High electrical bills? Get a Duct Air Leakage Test or a Blower Door Test
bLOWER DOOR Testing
Definition
A Blower Door test for home air leakage requires a calibrated device that is used to measure the overall air infiltration of a home, including its heating and A/C system.
It assesses the building’s energy efficiency, indoor air quality and occupant comfort.
Purpose of Test:
Energy Efficiency. To determine rate of air leakage through a building.
Indoor Air Quality. To Identify air quality issues arising from uncontrolled air infiltration.
Building performance. To evaluate the effectiveness of insulation and other energy saving
measures.
Independent Testing
The test is performed by an independent, certified energy auditor.
How it Works
1. All doors and windows are secured.
2. A Blower Door fan is installed in one doorway.
3. The house is pressurized with the Blower Door fan.
4. The fan is set to create a difference between indoor and outdoor air pressure and causing air to pass from inside to outside. The pressure difference allows for the measurement of air leakage.
5. A manometer measures airflow and air leakage and indicates the rate of air going through the pressurized house. This is then calculated along with the cubic feet of space in the house. The result is measured in air changes per hour (ACH) at a specific pressure, usually 50 Pascals, an HVAC term.
6. The results provide homeowners and builders a basis for identifying where air leakage is occurring - such as around windows, doors and attic access. Addressing such leaks can lead to reduced energy consumption, lower utility bills and enhanced indoor comfort.
Remedial uses of Blower Door Test
The average home has enough air leakage to add up to a 2-foot square hole. That's like leaving a medium sized window open 24 hours a day. Where there is excessive moisture or humidity, a Blower Door test plays an important role in determining the amount of air leakage.
Zap Killer Watts
Brian Smith, a Certified BPI Analyst tester performs testing for Zap Killer Watts.
Brian has been performing energy testing, including Duct Air Leakage Testing for more than fifteen years. Contact us at (252) 491-2670