the systematic approach to improving the comfort, health, safety, energy efficiency, and
durability of a house. - home performance
The 'big 3' factors affecting the built environment. - Heat, Air, Water
4 impacts of home performance improvement - 1. reduce energy usage.
2. occupant health and safety
3. IAQ and occupant comfort
4. durability of materials
4 components of a house. - 1. building
2. mechanicals
3. environment
4. occupants
What is theromdynamics? - The science that studies the relationship between heat and
other kinds of energy
3 statements about energy from the 1st law of thermodynamics - 1. energy moves from
place to place
2. energy changes from one form to another
3. energy cannot be created or destroyed
Main concept of 2nd law of thermodynamics - Energy flows from high concentration to
low concentration
Apply the second law of thermodynamics to heat, air, and moisture - Heat moves from
warmer to cooler.
Air moves from higher pressure to lower pressure.
Moisture moves from wetter to drier.
Definition of BTU - The amount of heat required to raise the T of one pound of water on
degree F.
Units and Energy Content:
1. #2 fuel oil
2. #6 fuel oil
3. natural gas
4. propane
5. electricity - 1. gallon; 139,000 BTUs
2. gallon; 153,600 BTUs
2 types of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) - closed-cell (high density) and open-cell (low
density)
R-value: loose fill cellulose - 3.7 per inch
R-value: dense pack cellulose - 3.2 per inch
R-value: fiberglass batt - 3.0 per inch
R-value: polyisocyanurate - 7.0 per inch
Volume of water a family of 4 can produce through exhaling and sweating - 2.5 gallons
3 signs of excess moisture in a home - 1. standing water in basement.
2. condensation on windows and other surfaces.
3. mold and mildew
3 exterior sources of IAQ pollutants - 1. pollen
2. smoke
3. air pollution
5 interior sources of IAQ pollutants - 1. off-gassing of materials.
2. VOCs from paints, cleaning products and solvents.
3. combustion by-products
4. pet dander
5. radon
5 strategies for improving IAQ - 1. fix roof, basement, and other leaks.
2. have the heating system serviced every year.
3. limit use of dangerous cleaning chemicals.
4. store chemicals and paints away from living area.
5. no smoking inside house.
4 types of moisture movement - 1. gravity
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