How do I test my home for air tightness?

The easiest way to measure house air tightness is with a diagnostic tool called a blower door. The blower door consists of a powerful, calibrated fan that is temporarily sealed into an exterior doorway. The fan blows air out of the house to create a slight pressure difference between inside and outside.

What is a good air tightness test result?

A test between 3 – 5 m3h-1m-2 would usually be acceptable by building control and your SAP assessor. A reading of less than 3 m3h-1m-2 might mean the building is too airtight. This could lead to condensation and mould, and therefore would need to be accompanied by an adequate ventilation system.

How do I prepare for a blower door test?

Easy Steps to Seal: How to Prepare for a Blower Door Test

1. Step 1: Close all windows.
2. Step 2: Open all interior doors.
3. Step 3: Close all exterior doors.
4. Step 4: Turn off thermostats, air conditioners and fans.
5. Step 5: Prepare the fireplace.

What is air tightness measured in?

The airtightness of a building is often expressed in terms of the leakage airflow rate through the building’s envelope at a given reference pressure (usually 50 pascal) divided by the: Heated building volume V. At 50·Pa, it is called the air change rate at 50 Pa and usually noted n50(units: h−1).

How do you find an air leak?

Check the exterior caulking around doors and windows, and see whether exterior storm doors and primary doors seal tightly. Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. See if you can rattle them, since movement means possible air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks.

How do you detect a compressed air leak?

The best way to detect leaks is to use an ultrasonic acoustic detector, which can recognize the high frequency hissing sounds associated with air leaks. These portable units consist of directional microphones, amplifiers, and audio filters, and usually have either visual indicators or earphones to detect leaks.

Do I need an air tightness test?

Ideally, having an airtight building means that less energy will be wasted through the leakage of heated air. Air tightness testing is required for all new builds both domestic and non-domestic, in addition to the requirements detailed in Part L of building regulations sections 1A and 1B.

Do all new builds need an air test?

Building regulations states that: New build residential properties and those over a certain size (500 m2) must undergo air tightness testing before being sold. Small developments of one or two properties that are exactly the same must have one of the buildings undergo air tightness testing.

Is a blower door test worth it?

If a house is built to a blower door test standard, not only will it save the most on energy, it will also ensure the structure’s health and longevity. Replacing recessed lighting, upgrading insulation, adding weather-stripping – these are all easy energy fixes.

How long does it take to do a blower door test?

5-15 minutes
How long does a blower door test take? It takes approx. 5-15 minutes to run the actual blower door test itself. It’s the prepping that takes the longest, about 1.5 hours on a standard home.

How can I improve my air tightness?

Getting your building airtight to improve energy efficiency

1. Getting your building airtight to improve energy efficiency.
2. Build tight, ventilate right.
3. Ventilation requirements.
4. The importance of a “continuous air barrier”
5. Educating and reviewing the work of subcontractors.
6. Common leakage.
7. Passing the air leakage test.

How do you check for compressed air leaks?

What is air tightness testing/air pressure testing?

Air Tightness Testing is a recognised method of measuring the extent to which uncontrolled flow of air is lost through the gaps and cracks in the fabric of a building. It is also called Air Testing/ Air Pressure Testing/Air Leakage Testing. Air Testing falls under Part L of the Building Regulations and the Scottish Building Standards.

What is air tightness and why is it important?

A high level of air tightness can improve your emissions rate and keep heat from escaping through small cracks in the building work. However, we also don’t want the building to be too tight because this can cause mould and condensation. When should you perform an Air Permeability Test?

Why is airtightness important for avoiding heat loss?

Airtightness is important for avoiding heat loss as it means less uncontrolled air movement in and out of the building. Less heat loss also means your heating system will work more efficiently, thereby reducing heating bills and energy wastage.

What are SAPs for air tightness testing?

The Government has SAPs (Standard Assessment Procedures) in place for air tightness testing, setting standards buildings must comply with to be energy efficient. Here we look at the most frequently asked questions, including when is air pressure testing required?