Origin of Infiltration Values (0.0001, 0.0003, 0.0006 m³/s/m² @ 4Pa)

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to understand the origin of the suggested infiltration values: 0.0001, 0.0003, and 0.0006 m³/s per m² of façade at 4 Pa.

When converted to more common units (m³/h·m²@50Pa or ACH@50Pa), these values appear quite high, suggesting a relatively leaky building envelope.

I’m curious about the context in which these values were developed. Are they based on specific research, building codes, or industry standards?

Thank you.

Best,
Dan

@dnlzepeda

Interesting. What sort of total ACH are you seeing? I have not found these recommended values to be too far off myself? For the type of work we do (Passive House in the US) the limiting value for Certification is 0.06 cfm/ft2@50Pa (IP units… I know… :wink: ) which converts to 0.000059 m3/s-m2@4Pa:

so about 40% less that the ‘tight building’ in the suggested values there, which seems roughly about right to me? At least in the right ballpark. For contrast, the commercial energy code in NY State requires only 0.4 cfm/ft2@75Pa (pathetic) which equates to 0.0003 m3/s-m2@4Pa.

@edpmay

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