Infiltration

Definition

Infiltration refers to the unintentional exchange of conditioned indoor air with outdoor air through cracks and openings in a building's envelope.

Purpose

Infiltration impacts the energy efficiency and indoor air quality of buildings. Managing infiltration is crucial for maintaining desired indoor conditions, reducing energy costs, and improving comfort.

Examples of Use

• Identifying air leaks in residential buildings to improve insulation and energy efficiency.
• Sealing gaps in commercial buildings to maintain consistent indoor climate control.
• Using infiltration measurements to design more airtight and energy-efficient new buildings.

Related Terms

• Building Envelope: The physical separator between the interior and exterior of a building, including walls, floors, roofs, windows, and doors.
• Air Leakage: The uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the building envelope.
• Energy Efficiency: Using less energy to perform the same task or produce the same result.

Notes

Reducing infiltration requires proper sealing and insulation, which can significantly lower heating and cooling costs and improve indoor air quality.