Blower Door Manual Ingles

Minneapolis Blower Door
Operation Manual
for
Model 3 and Model 4 Systems
Minneapolis Blower Door
Operation Manual
for
Model 3 and Model 4 Systems
The Energy Conservatory

2801 21st Ave. S., Suite 160
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 827-1117 (Ph)
(612) 827-1051 (Fax)
www.energyconservatory.com
email: info@energyconservatory.com
Minneapolis Blower Door, TECTITE, Duct Mask and Automated Performance Testing (APT) System are
trademarks of The Energy Conservatory, Inc. Minneapolis Duct Blaster and TrueFlow Air Handler Flow Meter
are registered trademarks of The Energy Conservatory, Inc.
Windows and Microsoft Word are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Manual Edition: August 2012.
2012 by The Energy Conservatory. All rights reserved.
ENERGY CONSERVATORY WARRANTY

EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY:
Seller warrants that this product, under normal use and service as described in the operators manual, shall be free from defects in
workmanship and material for a period of 24 months, or such shorter length of time as may be specified in the operators manual, from the
date of shipment to the Customer.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY:
This limited warranty set forth above is subject to the following exclusions:
a) With respect to any repair services rendered, Seller warrants that the parts repaired or replaced will be free from defects in
workmanship and material, under normal use, for a period of 90 days from the date of shipment to the Purchaser.
b) Seller does not provide any warranty on finished goods manufactured by others. Only the original manufacturers warranty applies.
c) Unless specifically authorized in a separate writing, Seller makes no warranty with respect to, and shall have no liability in
connection with, any goods which are incorporated into other products or equipment by the Purchaser.
d) All products returned under warranty shall be at the Purchasers risk of loss. The Purchaser is responsible for all shipping charges
to return the product to The Energy Conservatory. The Energy Conservatory will be responsible for return standard ground shipping
charges. The Customer may request and pay for the added cost of expedited return shipping.
The foregoing warranty is in lieu of all other warranties and is subject to the conditions and limitations stated herein. No other express or
implied warranty IS PROVIDED, AND THE SELLER DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS for particular purpose or
merchantability.
The exclusive remedy of the purchaser FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY shall be the return of the product to the factory or designated
location for repair or replacement, or, at the option of The Energy Conservatory, refund of the purchase price.
The Energy Conservatorys maximum liability for any and all losses, injuries or damages (regardless of whether such claims are based on
contract, negligence, strict liability or other tort) shall be the purchase price paid for the products. In no event shall the Seller be liable for any
special, incidental or consequential damages. The Energy Conservatory shall not be responsible for installation, dismantling, reassembly or
reinstallation costs or charges. No action, regardless of form, may be brought against the Seller more than one year after the cause of action
has accrued.
The Customer is deemed to have accepted the terms of this Limitation of Warranty and Liability, which contains the complete and exclusive
limited warranty of the Seller. This Limitation of Warranty and Liability may not be amended or modified, nor may any of its terms be waived
except by a writing signed by an authorized representative of the Seller.
TO ARRANGE A REPAIR: Please call The Energy Conservatory at 612-827-1117 before sending any product back for repair or to inquire
about warranty coverage. All products returned for repair should include a return shipping address, name and phone number of a contact
person concerning this repair, and the purchase date of the equipment.
Table of Contents
SAFETY INFORMATION 1
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 2
1.1 What is a Blower Door? 2
1.2 Air Leakage Basics 3
1.2.a Stack Effect: 4
1.2.b Wind Pressure: 4
1.2.c Point Source Exhaust or Supply Devices: 4
1.2.d Duct Leakage to the Outside: 4
1.2.e Door Closure Coupled with Forced Air Duct Systems: 4
1.3 Common Air Leakage Sites 4
CHAPTER 2 SYSTEM COMPONENTS 7

2.1 Blower Door Fan 7
2.1.a Determining Fan Flow and Using the Flow Rings: 8
2.2 Test Instrumentation (Pressure and Fan Flow Gauges) 9
2.2.a DG-700 and DG-3 Digital Pressure Gauges: 9
2.2.b Automated Performance Testing System: 10
2.3 Fan Speed Controllers 11
2.4 Adjustable Aluminum Door Frame 11
2.5 TECTITE Blower Door Test Software 12
2.5.a TECTITE Features: 12
CHAPTER 3 INSTALLING THE BLOWER DOOR FOR DEPRESSURIZATION

