Evaluating IAQ and Energy Impacts of Ventilation in a Net-Zero Energy House Using a Coupled Model

Published

September 20, 2016

Author(s)

Lisa C. Ng, William S. Dols, Dustin G. Poppendieck, Steven J. Emmerich

Abstract

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) constructed the Net-Zero Energy Residential Test Facility (NZERTF) to support the development and adoption of cost-effective NZE designs and technologies. Among the key objectives of the facility design was creating a healthy and comfortable environment for the assumed occupants by providing adequate outdoor air ventilation and reducing indoor contaminant sources. Building material source control guidelines were implemented to minimize the use of products with urea-formaldehyde resin and to utilize products with relatively low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Indoor and outdoor concentrations of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were measured approximately monthly during two years of house operation. Real-time formaldehyde concentration and energy measurements were used to validate the indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy results of a coupled CONTAM-EnergyPlus model of the house. The validated model was then used to evaluate the IAQ and energy consequences of various outdoor air ventilation rates. The results of this work demonstrate the need for appropriate product selection (source control) and mechanical ventilation, especially in homes with relatively airtight envelopes.

Proceedings Title

2016 ASHRAE IAQ Conference

Conference Dates

September 12-14, 2016

Conference Location

Alexandria, VA

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

net zero house, ventilation, CONTAM-EnergyPlus model, energy, indoor air quality, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde

Citation

Ng, L. , Dols, W. , Poppendieck, D. and Emmerich, S. (2016), Evaluating IAQ and Energy Impacts of Ventilation in a Net-Zero Energy House Using a Coupled Model, 2016 ASHRAE IAQ Conference, Alexandria, VA, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=920786 (Accessed October 7, 2025)