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Lisa Ng, Ph.D., National Institute of Standards and Technology
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Stuart Dols, National Institute of Standards and Technology
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Dustin Poppendieck, Ph.D., National Institute of Standards and Technology
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Steven Emmerich, National Institute of Standards and Technology
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The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) constructed a Net-Zero Energy Residential Test Facility (NZERTF) to support the development and adoption of cost-effective NZE designs and technologies. Among the key objectives in designing the facility was the health and comfort of the occupants by providing adequate ventilation and reducing indoor contaminant sources. To improve source control, guidelines were implemented to utilize products with relatively low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Indoor and outdoor concentrations of formaldehyde and 30 other VOCs were measured approximately monthly during two years of house operation. Measurements were taken under normal house operating conditions as well as with the ventilation system off and during elevated indoor temperatures. IAQ and energy measurements were used to validate the IAQ and energy results of a coupled CONTAM-EnergyPlus model. The validated model was then used to evaluate the IAQ and energy consequences of various source control and ventilation strategies. The results of this work demonstrate the need for appropriate product selection (source control) and mechanical ventilation in tight, NZE homes.
