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Blower Door Testing

Get Started with Blower Door Testing

At Bateman Home Inspections, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners improve energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality. Our Blower Door Testing service uses specialized equipment to measure the airtightness of your home, identifying hidden air leaks that cause energy loss, drafts, and inconsistent temperatures. By depressurizing the building and monitoring airflow, our certified professionals pinpoint problem areas that affect performance and comfort. Once testing is complete, we provide a detailed report with clear results and practical recommendations to help you reduce energy costs, enhance HVAC efficiency, and create a more comfortable, code-compliant living environment.

Professional, High-Quality, cost-effective Testing with state of the art tools

A blower door test is an evaluation used to measure the airtightness of a building. It helps identify air leaks and assess the overall energy efficiency of the structure. Here’s how it typically works:

  1. Setup: A powerful fan is mounted in an exterior door, usually with a temporary frame and a flexible panel that seals the doorway.
  2. Pressure Difference: The fan blows air out of the building, creating a lower pressure inside compared to the outside. (Code compliance tests are a negative pressure test)
  3. Measurement: Instruments measure the air pressure inside and outside the building to determine how much air is leaking through gaps, cracks, or other openings.
  4. Detection: A smoke pencil and/or a larger smoke machine, infrared camera, or other tools can be used to locate specific leaks.

 

This test is commonly used in energy audits and by builders to ensure new constructions meet energy efficiency standards.

WHY DOES NEW CONSTRUCTION REQUIRE A BLOWER DOOR TEST?

New construction requires a blower door test to ensure that the building meets modern energy efficiency standards and codes. Here are several reasons why this test is essential:

  1. Energy Efficiency: Identifying and sealing air leaks can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs by minimizing the loss of conditioned air.
  2. Compliance: Many building codes and green building certifications (e.g., LEED, ENERGY STAR) require proof of a certain level of airtightness to ensure that new constructions meet energy performance criteria.
  3. Comfort: Reducing drafts and cold spots improves the overall comfort for occupants.
  4. Indoor Air Quality: Proper sealing helps control the entry of outdoor pollutants, dust, and allergens, contributing to healthier indoor air.
  5. Moisture Control: Airtight construction helps prevent moisture infiltration, which can lead to mold growth and structural damage over time.
  6. Durability: Ensuring a well-sealed building envelope enhances the longevity of the structure by protecting it from environmental elements.

WHY CHOOSE BLOWER DOOR TESTING?

ENHANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Blower door testing helps identify hidden air leaks that cause energy waste, drafts, and higher utility bills. By pinpointing these problem areas, you can make targeted improvements that boost your home’s efficiency and comfort.

IMPROVE INDOOR COMFORT

Air leakage often leads to uneven temperatures, humidity issues, and poor air quality. Our testing helps ensure your home maintains consistent comfort levels year-round while keeping unwanted outdoor air out.

DETAILED RESULTS & RECOMMENDATIONS

We provide a thorough report outlining your home’s air leakage rate, areas of concern, and expert recommendations for sealing and insulation improvements—empowering you to create a more efficient, durable, and comfortable living space.

Additional Services Available

In addition to our standard home inspection services, we can arrange for licensed and local pest (WDO) inspections and water testing in the Roanoke Valley. These services are provided by trusted partner inspectors.
Please let us know you’d like them when you schedule your home inspection so we can coordinate accordingly.