What is a good air tightness test result?

Understanding what constitutes a good air tightness test result is crucial for homeowners aiming to create energy-efficient, comfortable, and healthy living spaces. Excessive air leakage in buildings not only leads to higher energy consumption but also compromises indoor air quality and overall comfort.

Air tightness testing is a fundamental step in construction, measuring how effectively a building envelope prevents air leakage. Using metrics like Air Changes per Hour (ACH) at 50 Pascals (ACH50), professionals assess the level of air leakage. Blower door testing, a widely adopted procedure, uses a powerful fan installed in an exterior doorway to create a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the building. The blower door testing enables precise measurement of airflow through the building and identification of leakage points.

So, what defines a good air tightness test result?:

Essentially, it's about achieving minimal air leakage. The ideal outcome varies based on the building type, project requirements, and regulatory standards in each country. However, a lower ACH result signifies better airtightness. For instance, in New Zealand, a typical home built to the minimum building code may have between 5 to 8 air changes per hour, while a Passive House must achieve less than 0.6 air changes per hour to meet stringent standards.

Passive house airtightness test:

Adhering to Passive House standards the air tightness test is particularly stringent, with requirements ranging from 0.6 to 1 air changes per hour for different levels of certification. The Passive House Classic, Plus and Premium allows for up to 0.6 air change per hour, whereas the Passive House Low Energy allows for up to 1 air change per hour.

Air tightness building regulations in New Zealand:

Despite the absence of specific air tightness targets in the current New Zealand Building Code (NZBC), blower door testing remains invaluable. It provides quantifiable insights into insulation performance and weather tightness, often undetectable through visual inspection alone.

Air tightness test cost:

At 5Merchants, we offer comprehensive blower door/air tightness tests nationwide. Our services include on-site testing and detailed reporting, empowering homeowners to optimise their building's energy efficiency and indoor comfort. We provide three blower door test options:

1. Verification of the airtight envelope at a stage prior to the lining and finishing of the construction.

$650.00+gst

1. Final air tightness test for verification of the airtight envelope without certification.

$650.00+gst

1. Final air tightness test for verification of the airtight envelope using both methods A and B for Passive House Certification in conformance with DIN EN 13829. This will include a written report that can be used to supply to the certifying body. 

$710+gst

To find out more about the 5Merchants blower door test click here.

Or book your blower door test today to embark on the journey toward a more sustainable and comfortable living environment.