Air Infiltration Description

Description of the infiltration characteristics for an opaque surface, fenestration unit, a thermal zone.

Data Type: 
Constrained List
Category: 
Unit of Measure: 
None
Sector: 
Commercial, Residential, Multifamily
List Options Option Definition Unit of Measure
Average Average infiltration rate. None
Leaky High infiltration rate, many places in the premises where outside air can come into the conditioned space. None
None None None
Not applicable Not applicable None
Other Other None
Tight Low infiltration rate. The 2012 IECC code requires between 3 and 5 ACH (air changes per hour) @ 50 pascals pressure for new construction (depending on the climate zone). The ENERGY STAR Certified Homes program requires between 3 and 6 ACH depending on the climate zone. None
Unknown Unknown None
Very leaky Very high infiltration rate. None
Very tight Very low infiltration rate. The Passive House standard for air infiltration rate is <= 0.5 ACH at 50 pascals, which means the premises is virtually air tight. Infiltration levels this low usually require mechanical ventilation (with a heat exchange) to provide adequate interior air quality. None
Term ID: 6a5b8647-f8b2-40f6-b379-5a4d4adac2e8
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