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House B - 169 Sullivan Ave - Below Grade Basement Envelope System
Part 1- Heat savings
Using the Hot2000 software program, ECHO Team Canada estimated in its original condition this home would have an annual fuel consumption of 3918.93 Litres per year (See page 12 of ECHO Team Report). A review of historical data shows this home actually consumed 2511 Litres per year in its original condition (See Chart C2). Fuel consumption in the first year of this study (October 2003- October 2004) was 2096 Litres per year (See Chart 3). Actual fuel consumption from October 1st 2004 to March 10th 2004 plus estimated fuel consumption through to October 2005 indicated the fuel consumption to be 1466 Litres per year (See Chart 4)
During the winter months, in its original condition there was a fuel consumption of 15.9 Litres per day (2002-2003). During the winter of 2003-2004 fuel consumption was reduced to 10.28 Litres per day. The winter of 2004-2005 shows a further reduction in fuel consumption that averaged 6.56 Litres per day (See Chart 5).
Part 2- Humidity Reductions
a) The concrete core humidity level rose during the winter and fell during the summer (See Chart B3). The above grade portion of the concrete foundation wall remains unprotected. This unprotected wall surface provides a source for humidity inflow and allows outside air temperature to have a direct impact on concrete core temperatures and humidity levels. (See chart B3 & E2)
b) At start the interior basement humidity level was 74.5% and had steadily decreased to 40% by May 2004. In June of 2004 interior humidity levels began to rise and remained elevated through August 2004. In September 2004 humidity levels dropped back into the 40% range. This rise in humidity level was caused by a major plumbing leak during washing machine use. (See photo #2, See Letter #2) The rise and fall of interior humidity levels coincide with the plumbing leak start date and the plumbing leak repair date. (See chart B1)
Part 3- Thermal heating
As you can see in Chart B4, the temperature underneath the slab in October 2003 was higher then the floor and the inside temperatures. As the winter months came on, the outside temperature dropped but underneath the slab temperature rose. As the summer temperatures rose, the snow started to melt which caused run off. This run off caused the below floor temperature to drop due to the saturation of the soil. Afterwards, the temperatures rose to previous levels again. During the summer months, the room temperature was higher then normal but the below slab temperatures remained relatively the same.
Part 4- Comparing, House B -169 Sullivan Ave, to House C the Adjacent Home
Sensors installed on House B coincide with sensors on House C. Sensors installed 6" below grade level, indicate the soil temperature next to house AC@ is consistently 5ྻC warmer than the soil temperature next to house AB@(See chart C1).
Sensors installed 2.5' below grade also indicate the soil temperature next to house AC@ is consistently 5°C warmer than the soil temperature next to house AB@ (See chart C2). Sensors installed 5.5' below grade indicate the soil temperature next to house AC@ is consistently 4°C warmer than the soil temperature next to house AB@ (See chart C3). Sensors installed at the footing level indicate the soil temperature next to house AC@ is consistently warmer than the soil temperature next to house AB@ (See chart C4).
Through out the duration of the project House AC@ has consistently generated a far greater heat loss than that of House AB@. The elevated heat loss in House AC@ has been large enough to generate and maintain a plus 5°C difference in soil temperatures and extends from footing to grade level, spanning the entire perimeter of the home.
As you can see in Chart C1, C2, C3, C4 the outside temperatures play a role in soil temperatures showing a higher effect at ground level. As you go deeper into the ground, the outside temperature and climate has a less effect on temperatures.
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