Energy Efficiency Testing
Get more than just testing ACH with our certified blower door testing services. Our tests can uncover a variety of issues that impact your home's comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality.
At WoodWorks A2Z LLC, every build is subjected to rigorous testing. Our most recent project of ours was the tightest home yet, with a 1.065 ACH50. To ensure a healthy indoor environment for its residents, the home was equipped with a cutting-edge heating recovery ventilator (HRV). This system continuously circulates fresh, filtered air, providing a comfortable and energy-efficient living space.
What is a blower door?
A blower door test is a crucial component of building evaluation. This sophisticated instrument helps assess a building's airtightness by measuring the airflow at a specific pressure. The industry standard is to test at 50 pascals, resulting in the measurement known as ACH50.
What is "ACH?"
ACH stands for air changes per hour and is a widely used measurement in the building industry. It represents the number of times the air inside a building is exchanged with outdoor air in one hour. For example, in Montana, the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code requires a building to have less than 4 ACH50, meaning the air inside the building must change four times or less in one hour at 50 pascals of pressure, roughly equivalent to a 20 mph wind blowing at the side of the structure.
AHHH! You're building the house too tight! Houses need to breathe!
Contrary to popular belief, making a building airtight does not mean stopping all air movement. Instead, the goal is to properly manage the air inside the building. This is where HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) and ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation) systems come into play. These systems work by exchanging air between the inside and outside of the building through air filters and a heat exchanger, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh, clean filtered air. While homes don't need to breathe, the people inside do, and HRV/ERV systems play a crucial role in providing a healthy indoor environment.
Is your home feeling drafty or are you noticing critters finding their way in?
We can help! Often, the blame for drafts is placed on the windows. However, the root cause can be from a variety of factors such as poor window installation or material shrinkage causing failed sealants. Our team uses advanced techniques, such as a synthetic smoke/fog machine, to perform certified blower door tests and locate any air leaks. Whether we pressurize or depressurize the building, we'll find those pesky gaps and help you keep the unwanted elements out.
How low can you go? More information can be found at the links below.