What is measured when external pressure is monitored against the building's air barrier?

What is measured when external pressure is monitored against the building's air barrier?

• A. Internal humidity levels
• B. Indoor pollutant concentration
• C. Stack pressure
• D. Energy loss through the building envelope

Answer: (C)

When external pressure is monitored against a building’s air barrier, what is primarily measured is the stack pressure, also known as the stack effect. The stack effect occurs due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of a building. As warm air rises, it creates a pressure difference; this difference causes air to enter and exit the building through any leaks or openings in the air barrier. By measuring the external pressure against the air barrier, testers can assess how effectively the building is sealed and identify potential areas of air leakage. This is crucial for determining the building's overall airtightness, which influences energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and comfort levels. While indoor humidity levels, indoor pollutant concentration, and energy loss through the building envelope are important considerations in comprehensive building performance evaluations, they do not directly correlate with the external pressure measurements specifically focused on the air barrier. The stack pressure is distinctly related to how the air circulates in and out of the building due to the pressure differential created by temperature and ventilation dynamics.

When external pressure is monitored against a building’s air barrier, what is primarily measured is the stack pressure, also known as the stack effect. The stack effect occurs due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of a building. As warm air rises, it creates a pressure difference; this difference causes air to enter and exit the building through any leaks or openings in the air barrier.

By measuring the external pressure against the air barrier, testers can assess how effectively the building is sealed and identify potential areas of air leakage. This is crucial for determining the building's overall airtightness, which influences energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and comfort levels.

While indoor humidity levels, indoor pollutant concentration, and energy loss through the building envelope are important considerations in comprehensive building performance evaluations, they do not directly correlate with the external pressure measurements specifically focused on the air barrier. The stack pressure is distinctly related to how the air circulates in and out of the building due to the pressure differential created by temperature and ventilation dynamics.