Action on the Building Envelope |
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Like insulation, building shell improvements are most critical for those buildings that have large exterior surface areas in comparison to internal volume.
Substantially higher energy bills in the winter and summer months indicate weather dependence and shell insulation may be cost effective for these buildings.
Openings in the building envelope can be sealed and insulation can be added to walls, floors, ceiling and attics to reduce heat transfer, and make for a more comfortable environment.
In commercial buildings where the unconditioned attic space is used as a return air plenum, the addition of rigid insulation during a re-roofing can help maintain return air temperatures thus saving energy.
In most cases the installation of new replacement windows is often too expensive to justify on energy savings alone. Justification may be easier for those buildings with large single-pane windows which face the path of the sun, or in the case where a tall building's windows are in poor condition.
Window treatments – shades, films, screens – can be beneficial for large glass windows facing the path of the sun.
This is especially true in the summer in warmer climates.
Window treatments to reduce solar gain can pay off rapidly but this depends on the treatment used.
Aesthetics must also be considered when choosing a window treatment.
To reduce infiltration
Create slight positive pressurization, so all the air that is in the building is moving outward and all
the air that is coming into the building is conditioned air (provided that you do not incur
condensation problems by driving moist air into unconditioned wall spaces).
Install new windows (but see above not)
Replace door sweeps, creating a better seal
Caulk holes or gaps in the building envelope
Control outside air dampers, keeping these closed when not in use
Control exhaust fans: turn these off at night so that you don’t draw in heat and outside air when the HCVAC system is not running.
Look at door vestibules, and
Utilize air barriers, which prevent air from gett ing through porous materials like cinder block