Retrotec Residential Pressure & Air Leakage - Manual (Page 12)

Page 12 of 75
©Retrotec Inc. 2014
2. Preparing a Building for Air Leakage Testing
Figure 6: There are many things to consider before beginning a Blower Door test - follow the house setup check list to prepare for an
air leakage test.
2.1 First considerations
It is important to properly prepare the testing area to protect testing personnel, occupants, and property. Pay
special attention to safety, and basic pre-test procedures in order to ensure that a proper, accurate, and
efficient job is done.
Safety
A poorly prepared house is a safety hazard. Fire is a danger, as open flames in fireplaces or gas appliances can
potentially burn down a house, or asphyxiate testing staff and occupants during the test! Dust, smoke, flue gas,
sewer gas, mold spores, insecticides, car exhaust and other polluting chemicals may be drawn into the house
during a depressurization test and may require protection for both the tester and the occupants. Make sure
these chemicals will not be drawn in during the test or protect the tester and the occupants or perform a
pressurization test instead of a depressurization test. The only hazard with pressurization testing is that in cold
weather, a large amount of cold air will be blown into one location in the house causing discomfort and perhaps
freezing house plants.
Accuracy
Testing is meaningless if the results are not accurately recorded. A properly prepared house and equipment, as
well as knowledge of the equipment and procedures, will provide more accurate results.