Blower Door Testing
Many states (including Maine) require compliance with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2015 for residential construction. This code sets specific standards for energy efficiency for new homes. Blower door tests are required as part of the compliance process to ensure that new homes meet these standards.
One of the primary metrics used to measure a building's airtightness is the Air Changes per Hour (ACH). ACH is the number of times that the air inside a building is replaced in an hour due to air leakage. A higher ACH means that the building is less airtight, which can lead to increased energy consumption, decreased indoor air quality, and reduced indoor comfort. An ACH at 3 or under is considered passing.
A blower door test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the airtightness of a building and locate areas of air leakage. The test involves the use of a specialized fan and pressure gauge to create a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the building. This pressure difference allows air to move through any gaps, cracks, or other openings in the building's envelope, making them easier to detect.
The blower door test works by mounting a fan into an exterior doorway of the building, which is then used to draw air out of the building. This creates a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the building, which is measured by the pressure gauge. The resulting data can then be analyzed to determine the overall airtightness of the building and locate areas of air leakage.