TESTING 13
3.1 Door Frame and Panel Installation 13
3.1.a Where To Install The Door Frame? 13
3.1.b Installing the Aluminum Frame: 13
3.2 Installing the Outside Building Pressure Tubing 14
3.3 Installing the Blower Door Fan 15
3.4 Attaching the Gauge Mounting Board 15
3.5 Gauge Tubing Connections for Depressurization Testing 16
3.5.a DG-700 Gauge: 16
3.5.b DG-3 Gauge: 16
3.5.c APT System: 17
3.6 Electrical and Tubing Connections to the Fan 17
3.6.a Electrical Connections: 17
3.6.b Connecting Tubing to the Model 3 Fan: 18
3.6.c Connecting Tubing to the Model 4 Fan: 18
3.7 Fan Control Cable for Cruise Control 18
CHAPTER 4 SETTING UP THE BUILDING FOR TESTING 19

4.1 Adjustable Openings 19
4.2 Combustion Appliance/Exhaust Devices 19
4.3 Testing For New Construction 20
CHAPTER 5 CONDUCTING A BLOWER DOOR DEPRESSURIZATION TEST 21
5.1 Choosing a Test Procedure 21
5.2 Depressurization Test Procedures Using the DG-700 21
5.3 Depressurization Test Procedures Using the DG-3 24
5.4 Using the Cant Reach 50 Factors (One-Point Tests) 27
5.4.a Potential Errors In One-Point CFM50 Estimate from Using the CRF Factors: 28
5.5 Unable to Reach a Target Building Pressure During a Multi-Point Test? 29
5.6 Testing in Windy Weather 29
5.7 Before Leaving the Building 29
CHAPTER 6 BASIC TEST RESULTS 30

6.1 Basic Airtightness Test Results 30
6.1.a Air Leakage at 50 Pascals: 30
6.1.b Normalizing Air Leakage for the Size of the House: 31
6.2 Optional Correction for Air Density 32
6.3 Additional Test Result Options (requires use of TECTITE software) 33
6.3.a Leakage Areas: 33
6.3.b Estimated Natural Infiltration Rates: 33
6.3.c Mechanical Ventilation Guideline: 34
6.3.d Estimated Cost of Air Leakage: 35
CHAPTER 7 PRESSURIZATION TESTING 36

7.1 Gauge Set-Up For Pressurization Measurements 36
7.1.a DG-700 and DG-3 Gauges: 36
7.1.b APT System: 37
7.2 Fan Set-Up For Pressurization Measurements 38
7.3 Optional Correction for Air Density 38
CHAPTER 8 FINDING AIR LEAKS 39

8.1 Using Your Hand 39
8.2 Using a Chemical Smoke Puffer 39
8.3 Using an Infrared Camera 39
8.4 Diagnosing Series Leakage Paths 40
CHAPTER 9 TESTING FOR DUCT LEAKAGE AND PRESSURE

IMBALANCES 41
9.1 Duct Leakage Basics 41
9.1.a Why Is Duct Leakage Important? 41
9.1.b Where Does Duct Leakage Occur? 41
9.1.c How Much Can Energy Bills Be Reduced By Sealing Duct Leaks? 42
9.1.d Duct Leakage to the Outside: 42
9.1.e Duct Leakage to the Inside: 43
9.2 Finding Duct Leaks to the Outside 43
9.2.a Smoke Test: 43
9.2.b Pressure Pan: 43
9.3 Estimating Duct Leakage to the Outside With a Blower Door 44
9.3.a Modified Blower Door Subtraction: 44
9.3.b Flow Hood Method: (Requires use of calibrated flow capture hood) 46
9.4 Unconditioned Spaces Containing Ductwork 46
9.5 Testing for Pressure Imbalances Caused By Forced Air System Flows 47
9.5.a Dominant Duct Leak Test: 47
9.5.b Master Suite Door Closure: 48
9.5.c All Interior Doors Closed: 48
9.5.d Room to Room Pressures: 49
9.6 Other Important Test Procedures 49
9.6 a Total System Air Flow: 49
9.6.b System Charge: 49
9.6.c Airflow Balancing: 49
CHAPTER 10 COMBUSTION SAFETY TEST PROCEDURE 50

