Detect Air Leaks in a New Home
What if there was a simple test that could not only detect air leaks in a new home, but also help save you money? That’s precisely what a blower door test for new construction can do.
It also has the potential to reduce energy consumption, avoid moisture issues, and increase comfort while also boosting the home’s energy efficiency, reducing its carbon footprint, and improving indoor air quality.
What is Blower Door Testing for New Construction?
During a blower door test, a member of the Standard team will temporarily mount the blower door, which is a powerful fan, to the frame of an exterior door — usually the front or back door.
Once installed, the blower door is calibrated so the process can begin. The blower door creates a vacuum effect, drawing air out of the home and blowing it outside, lowering indoor air pressure.
This allows the higher-pressured air outside to flow into the building through any preexisting unsealed openings. During the test, Standard’s expert will walk through the new construction to observe areas where air is flowing back in and use technology to calculate the air infiltration rate of the build.
Benefits of Conducting an Air Leak Test for New Construction
A drafty home wastes energy, but by performing this test, energy assessors can spot issues early to maximize efficiency.
Ultimately, this will help calculate the reading for the new construction’s air changes per hour (ACH), which tells how many times the volume of the indoor air would be totally replaced if the blower door ran for one hour.
According to New York State Building Codes and Standards, most new construction should have an ACH of no more than three. Regulations aside, a variety of benefits come with detecting air leaks in a new home or building. The possibilities include:
Reducing the likelihood of moisture issues down the road.
Sealing the building to eliminate excess air leakage and increase energy efficiency.
Achieving fewer indoor drafts, pests, odors, and contaminants.
Efficiently operating heating and cooling systems.
Improving ventilation and indoor air quality.
Arrange a Blower Door Test for New Construction with Standard
Our knowledgeable, friendly experts provide blower door testing throughout the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region.
Whether you need to perform an air leak test for new construction or access other services to improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort, Standard can help. Contact us today at 800-738-1424 to learn more about how we can help save money on energy bills, to schedule a blower door test, or to schedule a free estimate.