Energy Code and Green Homes: Blower Door Tests

Washington is just one of many states that have adopted the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that raises the standard for construction design in residential and commercial structures.  This blower door testing ensures that homes are efficiently sealed.

“The new national energy code includes mandatory blower-door testing for building air leakage (less than <3.0 ACH at 50 pascals), which will measure how well contractors have sealed up penetrations between the outdoors and indoor conditioned space. This testing will be required for all projects permitted after the new code goes into effect. Some states have made modifications to the adopted code, such as Illinois which has changed the ACH rate to 5.0 ACH @ 50.  View our archived July 12 webinar to learn more about IL Energy Code changes.”

AMS Inspection performs blower door tests throughout King, Snohomish, Chelan and Douglas Counties.  We’ve worked with developers such as Quadrant Homes and Seattle-Pacific Homes.

Source:  2012 IECC Energy Code vs Green Home Certifications, Jason La Fleur, LEED AP on July 9, 2012

AMS Inspection Services is a home inspection company based out of Leavenworth, WA, with inspectors in Seattle, Wenatchee and throughout Chelan and Douglas counties.  AMS Inspection performs blower door tests for new construction projects.

2 responses to “Energy Code and Green Homes: Blower Door Tests

  1. Washington State has formulated and adopted it’s own Energy Code (WA State Energy Code). The State may go to the IECC next year but it will be heavily modified with over 170 amendments. The blower door testing in both codes are similar but not the same.

  2. Brian, to clarify– WSEC (WA State Energy Code) states the following which is found on the WSU Extension Energy Program website and are responsible for training individuals on proper testing procedures: “Building Air Leakage Testing. All new construction and additions over 750 sq.ft. need to have a blower door test done and the resulting air leakage should be less than 0.00030 Specific Leakage Area (SLA) when tested at 50 Pascals (0.2 inch w.g.) of depressurization. Testing can be done any time after rough in and after installation of penetrations of the building envelope, including penetrations for utilities, plumbing, electrical, ventilation and combustion appliances (and sealing of these penetrations) have been completed. Building officials can request that the test be conducted while building department staff is present. The blower door test results need to be recorded on the certificate that is required in Section 105.4.” Source: http://www.energy.wsu.edu/Documents/BFG%20Chapter%205-Jan2011.pdf

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