This five part series looks what an air leakage test of a typical house might look at. In this part, we discuss how to setup for a house test. It’s important to properly prepare before testing, so that we know the results are accurate.
Equipment Setup
Blower Door Installation: A Retrotec blower door system is installed in an exterior door frame. This system includes a fan, frame, and a flexible panel that seals the door opening.
Digital Manometer Connection: A digital manometer is connected to the blower door system to measure the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the house.
Preparation of the Building: All exterior doors and windows are closed, and all interior doors are opened to ensure uniform pressure distribution throughout the house.
Calibration: The equipment is calibrated to ensure accurate readings during the test.
Importance of Proper Setup
An accurate setup is essential for reliable test results. Proper calibration and preparation help in identifying the actual air leakage rate of the building, which is critical for:
Energy Efficiency: Determining how much conditioned air escapes the building, leading to potential energy losses.
Comfort: Identifying drafts or cold spots caused by uncontrolled air movement.
Code Compliance: Ensuring the building meets local energy codes and standards for airtightness.
