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!
What are the benefits?
Detect & repair drafts or leakages
Save money & reduce energy usage
Regulate indoor air quality
Moisture control
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.
Florida Building Code Requirements
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.
Licensed field technicians
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 using a specialized fan installed in the doorway of your home or building. This fan creates pressure changes to measure airflow and detect air leaks. Here’s how the process works:
- The fan depressurizes the home, forcing air out.
- A computer measures pressure differences and airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
- The results help determine air leakage levels and compliance with energy efficiency standards.
This process is vital for achieving energy conservation goals and ensures compliance with Florida’s energy codes.
Identifying air leaks & drafts
Air leakage is often found around:
- Exterior doors and windows
- Gaps around pipes and wires leading to the building’s exterior
- Poorly sealed attics and crawl spaces
Using the blower door test, these leaks are quantified and addressed to improve energy efficiency.
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.
Ready to Get Started?
E-Calcs Plus, Inc. is your trusted partner for blower door testing in Florida. Whether you’re building a new home or improving energy efficiency in an existing one, we’re here to help. Call us today or email us to schedule your test and ensure compliance with Florida’s energy code standards.
Get in Touch
We look forward to serving you!
