Who needs Blower Door Testing?
Effective July 1, 2017 all new residential construction will need to pass a mandatory blower door test before a certificate of occupancy will be issued. This will apply to all residential building permits issued AFTER July 1, 2017.
Each house/unit pass a Blower Door test (Envelope Leakage Test) with 7 air changes per hour – 7 ACH(50) – or less and that the Blower Door Tested value must be equal to or lower than that which was entered on the R405-2017 Energy Compliance Form
Mechanical Ventilation is implemented for houses that test at 3 air changes per hour – 3 ACH(50) – or less for the Blower Door Tests
What is a Blower Door Test
A blower door test is a diagnostic procedure used to measure the airtightness of a building. It involves installing a powerful fan in an exterior doorway to pressurize or depressurize the home. This helps identify air leaks and measure the building's overall energy efficiency.
During the test, the fan draws air out of the house (or pushes air in), and the resulting pressure difference allows technicians to detect where air is entering or escaping. The results can help homeowners understand their building's insulation performance, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately save on energy costs. It's often used in energy audits and can be important for achieving certain building code requirements or certifications.
