What is a Blower Door Test?

Whether you live in a home that was built 100 years ago or is relatively new, it’s important to take into consideration the potential for air leaks. Air leaks can result from years of wear and tear, but they can also pop up in brand new houses due to a lack of quality control in the building process. Discovering air leaks is the first step toward fixing the problem, and it all starts with a blower door test.

While most homeowners in the Berkeley, CA area aren’t familiar with the term “blower door,” the test is actually the unsung hero of the home energy audit process. Understanding what a blower door test is and how it can be used to take home performance to the next level is the first step toward reaching true energy efficiency.

How Does a Blower Door Test Work?

A blower door is used to test the air tightness of your home. It measures the amount of air needed to keep the house at a specific elevated pressure—information that can then be used to determine whether or not there are any leaks at play. Blower door tests can be used to measure airflow between zones, as well as to test ductwork tightness and to pinpoint other leaks found within the building envelope.

Essentially, a blower door test is an evaluation for how buttoned-up your home is, and the results professionals glean are extremely valuable for all California homeowners.

The Benefits of Scheduling a Blower Door Test

Scheduling a Hassler energy audit with a blower door test is the perfect way to ensure that you’re getting the most out of home performance. The benefits of conducting a blower door test in your home include the following:

• Reduced Home Energy Consumption — No one wants to spend more than is necessary on their energy bills each month, yet air leaks can make this an unfortunate reality. A blower door test can be the perfect route toward reducing home energy consumption, as it will allow us to pinpoint any issues that may be at play and prescribe a solution.
• Improved Home Comfort — If you experience uncomfortable drafts while trying to relax at home each night, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with air leaks without even knowing about it. Naturally, then, a blower door test will help lead you toward improved home comfort for you and your family.
• Enhanced Systems Life — Air leakage in a home can not only lead to discomfort, but it can also affect the life of yourheating and cooling systems. If they have to work extra hard, their lifespan will likely decrease faster than if the home was buttoned up tightly. A blower door test will alert you to the problem and allow us to prescribe the right solution for ending it entirely.

Regardless of how old your home is, a blower door test can be the perfect step toward true home efficiency, and the team at Hassler Heating is here to help. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule an appointment.