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Airtightness and its impact on heating demand in new residential buildings: an experimental study in a cold climate in southern Chile
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DOI：10.1016/j.csite.2026.108389.png)
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Abstract
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Airtightness is a key factor in the energy performance of buildings, accounting for up to 25% of heating demand. This study evaluated the airtightness of new single-family dwellings located in Temuco, Chile, constructed under current regulatory requirements, and analyzed its impact on heating demand through in situ measurements and energy simulation. Blower Door Tests (BDT) were conducted in eight dwellings belonging to three residential projects with different market values (two private projects, A and B, and one social housing project, C). Measurements were performed under two scenarios: (i) normal conditions and (ii) sealed windows. Additionally, infrared thermography was used to identify leakage paths in the building envelope. All dwellings complied with the current regulation (n50 ≤ 7 ACH), with an average value close to 4.75 ACH, representing a 63% reduction compared to the 2012 national baseline. However, only the higher-value housing projects would comply with the new requirement (n50 ≤ 5 ACH). Air infiltration increased heating demand by 7% to 23% (4.75–14.46 kWh/m2·year), while the contribution of windows was marginal. Furthermore, a strong negative correlation was observed between housing value and infiltration levels (ρ = −0.93; p < 0.01). The main leakage paths were identified in ventilation systems and construction joints. These results highlight the need to incorporate on-site verification protocols to reduce construction gaps and improve energy performance in cold climates.
Keywords:
Air infiltration
Airtightness
Blower door test
Heating demand
In situ measurements
Cold climate
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