What Is a Blower Door Test?

During the construction of a new building or the retrofit of an existing one, there are many factors to consider in order to create an energy-efficient space. One important aspect is the airtightness of the building envelope, which can be measured with a blower door test.

What is a blower door test?

A blower door test is a measure of the airtightness of a building envelope. The test involves sealing all doors and windows in the building, then using a fan to pressurize or depressurize the interior. The change in pressure is used to calculate the air leakage rate of the building. Usually, the test is conducted at a pressure difference of 50 Pa (pascals).

The results of the test can be used to identify areas where air leakage is occurring, and to determine the best way to address the issue.

The blower test process

The first step in conducting a blower door test is to seal all doors and windows in the building. The fan is then used to pressurize or depressurize the interior, depending on the type of test being conducted. This fan is mounted in the door frame, and it is connected to a pressure gauge and a control panel.

The next step is to turn on the fan and adjust the pressure until the desired level is reached. The fan will then be left running for a period of time, typically about 15 minutes. During this time, the air leakage rate of the building will be measured.

Once the test is complete, the results are then used to determine the best way to improve the airtightness of the building envelope.

Types of blower door tests

There are two main types of blower door tests: the pressure test and the depressurization test. The pressure test is used to measure the air leakage rate of a building at a given pressure difference. This type of test is typically used to determine the airtightness of a new building.

The depressurization test is used to measure the air leakage rate of a building at a given pressure difference. This type of test is typically used to determine the airtightness of an existing building.

What are the benefits of a blower door test?

One of the main benefits of a blower door test is that it can help to improve the energy efficiency of a building. By identifying areas where air leakage is occurring, the test can help to determine the best way to address the issue.

Another benefit of a blower door test is that it can help to improve indoor air quality. By reducing air leaks, the test can help to reduce the amount of dust, pollen and other pollutants that enter a building.

Thirdly, a blower door test can help to reduce noise pollution. By reducing air leaks, the test can help to reduce the amount of noise that enters a building. Finally, a blower door test can help to improve the comfort of a building. By reducing air leaks, the test can help to reduce drafts and cold spots.

Lastly, this test can help you save money on your energy bills. By improving the airtightness of your building envelope, you can reduce the amount of heat that escapes in winter and the amount of cooling that is required in summer.

When should a blower door test be conducted?

A blower door test should be conducted during the construction of a new building or the retrofit of an existing one. The test can help to identify areas where air leakage is occurring and to determine the best way to address the issue.

You may also conduct a blower door test if you suspect that your building envelope is not airtight. If you notice drafts or cold spots, or if you have high energy bills, a blower door test may be able to help.

If you are considering conducting a blower door test, it is important to consult with a qualified professional. This person can help you to determine the best time to conduct the test and interpret the results. Also, be sure to ask about the cost of blower door test services.

A blower door test is a valuable tool for any construction project, whether it be new construction or a retrofit. This test can help to improve the energy efficiency of a building, as well as the comfort of its occupants. If you are considering conducting a blower door test, it is important to ensure that you take all the necessary precautions to be sure that the test will be conducted correctly and the results accurately interpreted.