend to cool and form interstitial condensation. This accumulates over time leading to degradation of insulation which reduces performance leading to damp patches, corrosion of metal components, mould growth, etc. Cost Savings and advantages to Contractors/Developers It stands to reason that homes constructed to higher standards offering the above benefits and built to high airtight standards offer advantages in the tendering and marketing to prospective clients or homebuyers as air tightness is seen as a proxy for construction quality. Further more, as with the amended Part F, providing the overall TER (Target CO2 Emissions Rate) is achieved, Contractors can make cost savings by aiming for greater air tightness levels, which could be used as a trade off to reduce reliance on more costly energy reduction measures such as increased insulation etc. The cost of an air tightness test is considerably less than using the 15m3(hr/m2)@50Pa penalty imposed by the building regulations. Republic Of Ireland Although compulsory air tightness testing is not in force within the ROI, it is the opinion of Air Assure and SEI (Sustainable Energy Ireland) that this requirement will most probably become mandatory within the next round of building regulation changes. It is however for reasons given above that ROI Construction/Development companies are turning to Air Assure to provide air tightness tests to their developments. Giving exact air permeability figures that if working in partnership with Air Assure will be lower than those estimated for the dwellings BER Assessment. This will result in the building receiving an improved energy assessment rating, resulting in improved marketability, energy reduction measure trade off, proof of build quality and construction competence and a more comfortable home for the homeowner. What’s involved? Simplified, the pressure testing process is carried out using calibrated fan units (To UKAS Standards) dependant on the size of the building envelope being tested. Air is supplied via the fan units to the building at a variety of airflow rates and measurements of the resulting pressure differentials across the building are recorded. Internal and external temperatures and barometric pressure are also measured to provide corrected airflow rate measurements. Maximum allowable/ Target infiltration rate = 10m3/(Hr/m2)@50Pa If the building passes, a certificate is supplied to building control within seven days. If the building fails its test, Air Assure can provide a variety of survey techniques and advice to locate and remedy the problem. What Air Assure Provides? Air Infiltration Service testing service through out Ireland. Initial consultation and design review. Pre test inspection. Smoke and infrared air leakage detection surveys. Preferred supplier benefits (see download section). A specifically designed self build package (see download section). Fully trained and accredited air testers, approved by Building Control and BINDT (British Institute of Non Destructive Testing) to carry out domestic air testing. All air testers Construction Skills Card registered to work on sites in both the north and south of Ireland. Company H&S Policy, Risk assessments and Public/Professional Indemnity Insurance details supplied on request. Most importantly, before you start construction, contact us by e-mail or telephone as we are happy to give advice. For a successful test and cost reduction, air permeability must be considered before NOT after the build.