A well-functioning cooling and heating system is necessary for an energy-efficient home. Unfortunately, drafty windows and doors allow indoor air to escape even in some newer structures. This results in energy loss and also forces the HVAC unit to work harder and consume more energy to replace it. It can be a challenge to find all the leaks and gaps throughout a house, but a blower door test will help you identify problem areas. Here’s a closer look at this test and what it entails.

How Blower Door Tests Work

The test is a procedure that helps determine if a house is airtight or drafty. During the test, an HVAC contractor or auditor will install a blower door on an exterior door frame to create an airtight seal. Connected to the door is a variable-speed fan with a manometer. The manometer measures air pressure inside the house as the fan blows air out of the house.

Why It’s Necessary

This test is part of code compliance testing for new housing construction to determine if the structure is well-built. It’s also used for energy audits for homeowners who would like to save money on energy.

Drafts and leaks can significantly raise utility bills and create moisture problems due to condensation. They also leave areas of the house uncomfortable because of temperature fluctuations. With a blower door test, you can pinpoint the exact location of a leak and have it repaired or plugged.

How to Prepare Your Home

First, if your heating system is a wood fireplace, make sure all the embers are out and all ash is removed. Take note of all the places throughout your home you feel are drafty, and prepare to discuss those locations with the auditor. The professional will need access to every part of the house, including cabinets and crawl spaces.

Next, all exterior doors and windows will be closed, and every door inside the home will be opened. Cooling and heating systems will be temporarily turned off for at least an hour while the test is being conducted.

Keep your home airtight by reaching out to the team at Parker’s Heating & Cooling to conduct a blower door test. Based out of Cairo, GA, and serving clients throughout southern Georgia and northern Florida, this HVAC contractor provides a variety of affordable services, including AC installation, furnace repairs, duct cleaning, and monthly maintenance programs. They also offer 24-hour emergency services for cooling and heating systems. Schedule an appointment today with these certified professionals by calling (229) 377-9129 or visit them online to learn more about their services.