The most effective and straightforward method to estimate a home’s air leakage is to place it under a test pressure and measure how much air it takes to maintain that pressure. This is best accomplished with a blower door which is a powerful variable-speed fan temporarily installed in one of the home’s exterior doorways. It is linked to a device called a digital manometer which measures pressure differences across a boundary. In this case the building shell which separates the interior and exterior of the house.
With this diagnostic equipment depressurizing the house we can estimate the amount of air loss in cfm (cubic feet per minute). This measurement can then be converted into other useful quantities such as ACH (air changes per hour) or even the aggregate size of leakage area expressed in square inches or feet. The test is conducted with all gas-fired appliances off and all exterior openings closed except the doorway with the fan installed.
Along with measuring the airflow we inspect the home for major sources of leakage by means of an Infrared camera. This helps to pinpoint the areas requiring air sealing efforts and can often uncover other defects.
The test is conducted during the initial energy audit and during a post work assessment to verify air sealing efforts were successful.
Call Sustainable Building Performance at 916-416-0676 or email info@sacsustainable.com to schedule a free consultation to discuss solutions to improve your homes comfort and energy performance.
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