How Blower Door Airtightness Testing Works
Blower Door Airtightness Testing is a crucial process for assessing and improving the air tightness of residential properties. During a Blower Door Airtightness Test, a large industrial fan is set up in an exterior door of the home to create negative pressure or a vacuum effect. This depressurization process allows experts to identify air leakage points such as doors, windows, attic hatches, wiring, and more. By conducting this test, professionals can determine the air changes per hour (ACH) in a building, which is a key metric for assessing its airtightness level.
Why Blower Door Testing Matters
Blower Door Testing is a vital component of energy efficiency assessments, allowing our experts at Monolith Housing Solutions to measure the air leakage in a home and identify areas where energy is being wasted. By conducting a Blower Door Test, we can determine the air changes per hour (ACH) in a building, assess its airtightness level, and pinpoint areas of concern that may compromise energy efficiency.
When to Get a Blower Door Test
Before or After Renovations
If you’re making changes to your home, like installing new windows, doors, or insulation, a blower door test can help. Testing before renovations shows where air is leaking, and testing after makes sure your home is sealed properly.During New Home Construction
For new homes, testing during construction helps builders fix any air leaks early. A second test after construction checks that the home is well-sealed and energy efficient.Regular Check-ups
Even without big changes, it’s a good idea to test your home every few years, especially for older homes. It helps find new leaks caused by wear and tear, keeping your home energy efficient.
By doing these tests, you can save energy and lower your bills over time.
Benefits of Blower Door Airtightness Testing
Energy Savings
By improving a home’s airtightness, homeowners can reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and minimize their environmental impact, aligning with CleanBC’s initiatives to promote sustainable living.
Comfort
Enhanced airtightness leads to improved indoor air quality, temperature consistency, and overall comfort for residents.
Durability
Airtight homes are less prone to moisture damage, mold growth, and structural issues, ensuring long-term durability and sustainability.
Compliance
Our testing services help homeowners meet energy efficiency standards, building codes, and eligibility requirements for incentives such as BC Hydro rebates plans, which support energy-efficient upgrades and sustainable living practices.
What the Test May Include
A mid-construction blower door test typically includes:
- Measuring the area and volume of the building.
- Using a blower door fan to assess airtightness.
- Identifying and documenting air leaks by pressurizing or depressurizing the house.
- Using software like HOT2000 to calculate preliminary blower door metrics.
- Reporting air changes per hour (ACH), normalized leakage area (NLA), or normalized leakage rate (NLR).
- Conducting “blower door guided air sealing” with an energy adviser on-site to ensure the air leakage target is met.
- Providing a detailed report with air leakage locations and possibly retesting to confirm improvements.
Additional tasks can be agreed upon between both parties.
Vancouver’s Best Blower Door Test Contractor
At Monolith Housing Solutions, we help homeowners in British Columbia maximize energy efficiency with our Blower Door Airtightness Testing services. Using advanced techniques and equipment, we identify air leaks, provide expert air sealing guidance, and deliver detailed reports to improve your home’s energy performance.
Contact Us Today:
- Phone: (604) 332-1918
- Email: info@monohousing.com
Start your journey to a more energy-efficient home with Monolith Housing Solutions!
