Which factor does NOT influence the decision to include ancillary spaces in the air tightness testing?

The decision to include ancillary spaces in the airtightness testing process is influenced by several factors that relate to how those spaces interact with the overall building envelope and its airtightness performance.

When considering thermal separation from the outdoors, this factor plays a crucial role since it directly affects how air exchange occurs between the ancillary space and the external environment. Spaces that are thermally separated may have different requirements or impacts on the overall airtightness of the building.

The connection to adjacent indoor areas is also significant; if an ancillary space connects to other conditioned areas, this can create pathways for air leakage which could compromise the effectiveness of the airtightness testing.

The type of HVAC system present influences testing decisions as well, because certain systems may dictate how air moves through or is isolated in different spaces within the building, which impacts how those spaces should be treated during testing.

In contrast, the size of the ancillary space typically does not play a critical role in the decision regarding its inclusion in airtightness testing. While size may influence practical limits on testing equipment or protocols, the primary concerns revolve around factors that directly affect air movement, such as connections to conditioned spaces and thermal separations. Therefore, it does not carry the same weight in the decision-making process regarding testing as the other factors