What does a blower door test assess?

A blower door test is primarily designed to assess the airtightness of a building. By creating a controlled pressure difference between the inside and outside of the structure, this test can effectively measure the rate at which air leaks through the building envelope. It identifies areas where air may be infiltrating or exfiltrating, allowing for improvements in energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality.

Understanding how airtight a building is crucial for HVAC performance, as leaks can lead to increased heating and cooling loads, making systems less effective. Addressing these issues often results in energy savings and a more consistent indoor climate. This is why the blower door test is an essential tool for evaluating building performance in the context of HVAC systems.