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Blower Door Test

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ProfessionalNew Construction & BuildingBuying

Definition

A blower door test measures air leakage in your home's envelope by pressurizing it and measuring air changes per hour. Results guide air sealing efforts and verify construction quality. Tighter homes (lower ACH50) perform better and feel more comfortable.

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About this term

Blower door testing identifies air leakage locations and quantifies total leakage. Results are reported as ACH50 (air changes per hour at 50 Pascals pressure). Tighter homes (lower ACH50) perform better and are more comfortable. ENERGY STAR and Passive House standards require specific ACH50 targets. Blower door testing guides air sealing efforts and verifies construction quality. Testing can reveal HVAC system ductwork leakage.

Pro Tip

Blower door testing reveals construction quality. Homes with lower ACH50 will perform better and be more comfortable.

Example

A new home achieves 4.5 ACH50 through comprehensive air sealing, meeting ENERGY STAR requirements and demonstrating tight construction.

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