Blower Door and Duct Leakage

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Many building codes now require blower door tests to verify the airtightness of newly constructed homes. Conducting these tests ensures compliance with local regulations, avoiding potential penalties or delays in occupancy permits. 

Identifying and sealing air leaks through blower door ensures that the home's thermal envelope is well-sealed, reducing energy loss through drafts and minimizing heating and cooling costs. Duct leakage tests can save air flow efficiency and will also help with the lifespan of the equipment. 

Sealing air leaks help prevent the infiltration of outdoor pollutants and allergens into the home, contributing to better indoor air quality and a healthier living environment. Also a airtight home maintains more consistent indoor temperatures and experience fewer drafts, providing greater comfort for occupants throughout the year. 

Performing a blower door test on a home can often uncover a variety of hidden issues that may not be immediately apparent. This process can indeed lead to a "rabbit hole" of necessary fixes due to the interconnected nature of building systems and components. Here's how: 

The primary purpose of a blower door test is to measure the air tightness of a building. During the test, the home is pressurized or depressurized, exaggerating any air leaks present in the building envelope. These leaks can occur around windows, doors, electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, and other openings. While addressing obvious leaks is essential, the test may reveal additional, less noticeable leaks that need attention.

Air leaks detected during the blower door test can sometimes indicate underlying structural problems. For example, leaks around windows or doors may suggest issues with framing, improper installation, or deteriorating building materials. Addressing these leaks may require investigating and fixing the structural integrity of affected areas, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Air leaks can also allow moisture to enter the home, leading to potential moisture damage, mold growth, and indoor air quality issues. Discovering moisture problems during a blower door test may necessitate further investigation to identify the source of the moisture intrusion, such as roof leaks, plumbing leaks, or inadequate vapor barriers. Resolving these issues may involve repairs to building materials, improvements in ventilation, or enhanced moisture management strategies.

While the primary focus of a blower door test is on air tightness, the test results can also provide valuable insights into the home's energy efficiency. Identifying and sealing air leaks can significantly improve the home's thermal performance, reducing energy consumption and utility costs. However, addressing energy efficiency issues may involve additional measures such as upgrading insulation, improving HVAC systems, or installing energy-efficient windows and doors.

Overall, a blower door test can serve as a comprehensive diagnostic tool for assessing the performance of a home's building envelope. While uncovering issues during the test may lead to a "rabbit hole" of necessary fixes, addressing these issues can ultimately improve the home's comfort, durability, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.