Blower Door Testing

E-Calcs Plus, Inc. is RESNET-certified to perform Envelope Leakage Tests & Blower Door Testing. We perform a blower door test to assess and detect air leakage, ensuring that your building achieves full compliance with Florida building code standards.

Let us become your Blower Door (i.e. Envelope Leakage) Testing Provider and improve your home energy efficiency!

Schedule a test today!

What are the benefits?

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Detect & repair drafts or leakages

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Save money & reduce energy usage

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Regulate indoor air quality

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Moisture control

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Building code compliance

As of July 1st, 2017 Blower Door testing is a residential requirement for all new homes and multi-family buildings per Florida building code compliance.

The 7th Edition Residential Florida Energy Code requires:

Each house and/or unit must pass a Blower Door Test (i.e. Envelope Leakage Test) with 7 air changes per hour (7 ACH(50)) or less and the Blower Door Tested value must be equal to, or lower than, the value entered on the R405-2020 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 Test – especially Foam encapsulated attics, which already require outside air supply. In short, if the home is built too tight, or with excessive insulation, then you must create a small hole in the wall to allow fresh air to enter and ventilate throughout.

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Licensed field technicians

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Test completion the next day

What to expect for my Blower Door / Envelope Leakage Test

Preparation Checklist

Before scheduling, please ensure the pre-test requirements are completed to prevent any delays. Download preparation checklist here.

Scheduling Blower Door Testing

Please call or email [email protected] to schedule a blower door testing. Please provide the site address and energy calculations for your new project. Once the order is placed, we schedule our field technicians in the next business day to come to the site and will notify you prior to our arrival.

How blower door testing works

Blower door testing involves placing a specialized fan in the front door of your home or building. This fan depressurizes the home by blowing air out of the fan, and in turn, sucking air into the home itself. A computer hooked to the device measures pressure inside and outside of the home. Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM)

This calculation is crucial for assessing air leakage, and helping achieve energy conservation goals. Blower door testing can be part of BPI or residential energy assessments to ensure your home meets energy efficiency standards.

Identifying air leaks & drafts

Air leakage can easily be found by walking around the house and feeling for airflow – usually around exterior doors, windows, and any wires, pipes, etc. going to the exterior of the building.

Computing test results

By bringing the test pressure to 50 pascals, we are able to calculate the cubic volume of airflow in the home. This measurement allows us to determine how many air changes per hour that the home leaks. The lower the number, the better for energy efficiency. Ideal air changes for a net zero home is 1-2 changes/hour. Achieving these results often requires blower door test certification in Florida, ensuring compliance with state standards.

Additionally, factors like wind blowing can impact readings, so it’s crucial to work with certified professionals. Our affiliation with the Energy Services Network RESNET further supports accurate testing and energy efficiency goals.

Do I need to do a Duct Leakage Test?

Duct leakage tests must be conducted during your blower door/envelope leakage test. If your Florida Energy Compliance Form (R405) lists anything besides ‘Default Leakage’ than a duct leakage test must be performed. Learn more about ordering a Duct Leakage Test here.

Do I need insurance coverage?

Obtaining insurance coverage is not required to perform these tests. However, we offer Certificates of Insurance (COI) for contractors and builders to ensure protection against general liability. Please call to inquire more when scheduling your test.