Performance of Ventilation Systems in Residential Buildings: Fid-Bau Portal

Performance of Ventilation Systems in Residential Buildings

R. Roennberg / R. Ruotsalainen / A. Majanen

The aim of the study was to gather information on the performance of ventilation systems in residential buildings. The effect of the ventilation on health, comfort and satisfaction was also studied. Data was also collected of the fullfilment of National Building Code on ventilation. 50 residential buildings were selected for the study, which was carried out during the heating season 1987-88. The sample consisted of both detached houses and blocks of flats. Same amount of most common ventilation systems was taken into the sample. Ventilation rates and indoor climate were measured and a questionnaire on symptoms, health and comfort was carried out during the measurements. The ventilation rates varied from 0.1 to 1.2 m/sup 3//hm/sup 3/ (with an average of approzimately 0.5 m/sup 3//hm/sup 3/) in typical operation conditions, i.e. as the ventilation was operated most of the day. The ventilation rate in the bedrooms was usually smallest. The ventilation rate was typically highest in the bedrooms with balanced ventilation. The ventilation rate had an effect on health and symptoms. When the average ventilation rate in a dwelling was below 0.25 m/sup 3//hm/sup 3/, occupants expressed several symptoms; and when the ventilation rate was above 0.55 m/sup 3//hm/sup 3/, occupants expressed few or no symptoms. A correlation between the sensation of indoor air quality and measured indoor parameters was also found. No statistically signiicant correlation was found in symptoms or satisfaction between the ventilation system.