10.1 Overview 50
10.2 Test Procedures 51
10.2.a Measure Ambient CO Level in Building: 52
10.2.b Survey of Combustion Appliances: 52
10.2.c Survey of Exhaust Fans: 52
10.2.d Measure Worst Case Fan Depressurization: 52
10.2.e Spillage Test (natural draft and induced draft appliances): 54
10.2.f Carbon Monoxide Test: 55
10.2.g Draft Test (natural draft appliances): 55
10.2.h Heat Exchanger Integrity Test (Forced Air Only): 55
APPENDIX A CALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE 57

A.1 Fan Calibration Parameters (Updated January 2007) 57
Model 3 (110V) Calibration Parameters: 57
A.2 Issues Affecting Fan Calibration 58
A.2.a Fan Sensor and Motor Position: 58
A.2.b Upstream Air Flow Conditions: 60
A.2.c Operating Under High Backpressure Conditions: 60
A.3 Blower Door Fan Maintenance and Safety 61
A.3.a Maintenance Checks: 61
A.3.b General Operational Notes and Tips: 61
A.3.c Replacing the Model 4 Controllers Internal Fuse: 61
A.4 Calibration and Maintenance of Digital Pressure Gauges 63
A.4.a Digital Gauge Calibration: 63
A.4.b Digital Gauge Maintenance: 64
A.5 Checking for Leaky Tubing 64
APPENDIX B FLOW CONVERSION TABLES 65

Model 3 (110V) 65
Model 3 (230V) 67
Model 4 (230V) 69
APPENDIX C USING FLOW RINGS C, D AND E 71
C.1 Using Ring C 71
C.1.a Installation: 71
C.1.b Calibration Parameters for Ring C (Updated January 2007): 71
C.2 Using Rings D and E 71
C.2.a Installation: 71
C.2.b Measuring Fan Flow with Rings D and E: 72
C.2.c Calibration Parameters for Rings D and E (Updated January 2007): 72
APPENDIX D SAMPLE TEST FORMS 74
APPENDIX E HOME ENERGY ARTICLE * 77
APPENDIX F CALCULATING A DESIGN AIR INFILTRATION RATE 83
APPENDIX G REFERENCES 85
APPENDIX H AIR DENSITY CORRECTION FACTORS 86

H.1 Air Density Correction Factors for Depressurization Testing 86
H.2 Air Density Correction Factors for Pressurization Testing 87
APPENDIX I CRUISE CONTROL WITH THE DG-700 GAUGE 88
APPENDIX J BLOWER DOOR SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS 90

Safety Information
Safety Information
The Blower Door fan should only be connected to a properly installed and tested power supply. In
case of emergencies, disconnect the power cord from the AC power mains outlet. During
installation, use the nearest readily accessible power outlet and keep all objects away from
interfering with access to the outlet.
Disconnect the power plug from the Blower Door fan receptacle before examining or making any
adjustments to the fan motor, blades or electrical components.
The Blower Door Fan is a very powerful and potentially dangerous piece of equipment if not used and
maintained properly. Carefully examine the fan before each use. If the fan housing, fan guards, blade,
controller or cords become damaged, do not operate the fan until repairs have been made. Repairs should
only be made by qualified repair personnel.
If you notice any unusual noises or vibrations, stop and unplug the fan. If you cant find the source of the
problem, contact the manufacturer/distributor.
Keep people, animals and objects away from the Blower Door fan when it is operating.
Press the power plug firmly into the power receptacle on the Blower Door fan, and the AC power mains
outlet. Failure to do so can cause overheating of the power cord and possible damage.
Do not use ungrounded outlets or adapter plugs. Never remove or modify the grounding prong. Use only
approved and inspected electrical wiring and connections.
Do not operate the Blower Door fan if the motor, controller or any of the electrical connections are wet.
For long-term operation, such as maintaining building pressure while air-sealing, use a flow ring whenever
possible to ensure proper cooling of the BlowerDoor fan motor. This will minimize the heating of the fan
and is important in warmer weather.
Do not reverse the Blower Door fan (if the fan has a flow direction switch) while the blades are turning.
The motor is thermally protected and if you experience a motor shut down, be sure to turn off the fan speed
controller so that the fan does not restart unexpectantly after the motor cools down.
The operator should wear hearing protection when in close proximity to the fan operating at high speed.
Adjust all combustion appliances so they do not turn on during the test. If combustion appliances turn on
during a depressurization test, it is possible for flames to be sucked out of the combustion air inlet (flame
rollout). This is a fire hazard and can possibly result in high CO levels.
If there are attached spaces (e.g. townhouses) that could contain a vented combustion appliance, either
adjust those appliances to prevent them from turning on during the test, or be sure that the attached spaces
are not depressurized or pressurized when the Blower Door is operating.
Be sure that fires in fireplaces and woodstoves are completely out before conducting a test. Take
precautions to prevent ashes from being sucked into the building during the test. In most cases it will be
necessary to either tape doors shut, clean out the ashes, and/or cover the ashes with newspaper.
Be sure you have returned the building to its original condition before leaving. This includes turning the
thermostat and water heater temperature controls to their original setting. Always check to see that furnace,
water heater and gas fireplace pilot lights have not been blown out during the Blower Door test - re-light
them if necessary. Remove any temporary seals from fireplaces or other openings sealed during the test.
If combustion safety problems are found, tenants and building owners should be notified immediately and
steps taken to correct the problem including notifying a professional heating contractor if basic remedial
actions are not available. Remember, the presence of elevated levels of carbon monoxide in ambient
building air or in combustion products is a potentially life threatening situation. Air sealing work should not
be undertaken until existing combustion safety problems are resolved, or unless air sealing is itself being
used as a remedial action.
1
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 What is a Blower Door?

