As part of the Illinois Energy Conservation Code, blower door testing is required to demonstrate a building infiltration rate of no more than 5 ACH50. And duct tightness testing is required where the air-handler or any portion of the ducts are located outside of the building thermal envelope or pressure boundary. Integrated system components such as mechanical ventilation, sealed combustion appliances and tight building techniques are quickly becoming demanded features in new homes throughout Illinois and the United States. These systems work together to control air leakage, provide adequate ventilation and ensure safe operation of combustion appliances. Testing the airtightness of your homes is a key component to ensuring that these new systems work properly.
A standard airtightness test of a house can usually be completed in 30 minutes or less. Once we arrive at a house, the Blower Door can typically be installed in about 5 - 10 minutes. Additional preparation and inspection of the house prior to beginning a test adds another 10 minutes. At this point, a test of the house to determine the overall leakage of the envelope can be conducted in less than 5 minutes.
Once the simple airtightness test has been completed, additional diagnostic procedures to find and prioritize the major leakage sites can add another 20 to 45 minutes depending on the size and complexity of the house, and the procedures used.