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In many high-rise apartmentbuildings, the main source of ventilation is air leakage through exterior walls, between units, and to and from service chases. Excessive air leakage can lead to moisture problems, poor indoor air quality, excessive heating costs, and occupant discomfort. Complaints about temperature fluctuations and smells are common.
Little is known about actual air change rates, pollution levels, or the incidence of leakage through exterior walls. To rectify this situation, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMIIC) commissioned a study of air tightness, air movement, and indoor air quality in two Montreal high-rise apartmentbuildings.
Test Program
Building 1 was constructed in 1991. Each unit has electric baseboard heating, plus an air conditioning unit that serves all of the rooms. The windows are of high quality, and electrical outlets on the exterior walls are carefully sealed.
Building 2 was built in 1960. The heating system consists of two central fuel-tired boilers with a hydronic system distributing heat to each unit. The windows and balcony doors are the original installed ones.
The study consisted of three phases: an air leakage study, a survey of potential indoor air quality problems, and an analysis of chemical and biological pollutants. | 