The Blower Door is a diagnostic tool designed to measure the airtightness of buildings and to help locate air
leakage sites. Building airtightness measurements are used for a variety of purposes including:
Documenting the construction airtightness of buildings.

Estimating natural infiltration rates in houses.
Measuring and documenting the effectiveness of airsealing activities.
Measuring duct leakage in forced air distribution systems.
The Blower Door consists of a powerful, calibrated fan that is temporarily sealed into an exterior doorway. The
fan blows air into or out of the building to create a slight pressure difference between inside and outside. This
pressure difference forces air through all holes and penetrations in the exterior envelope. By simultaneously
measuring the air flow through the fan and its effect on the air pressure in the building, the Blower Door system
measures the airtightness of the entire building envelope. The tighter the building (e.g. fewer holes), the less air
you need from the Blower Door fan to create a change in building pressure.
Figure 1: Blower Door Depressurization Test
2
A typical Blower Door test will include a series of fan flow measurements at a variety of building pressures
ranging from 60 Pascals to 15 Pascals (one Pascal (Pa) equals approximately 0.004 inches of water column).
Tests are conducted at these relatively high pressures to mitigate the effects of wind and stack effect pressures
on the test results. Sometimes a simple one-point test is conducted where the building is tested at a single
pressure (typically 50 Pascals). This is done when a quick assessment of airtightness is needed, and there is no
need to calculate leakage areas (i.e. estimate the cumulative size of the hole in the building envelope).
Figure 2: Graph of Blower Door Test Data
Flow through the

Blower Door fan
(Building
Leakage)
Pressure difference between inside

and outside (Building Pressure)
It takes about 20 minutes to set-up a Blower Door, conduct a test, and document the airtightness of a building. In
addition to assessing the overall airtightness level of the building envelope, the Blower Door can be used to
estimate the amount of leakage between the conditioned space of the building and attached structural
components such as garages, attics and crawlspaces. It can also be used to estimate the amount of outside
leakage in forced air duct systems. And because the Blower Door forces air through all holes and penetrations
that are connected to outside, these problem spots are easier to find using chemical smoke, an infrared camera or
simply feeling with your hand. The airtightness measurement can also help you assess the potential for
backdrafting of natural draft combustion appliances by exhaust fans and other mechanical devices, and help
determine the need for mechanical ventilation in the house.
1.2 Air Leakage Basics

To properly utilize the diagnostic capabilities of your Blower Door, it is important to understand the basic
dynamics of air leakage in buildings. For air leakage (infiltration or exfiltration) to occur, there must be both a
hole or crack, and a driving force (pressure difference) to push the air through the hole. The five most common
driving forces which operate in buildings are:
3
1.2.a Stack Effect:

Stack effect is the tendency for warm buoyant air to rise and leak out the top of the building and be replaced by
colder outside air entering the bottom of the building (note: when outside air is warmer than inside air, this
process is reversed). In winter, the stack effect creates a small positive pressure at the top of the building and
small negative pressures at the bottom of the building. Stack effect pressures are a function of the temperature
difference between inside and outside, the height of the building, and are strongest in the winter and very weak
in the summer. Stack induced air leakage accounts for the largest portion of infiltration in most buildings.
1.2.b Wind Pressure:

