Blower Door Testing Procedures and Process for Residential Construction

This 4 hour hands-on course is for weatherization contractors, residential builders, and architects working on existing and new construction

This course will cover the basics of how blower door testing works, why the diagnostic results of a blower door test are critical to building durability and energy efficiency, and the basics of how to run multiple types of blower door tests on an existing home and how to interpret the testing results. This course is applicable to trade professionals working on existing homes AND to builders of new construction residential structures.

4 AIA HSW LU credits can be earned by completion of this course

4 BPI CEU credits can be earned for attendance and completion of this course.

Class size is limited to 10

Learning Objectives:

Safety & Preparation: Demonstrate the ability to identify potential combustion appliance backdrafting hazards and correctly set appliances to pilot or standby to ensure safety before initiating a blower door test, adhering to BPI guidelines.

Test Execution: Perform a blower door test, establishing a consistent pressure difference (typically 50 Pa) and accurately measuring airflow (CFM50) to determine a building's airtightness level.

Data Interpretation: Calculate the Air Changes per Hour at 50 Pascals (ACH50) and explain how this metric reflects overall building envelope performance, relating it to energy efficiency and comfort.

Diagnostic Techniques: Utilize both pressurization and depressurization modes to effectively locate and quantify air leakage pathways (e.g., around windows, ducts, penetrations) and understand how to report these findings.