Blower Door Test: What is it and What are its Benefits?
When starting a new project, one of the main elements in its design is to ensure energy efficiency. This is paramount in all the homes built by GRUPO VAPF, with the objective of achieving an A energy rating. An efficient home not only reduces costs but also improves comfort and sustainability.
To achieve this, various studies, controls, and tests are conducted throughout the entire design and construction process to ensure the efficiency of the homes. One of the tests performed is the Blower Door test, which is one of the most effective methods for assessing a building’s energy efficiency. In this post, we will explain what this test entails, its benefits, and the assurances it provides.
What is the Blower Door Test?
The Blower Door test, also known as an air tightness test, is a technique used to measure the air tightness of a building. This test helps identify air leaks in the building envelope, which can contribute to energy losses and reduce the efficiency of the heating and cooling system.
Energy audit: infiltration test and thermographs in VAPF homes
Blower Door Test Process
1. Building Preparation: All exterior doors and windows are closed, while interior doors are left open. Air vents and other controlled openings are sealed.
2. Blower Door Installation: A special fan is placed on an exterior door of the building, sealed with an adjustable cover. This fan is connected to a manometer and control system.
3. Pressurization and Depressurization: The Blower Door fan blows air into or out of the building to create a pressure difference between the interior and exterior. This allows measurement of the airflow rate entering or leaving the building.
4. Leak Detection: Tools such as thermal cameras and smoke generators are used to identify the exact locations of air leaks during the process.
Test carried out in 210L house built by Grupo VAPF
Benefits of the Blower Door Test
Performing a Blower Door test offers multiple benefits for new homeowners.
1. Improved Energy Efficiency: Identifying and sealing air leaks reduces energy consumption, lowering heating and cooling costs.
2. Increased Comfort: Eliminating unwanted draughts improves thermal comfort within the building.
3. Indoor Air Quality: Sealing air leaks prevents the entry of pollutants, improving indoor air quality.
4. Building Durability: Reducing air leakage can prevent moisture and mould problems, increasing the durability and health of the building.
Performing a blower door test in a house to detect air leakage and improve energy efficiency.
Blower Door Test Guarantees
Opting for a Blower Door test also offers certain guarantees:
1. Quality Verification: Ensures that the construction or renovation work has been carried out correctly, complying with watertightness standards.
2. Documented Evidence: Provides concrete data and detailed reports on the tightness of the building, useful for certification and energy audits.
3. Long Term Economic Savings: Investment in improving the airtightness of the building translates into significant savings on energy bills over time.
4. Added Value to the Property: A building with high energy efficiency and good airtightness can increase its value in the real estate market.
In summary, the Blower Door test is an essential tool for assessing and improving the energy efficiency of a building. It not only helps identify and resolve air tightness issues but also offers tangible benefits in terms of comfort, economic savings, and regulatory compliance. Conducting this test is a smart investment for any homeowner, and Grupo VAPF incorporates it into their processes because optimizing the quality and efficiency of the homes they build is their priority.