Why Air Test? Recently amended Part F2 2006 (Conservation of Fuel and Power in buildings other than dwellings) of the Building Regulations are now in force DFP Technical Booklet Part F2 (Buildings other than dwellings) Refers to all new buildings except dwellings. All new building with usable floor area greater than 500m2 must be tested. Buildings below this figure must be tested or use penalty value within SBEM or equivilant rating. Extensions less than 100m2 and do not increase the usable area by more than 25% do not require testing, extensions above these values will require testing and also requirements of consequential improvements to the existing building.     Energy and Cost Savings As insulation levels improve, air infiltration losses become more significant. BRE studies have shown that for a tight building the energy costs for space heating maybe up to 40% less than that of an equivalent but leaky building. Air conditioning and humidity controls can also be reduced through reduction in un-designed air infiltration. The size of the space heating or A/C systems can be reduced, having a knock on effect with initial plant capital, running costs and possibly plant room size. Sophisticated energy saving heating control and recovery systems can also be economically viable within tight buildings. Air Assure estimates that to adequately tighten a building to meet the current building control standards will cost on average 2% addition to the construction cost, this can be offset by benefits listed above including whole life cost of mechanical units.   Heating Capacity Within a tight and well-insulated building, uncontrolled infiltration can overwhelm the system capacity (BRE states a possible 20% depression in building system capacity) and undermine performance and comfort. Reduction in CO2 emissions Reduction in energy demand results in reduction of carbon dioxide from primary energy sources Comfort Within a tight commercial or industrial building, the lack of draughts and cold spots ensure a pleasant and more productive working environment with adequate fresh air being supplied through designed/controlled ventilation. Climate Responsive Design A tight building gives the Designers and Architects more scope for use and utilisation of the climate. Reduced Risk Of Fabric Deterioration In a tightly constructed and properly ventilated building there is a reduced risk of usually humid internal air building up moisture in the building fabric of the walls and roof, causing damage of insulation and reduction of insulating value, degradation of the fabric, frost damage and corrosion. 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 buildings. Giving exact air permeability figures that if working in partnership with Air Assure will be lower than those estimated for the buildings assessment. This will result in the building receiving an improved energy assessment rating, resulting in improved marketability, reduction in building service plant size, increased efficiency, proof of build quality and construction competence and a more economic and comfortable building. What’s involved? Although the theory behind the testing of large buildings is identical to that of domestic testing, the actual physical test itself and contribution of Air Assure throughout the design and construction stages is on a much larger scale. Like the domestic test, the pressure testing process is carried out using calibrated fan units (To UKAS Standards) dependant on the size of the building envelope being tested. Extremely large buildings may need two or more linked trailer mounted fan units to supply the capacity required by the standards. 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 (although it is unlikely if Air Assure is involved from the design process through to testing stages), Air Assure can provide a variety of survey techniques and advice to locate and remedy the problem. Air Assure involvement from the design stage working with the Architect, Building/Civil/M&E Contractors and site agent ensures that all aspects of the air tightness requirement to Part F2 are met. Early consultation allows us to explain the requirements to all parties throughout the building process, ensure design and details are considered and robust with regard to air tightness, and offer advice with regard to accountability of working groups and supervision of onsite workmanship. What Air Assure Provides? Air Infiltration Testing service through out Ireland. Consultation throughout the build process or alternatively final test service only. Final test services with minimal disruption on site through flexible approach to fit in with your building schedule. Smoke and infrared air leakage detection surveys. Pre test inspection. 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.