Blower Door Tests: Are they required?

Beginning in 2017, the 7th Edition Residential Florida Energy Code mandated that all homes must successfully pass a blower door test. This requirement is in line with energy efficiency standards, where most homes are expected to achieve 7 Air Changes per Hour (ACH) or lower. Essentially, a rating of 7 ACH indicates that the home experiences no more than 7 air exchanges every hour, a standard measure for assessing airtightness.

Should a home exceed this threshold, it becomes necessary to reevaluate and improve its insulation and sealing. In Florida, where homes are regularly tested by the rigors of hurricane season, ensuring a robust and effective seal is not just about energy efficiency, but also about safety and resilience. Enhancing your home’s sealing can significantly fortify it against the challenges of severe weather, making this compliance not just a regulatory requirement but also a crucial aspect of home safety and durability.

This focus on airtightness not only aligns with energy conservation goals but also serves as a proactive measure to protect homes against the harsh environmental conditions characteristic of Florida. By meeting and maintaining the standards set by the Florida Energy Code through the blower door test, homeowners can enjoy not only a more energy-efficient living space but also a safer and more secure environment.

A blower door test is an essential diagnostic tool designed to measure and assess the airtightness of a home, playing a pivotal role in energy efficiency. This test methodically quantifies a home's air leakage rate, offering a clear picture of its overall energy performance. The process involves placing a specialized fan at the main door of the house. As this fan operates to draw air out of the house, it creates a lower pressure inside. The outside higher pressure then pushes air back into the house through unsealed cracks and openings, allowing the test to accurately measure the rate of incoming airflow. This procedure effectively calculates the home's air leakage value.

The insights gained from a blower door test are invaluable. They highlight areas where cool air is escaping, indicating drafts and spots that contribute to energy inefficiency. Understanding these problem areas is crucial for homeowners looking to reduce energy costs, improve indoor air quality, and enhance overall comfort. Moreover, addressing these issues can lead to significant energy savings and contribute to a more sustainable living environment.

Upon completion of the test, a comprehensive report is generated. This report breaks down the data, illustrating the specific areas of air leakage and providing homeowners with actionable information. Homeowners and builders alike can use this report to make informed decisions about necessary improvements or repairs to enhance a home's energy efficiency. For a closer look at what these reports entail, click to the right to view a sample test report. 

Incorporating blower door tests into home inspections or as part of regular home maintenance is a smart move for any homeowner, particularly those concerned with energy costs, environmental impact, and creating a comfortable living space.

Please contact our Energy Rating Manager, Devin Bremer, who can be reached at energyrating@legacyengineering.com or (904)-322-0048. 

Blower door tests are not only required in the state of Florida but pose serious value to homeowners and contractors to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality while reducing excess energy use!