Innovative tool to revolutionise building airtightness test

The University of Nottingham has developed a novel and easy-to-use test for measuring the airtightness of buildings in order to help eliminate draughts, improve energy efficiency and reduce heating bills. The testing of airtightness is needed to help establish and minimise the infiltration rate of cold air into buildings and the loss of heated air out through gaps, holes and cracks in the building fabric. Testing is also required in case the building is too 'tight', as too little ventilation can lead to poor indoor air quality, which in turn can cause adverse health effects for occupants. Known as the PULSE test , the new airtightness tester has been extensively researched and developed by The University of Nottingham over 14 years and is now being commercialised with industry partners. Dr Ed Cooper , lead developer of the PULSE test, from the Department of Architecture and Built Environment at The University of Nottingham, said: "The gap between design and performance of airtightness in buildings can at best cause discomfort for occupants and at worst create significant energy wastage and health problems. "The new test, which is quick and easy to operate, could help mitigate these problems by enabling tests that can be conducted by anyone with minimal training. It could have a big impact on improving the performance of buildings." How it works The PULSE test releases a short burst of air that creates a low pressure pulse throughout the whole test building, this can then be used to measure the flow through leakage pathways and hence the airtightness of the building.