Design of a Test House to Evaluate An Underfloor Air Distribution System

A low-profile wood floor system was designed for use in residential construction in warm climates. The shallow underfloor area is used as a plenum for the distribution of both heated and cooled air without the use of underfloor ducts. Evaluation tests are underway in a full-sized test house at the University of Florida. No termite shields were installed, but the standard commercial soil poison for termites was applied. In the test house, research techniques required the use of untreated lumber. Three different ceiling angles were constructed to observe the resultant variation in airflow patterns. Soil, floor, floor-framing, and room temperatures and plenum temperatures are being recorded at several locations within the house. Moisture probes have been installed throughout the wood floor system to maintain a complete record of moisture content. The air conditioning installation in the test house is typical of those in conventional houses of similar size. It is a gas-fired, counterflow furnace with evaporator coils below.

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