Recent research conducted by CSIRO has revealed that new Australian homes are up to 50% more airtight than those tested back in 2015. This increase in airtightness is seen as a positive development for homeowners, as it brings several benefits such as increased comfort, lower energy bills, and improved indoor air quality. Airtightness in homes helps to minimize unintended air movements, which in turn prevents outdoor air from entering and indoor air from escaping.
While improved airtightness is certainly a step in the right direction, it is important to note that poor air tightness can lead to a number of issues within a home. For example, drafts caused by poor air tightness can result in increased energy bills by up to 20%. On the other hand, homes that are too airtight without controlled ventilation can lead to problems such as condensation, mold growth, and health issues for residents. These health issues can range from headaches and nausea to higher levels of carbon dioxide and monoxide.
The research conducted by CSIRO involved testing a total of 233 apartments and detached houses built in the last four years in major Australian cities. The study found that most new homes had leakages, with common areas of air leakage being bathroom fans, sliding doors, and poor or missing door seals. Additionally, some apartments were found to be extremely airtight, which can have negative impacts on both building performance and resident health if proper ventilation is not in place.
As a result of the research findings, several recommendations were outlined for Australian building codes to address common air tightness issues. These recommendations include establishing air tightness standards in the National Construction Code (NCC), requiring controlled ventilation in new buildings, mandating air barriers such as building wraps in all new residences, and providing training and resources for builders to improve building performance.
One interesting finding from the research was that actual air tightness levels closely aligned with those assumed by the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), which provides an energy efficiency star rating for residential buildings. This alignment gives confidence that NatHERS is accurately predicting air tightness within specified levels. There is also a suggestion to display air tightness values on NatHERS certificates to highlight their impact on the star rating.
The research conducted by CSIRO sheds light on the importance of air tightness in Australian homes and the potential benefits of improved airtightness levels. By addressing common air tightness issues and implementing recommendations for improvement, homeowners can enjoy increased comfort, lower energy bills, and healthier indoor air quality. It is crucial for builders and policymakers to focus on promoting proper air tightness practices to ensure that new homes meet recommended standards and provide a safe and healthy living environment for residents.
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