Multi-Family Case Studies
"The Proof is in the Pudding!"
The following properties participated in a grant program partially funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) that focused on comprehensive energy efficiency measures in partnership with the local utility's Multi-Family program. Each property had a third party RESNET rater perform test-in/test-out verifications. The data reflects comprehensive duct sealing and thermal boundary measures.
ACH50 stands for Air Changes per Hour at 50 Pascals. CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute of Air Flow. We do not get ACH50 in multi-family too tight, or below 5 ACH50. An ACH50 slot between 5 to 8 ACH50 is ideal for an apartment in our climate zone. This is dependent on the age of the community, sizing of the mechanical components, etc...as we do not want an apartment too tight.
South Congress Commons
Square Footage: 41,099
Year Built: 1979
# of Units: 68
Test-In Avg Total Duct Leakage: 500 CFM = 63% leakage
Test-Out Avg Total Duct Leakage: 38 CFM = 5% leakage
Test-In Avg Duct Leakage To Outside: 338 CFM = 42% leakage
Test-Out Avg Duct Leakage To Outside: 24 CFM = 3% leakage
Test-In Avg ACH: 11
Test-Out Avg ACH: 6
Austin Gardens
Square Footage: 75,000
Year Built: 1979
# of Units: 150
Test-In Avg Total Duct Leakage: 334 CFM = 55% leakage
Test-Out Avg Total Duct Leakage: 78 CFM = 12% leakage
Test-In Avg Duct Leakage To Outside: 199 CFM = 31% leakage
Test-Out Avg Duct Leakage To Outside: 57 CFM = 9% leakage
Test-In Avg ACH: 14
Test-Out Avg ACH: 7
Whisper Hollow
Square Footage: 150,160
Year Built: 1983
# of Units: 220
Test-In Avg Total Duct Leakage: 348 CFM = 41% leakage
Test-Out Avg Total Duct Leakage: 46 CFM = 6% leakage
Test-In Avg Duct Leakage To Outside: 254 CFM = 30% leakage
Test-Out Avg Duct Leakage To Outside: 27 CFM = 3% leakage
Test-In Avg ACH: 11
Test-Out Avg ACH: 8
The Enclave
Square Footage: 48,842
Year Built: 1982
# of Units: 90
Test-In Avg Total Duct Leakage: 171 CFM = 28% leakage
Test-Out Avg Total Duct Leakage: 50 CFM = 8% leakage
Test-In Avg Duct Leakage To Outside: 107 CFM = 18% leakage
Test-Out Avg Duct Leakage To Outside: 28 CFM = 5% leakage
Test-In Avg ACH: 10
Test-Out Avg ACH: 8