Do your energy bills seem too high, or does your home feel drafty despite closed windows? The culprit could be hidden air leaks. Blower testing helps identify these leaks, measuring how airtight your home is. By finding and sealing problem areas, you can reduce energy costs, enhance comfort, and improve air quality. Whether you’re building, renovating, or just looking to save on energy, blower testing is the key to a more efficient home.
In the rest of this article, we will introduce you to the blower door test and tell you what advantages this test has for you.
What is Blower Testing?
Blower testing is a way to check how airtight a building is. It helps find air leaks by measuring how much air escapes through small gaps, cracks, or openings. This test is important for making a home more energy-efficient and comfortable while also improving indoor air quality.
Blower testing is a way to check how airtight a building is. It helps find air leaks by measuring how much air escapes through small gaps, cracks, or openings. This test is important for making a home more energy-efficient and comfortable while also improving indoor air quality.
How Blower Testing Works
Blower testing uses a special fan, known as a blower door, which is set up in an exterior doorway. The fan either blows air out or pulls it into the house, changing the air pressure inside. This pressure change allows for measuring how much air is leaking through any gaps. The equipment used includes the blower door, a frame that fits in the doorway, and a device called a manometer, which measures the air pressure.
The goal of the test is to find places where air is leaking, so they can be sealed. The more airtight a building is, the less energy it needs to heat or cool the space.
Why Blower Testing is Important
Blower testing is valuable for several reasons:
- Energy Savings: By finding and sealing air leaks, blower testing helps reduce the amount of energy needed to keep a home warm in the winter or cool in the summer. This leads to lower energy bills.
- Comfort Improvement: Sealing air leaks helps maintain a stable indoor temperature, making the home more comfortable.
- Better Air Quality: Reducing leaks prevents dust, pollen, and outdoor pollutants from entering the house, which can improve indoor air quality.
- Building Codes and Certifications: Many building standards, such as LEED or Passive House, require blower testing to ensure the home meets energy efficiency requirements.
Common Uses of Blower Testing
Blower testing is used in different situations:
- Energy Audits: Homeowners can use blower testing to identify leaks and make their homes more energy-efficient.
- New Construction: Builders use blower testing to ensure a new home meets airtightness standards.
- Renovations: During home upgrades, blower testing can check if the building’s airtightness has improved.
How to Get Ready for a Blower Test
Preparing for a blower test is simple:
- Close all windows and doors. Make sure everything is sealed except for the blower door.
- Clear pathways. Make it easy for the technician to set up the equipment and move around.
- Expect some noise. The fan can be loud, but the test is quick and doesn’t cause any damage.
What Happens After the Test?
After the test, the technician will review the results to show where air leaks were found. They may suggest sealing certain areas, such as around windows or doors, to improve the home’s energy efficiency. Fixing these leaks can save money on energy bills and make the home more comfortable.
Cost and Time for Blower Testing
Blower testing is usually affordable, with costs varying depending on the size of the house and the company performing the test. It takes about an hour to complete on average, making it a quick and worthwhile investment for homeowners.
Call Monolith Housing Solutions today to schedule your blower door test in Vancouver and get a quote! Our experienced team is ready to help make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable. Contact us at (604) 332-1918 to book your test and learn more about pricing.
