Blower Door Testing
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Blower Door testing has been in use for many years, but with the adoption of the 2015 IECC Residential Energy Codes, it has become mandatory for many construction projects in Colorado. Most recently, the Denver Metro Area has adopted the new codes. At Scott Home Services, we have several air leakage specialists on our team ready to help you meet your building requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> A blower door test is the only way to determine the air tightness of a home. This is measured in Air Changes Per Hour (ACH), and meeting or exceeding 3 ACH is required for all new construction under 2015 IECC (and all subsequent IECC versions). Here is what the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code<\/strong> states:<\/p>\n R402.4 Air leakage (Mandatory).<\/strong> The building thermal envelope shall be constructed to limit air leakage in accordance with the requirements of Sections R402.4.1 through R402.4.4.<\/p>\n R402.4.1 Building thermal envelope.<\/strong> The building thermal envelope shall comply with Sections R402.4.1.1 and R402.4.1.2. The sealing methods between dissimilar materials shall allow for differential expansion and contraction.<\/p>\n R402.4.1.2 Testing.<\/strong> The building or dwelling unit shall be tested and verified as having an air leakage rate not exceeding five air changes per hour in Climate Zones 1 and 2, and three air changes per hour in Climate Zones 3 through 8. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM E 779 or ASTM E 1827 and reported at a pressure of 0.2 inch w.g. (50 Pascals). Where required by the code official, testing shall be conducted by an approved third party. A written report of the results of the test shall be signed by the party conducting the test and provided to the code official. Testing shall be performed at any time after creation of all penetrations of the building thermal envelope.<\/p>\n Find the whole code section here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n At Scott Home Services, we don’t just perform a blower door test on the home. With our extensive knowledge of home systems, we can help you find air leaks, and use our infrared cameras when needed. Don’t let other companies leave you guessing where your air leaks are and delaying your schedule! For a full list of our energy services, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Air leakage testing or building thermal envelope testing uses a blower door. Blower door test equipment consists of a fan, an adjustable doorway block, a manometer, and hoses. The fan is set up in a doorway and sealed around the opening. All the windows, doors, flues, and vents (where applicable) are closed or sealed off during the test. The fan is run for a short period of time up to a certain pressure rating. At that pressure, the manometer will measure the amount of air moving through the fan in cubic feet per minute. A simple calculation with this number and the square footage of the home will give you the Air Changes Per Hour (ACH). This is the number that is required under the energy code.<\/span><\/p>\n This simple test can take a short period of time, but it is very accurate. At this time, the fan can remain running while the tester can tour the house and look for large leaks.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Reasons for air leakage testing:<\/h3>\n
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How a Blower Door Test Works:<\/span><\/h2>\n
Blower Door Tests from Scott Home Services:<\/span><\/h2>\n
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