New Construction Diagnostic Services
Here are some diagnostic tests we run for newly constructed homes and buildings.
Blower Door Test
What is a blower door test?
A blower door test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the airtightness of a building. It’s commonly performed in energy audits to identify air leaks, which can lead to energy loss and affect the overall efficiency of heating and cooling systems.
How It Works:
Setup: A temporary, adjustable frame with a powerful fan is mounted in an exterior door opening. The fan is connected to equipment that can measure air pressure.
Pressurization/Depressurization: The fan either blows air into or pulls air out of the building, creating a pressure difference between the inside and outside.
Measurement: The equipment measures the amount of air that needs to be moved by the fan to maintain a specific pressure difference. This data is used to calculate the building’s air leakage rate, usually expressed in terms of air changes per hour at a standard pressure (ACH50).
Detection: As the fan operates, the auditor can use tools like smoke pencils, infrared cameras, or simply feel for drafts to locate specific areas where air is leaking, such as around windows, doors, or electrical outlets.
Why It’s Important:
Energy Efficiency: Identifying and sealing air leaks can significantly reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling.
Comfort: Reducing drafts makes a building more comfortable for occupants.
Indoor Air Quality: Controlling air leakage helps manage indoor air quality by reducing the entry of pollutants, allergens, and moisture.
Duct Blaster Test
What is a duct blaster test?
A duct blaster is a diagnostic tool used to test the airtightness of a building’s ductwork system. It helps identify leaks in the ducts, which can lead to energy loss and reduce the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
How It Works:
Setup: The duct blaster consists of a calibrated fan, pressure gauge, and flexible tubing. The fan is connected to the duct system, usually at the air handler or a major return grille.
Sealing: All supply and return registers are temporarily sealed off to ensure that the air movement during the test only measures leaks in the ducts themselves, not through the registers.
Pressurization: The fan blows air into the ducts, pressurizing the system to a specified level. The pressure gauge measures the pressure inside the ducts.
Measurement: The amount of air the fan must move to maintain the pressure gives a direct measurement of the duct system’s leakage. This is typically expressed as cubic feet per minute (CFM) at a certain pressure, such as CFM25 (cubic feet per minute at 25 pascals).
Detection: The auditor can identify the specific locations of leaks using tools like smoke pencils or by feeling for air escaping from the ducts.
Why It’s Important:
Energy Efficiency: Leaky ducts can lead to significant energy loss, as conditioned air escapes before reaching its intended destination.
System Performance: Sealing leaks improves the overall performance of the HVAC system, ensuring that it operates efficiently and effectively.
Comfort: Reducing duct leakage helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout the building.
Indoor Air Quality: Leaks can allow contaminants from unconditioned spaces (like attics or crawlspaces) into the ducts, affecting indoor air quality.
Duct blaster tests are often used in new construction, renovations, and energy audits to ensure that duct systems meet efficiency standards and are properly sealed.
