Full Description

Describes the development of an automated short-term test method - the measured performance rating (MPR) method - for evaluating building envelope retrofits and heating system improvements. The completely automated version can provide quick feedback. Results can be available the morning after a preceding night's test, which is an obvious advantage over more long-term approaches. The test procedures were based on a protocol developed by Duffy and Saunders for estimating the heating season efficiency of detached residences and similar small buildings from thermal parameter inputs derived from several one-time tests on a test building. The procedure reported here primarily involves four tests - electric coheating, heating system efficiency, tracer gas dilution, and blower door leakage. A fifth test, the cool-down, is used when the inside temperature drifts more than 2 deg F during the coheat test cycle.

KEYWORDS: dwellings, performance, testing, heating season, computer programs, tracers, heating, detached buildings, dwellings.

Citation: Symposium, ASHRAE Trans. 1994, Vol.100, Part 1,

Product Details

Published: 1994File Size: 1 file , 1.6 MB Product Code(s): D-18004