Buildings XI Conference -- Monitoring of Internal Moisture Loads in Residential Buildings—Research Findings in Three Different Climate Zones ✓ Most Recent

This study was conducted to collect moisture load data to support research to better understand the impact of moisture on
the thermal performance and durability of homes. Information on the interior hygrothermal loading of residential homes as a
function of climates in the USA is limited. This research project has collected one full year of indoor temperature and humidity
data for a sample of sixty homes across three different climate regions—the hot, humid southeast (zone 2), the cold northeast
(zone 5), and the marine northwest (zone 4).

This research is in direct support to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 160, Criteria for Moisture-Control Design Analysis in Buildings
(ASHRAE 2009). Understanding the interior loads is critical to the moisture design of building envelope components.
With assistance from Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a subcontractor and members of Standard Project Committee 160
in an advisory role, a research methodology was developed. The monitoring protocol involved three site visits to the homes
to perform such tasks as collecting basic house and equipment characteristics, installing data loggers, performing testing to
quantify envelope leakage and duct leakage, and collection of data recorded by the data loggers. Data compiled in the field
tests was analyzed to identify the potential relationships between certain household characteristics and the measured internal
humidity levels.

In this paper, the authors present significant findings from this study. Correlations between indoor moisture levels and climate,
occupants, and house characteristics are the focus of the presentation. Conclusions and recommendations for indoor moisture
management or future research needs are also discussed.