DE-79-03-1 -- Locating and Eliminating Obscure But Major Energy Losses in Residential Housing PDF

Major energy losses in residential buildings can prove very elusive to the energy auditor. As a result, conventional choices of retrofit can easily overlook major problem areas. This paper outlines a number of experimental approaches for determining the energy consumption of a building, with emphasis on air infiltration. The combined use of depressurization of the house and infrared scan permits the location of "bypass" routes through which warm air is leaving the structure. These losses tend to undermine the effectiveness of insulation, as well as to lower comfort in the dwelling. Several types of bypasses are described and evidence for their widespread existence is documented. The impact of retrofitting these and other energy loss sites is also discussed with regard to side effects on the occupants and building structure.