1. What is Infiltration Heat Loss?

Infiltration heat loss refers to the energy lost when outside air leaks into a building through cracks, openings, and other unintentional pathways, requiring additional heating to maintain indoor comfort levels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the infiltration heat loss formula:

Where:

• \( \text{area} \) — Area in square feet (sq ft)
• \( \text{rate} \) — Air changes per hour (ACH)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference in degrees Fahrenheit (°F)

Explanation: The formula calculates the heat energy required to warm the infiltrating outside air to indoor temperature conditions.

3. Importance of Infiltration Heat Loss Calculation

Details: Accurate infiltration heat loss calculation is crucial for proper HVAC system sizing, energy efficiency analysis, and building envelope performance assessment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter area in square feet, air change rate in ACH, and temperature difference in °F. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical ACH value for residential buildings?
A: Typical values range from 0.1 to 2.0 ACH, with tighter buildings having lower values and older buildings having higher values.

Q2: How does infiltration affect energy consumption?
A: Higher infiltration rates significantly increase heating and cooling loads, leading to higher energy consumption and utility costs.

Q3: What factors influence infiltration rates?
A: Building age, construction quality, weather conditions, wind speed, and building height all affect infiltration rates.

Q4: How can infiltration be reduced?
A: Air sealing, weatherstripping, caulking, and improving building envelope tightness can significantly reduce infiltration.

Q5: Is infiltration always undesirable?
A: While excessive infiltration is problematic, some ventilation is necessary for indoor air quality and moisture control.