How it works:

A testing device called a Blower Door is used to measure the amount of air leakage in a home. The Blower Door consists of a frame that fits in an exterior door, a fan and a manometer.

What does this test tell us?

The Blower Door test tells us how much air leaks out of the house. This air is being replaced by new air that then needs to be conditioned in order to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. If the number is high, the contractor will most likely recommend air sealing. In addition to finding out if the house is leaky the technician can walk around and find out where the actual leaks are coming from.

A qualified technician can obtain a lot of information from a Blower Door test and visual inspection. While performing the test, the technician can find where the biggest holes are and how the home can best be sealed.

FAQ:

Is it safe to be in the house during testing? Will my kids and pets be safe?

Yes! It is preferred that the client walks through the house with us while we perform testing to see first-hand where the leaks are coming from.

How long does it take?

The running of the actual test takes about 10-15 minutes, but allow about an hour for the pre and post test discussion.

Typical Recommendation:

Air Sealing

How it works:

Homes with duct work in unheated crawl spaces, basements and/or attics often leak due to age, poor installation or damage caused by animals or other contractors. To determine duct leakage, a device called a duct blaster is utilized. The duct blaster consists of a small fan and manometer (pressure gauge). During this test, all duct registers are taped off and the fan is either connected to the furnace or a return duct. The house and duct system are pressurized to measure how much of the air from the heating/cooling system never makes it to the house.

What does this tell us?

The Duct blaster tells us how much air is leaking from the home’s duct system. Duct leakage can lead to high energy bills, poor indoor air quality and general discomfort in the home. When the blower door and duct blaster are used together the technician can determine how much of the heated air is being lost to outdoors and never making it to the house.

FAQ:

How long does it take?

Including the testing and pre and post discussion, plan for 1 to 1.5 hours.

Typical Recommendation:

Duct Sealing

How it works:

An infrared camera shows temperature differences of surfaces. It allows the user to see where sources of major concern are. These areas most likely include missing/improperly installed insulation in places that are not visible (in closed walls) and air leakage. The infrared imaging is also an important tool when installing insulation in existing homes.

What does this tell us?

The Home Performance with Energy Star testing tells us how the house is working as a system and what the most cost-effective upgrades will be based on extensive testing and energy modeling. In addition to addressing energy concerns the home performance testing also takes into account building durability and safety concerns.

Typical Recommendation:

Air Sealing, Duct Sealing, Insulation, Equipment tune-up, Exhaust Fans