What is a Blower Door Test?
A Blower Door Test AKA an Envelope Leakage Test is a diagnostic test to measure how tight or leaky a home, unit, or building is. This test is mandated by the energy codes for new construction (aka Duct & Envelope Tightness or DET) but is also used to help diagnose issues &/or tighten up ones existing home.
It is performed using calibrated diagnostic equipment inserted into a doorway to either “Pressurize” or “Depressurize” the space to a set pressure (50 Pa). In most cases we opt to Depressurize the house using a Multi-Point test (range from 25 to 75 Pa) to ensure better accuracy of the results.
Base Cost’s:
Blower Door / Envelope Leakage Test …………………….….……. $300
Blower Door with Infrared Scan ………………………………………. $500
Combined Blower Door & Duct Leakage Test (1 Unit) ….……. $550
**On Site Training, Consulting, Diagnostic Time……..…………$150 hr.
Exhaust System Verification (in combination w/above testing) …….$25 each
Rush / Emergency Charge (aka same day charge) ……..…………….. Please Call
System Retest …………………………………………………….. Same charges as Above
Effective July 1st, 2019: The “envelope portion” of the Illinois DET Testing cannot exceed 4 ACH (air changes per hour) with a small exception for certain multi-family projects.
Effective January 1st, 2024: All homes permitted under the “Prescriptive” compliance path may not exceed 3 ACH. Maximum allowable for Performance or ERI paths is 5 ACH, but it must be modeled with that number. A new requirement is that all exhaust / ventilation systems are tested.
To schedule a duct &/or envelope leakage test please call us at (815) 200-3688 or send an E-Mail
With our commercial grade equipment, you also don’t have to worry about the size of the house or smaller commercial projects not being able to be tested. Blower Door Testing Checklist for Builders
As a Certified HERS RESNET Rater, ENERGY STAR® Verifier, ICC Residential Energy Inspector / Plans Examiner, and one that has spent over 20 years in the trades, not only can we perform & certify the test results, but we can also help you get up to speed with the requirements and train you & your trade partners on how to pass on the 1st try. Worried that you might not make it – let us help you as we offer pre-insulation aka air sealing inspections, insulation inspections & can even do pre-tests for you.