Wind blowing on a building will cause outside air to enter on the windward side of the building, and building air
to leak out on the leeward side.. At exposed sites in windy climates, wind pressure can be a major driving force
for air leakage.
1.2.c Point Source Exhaust or Supply Devices:

Chimneys for combustion appliances and exhaust fans (e.g. kitchen and bath fans) push air out of the building
when they are operating. Air leaving the building from these devices causes a negative pressure in the building
which draws outside air into holes and cracks in the building envelope. Supply fans (e.g. positive pressure
ventilation fan) deliver air into the building creating a positive pressure which pushes inside air out of the
building through holes and cracks in the building envelope. (The interaction of ventilation fans on building air
leakage and pressures is discussed in Chapter 10)
1.2.d Duct Leakage to the Outside:

Leaks in forced air duct systems (to the outside) create pressures which increase air leakage in buildings. Leaks
in supply ducts act like exhaust fans causing negative building pressures. Leaks in return ducts act like supply
fans creating positive pressures in buildings. (Duct leakage and duct leakage diagnostics are discussed in more
detail in Chapter 9).
1.2.e Door Closure Coupled with Forced Air Duct Systems:

Research has shown that in buildings with forced air duct systems, imbalances between supply and return ducts
can dramatically increase air leakage. For example, a study conducted in Florida showed that infiltration rates in
many houses were doubled whenever the HVAC system fan was operating due to pressures caused by door
closure. In the Florida houses, closing of bedroom doors created large duct imbalances by effectively cutting off
the bedroom supply registers from the central return registers located in the main part of the house. (Duct
leakage and duct leakage diagnostics are discussed in more detail in Chapter 9)
1.3 Common Air Leakage Sites

Common air leakage sites are shown in Figure 3 below. Notice how as warm air rises due to the stack effect, it
tends to escape through cracks and holes near the top of the building. This escaping air causes a slight negative
pressure at the bottom of the building which pulls in cold air through holes in the lower level. Air sealing
activities should usually begin at the top of the building because this is where the largest positive pressures exist
and where many of the largest leakage sites (and potential condensation problems) can be found.
4
The next most important location of leaks is in the lowest part of the building. The bottom of the building is
subject to the largest negative pressures, which induces cold air infiltration. Importantly, if spillage prone natural
draft combustion appliances are present, do not seal lower level building leaks unless you have first addressed
leaks in the attic or top part of the building. Sealing only lower level leakage areas while leaving large high level
leaks could create large enough negative pressures to cause combustion appliance backdrafting.
Figure 3: Common Air Leakage Sites
In addition to these common leakage sites, there can also be large leakage paths associated with hidden
construction details such as attached porches, cantilevered floors and overhangs. Figures 4 - 6 show a number
of potentially important leakage paths which are often overlooked by crews using traditional weatherization
techniques. Use of densely blown cellulose insulation or other barrier-type air sealing techniques at these key
junctures often result in dramatic air leakage reductions.
Figure 4: Hidden Construction Details
5
Figure 5: Leak from Attached Porch Figure 6: Common Kneewall Leak
Forced air system ductwork can also be a major air leakage site. Even small leaks in ductwork can result in
significant air leakage due to the high pressures found in ducts whenever the heating or cooling system is
operating. More information on duct leakage can be found in Chapter 9.
6
Chapter 2 System Components
This Manual includes operating instructions for the following models of Minneapolis Blower Door:
Model 3/110V System

Model 3/230 System
Model 4/230V System (CE labeled fan and
controller)
Both the Model 3 and Model 4 Minneapolis Blower Door

systems are comprised of three separate components:
1. Blower Door Fan

2. Accessory Case with Test Instrumentation (building
pressure and fan flow gauges), Fan Speed Controller and
Nylon Door Panel
3. The Adjustable Aluminum Door Frame
While the Blower Door fan motor, flow sensor and speed controller vary slightly between the three different
Minneapolis Blower Door systems, the other system components are identical.
PC based test analysis software (TECTITE) is also available to help you document and analyze Blower Door
test results.
2.1 Blower Door Fan

The Blower Door fan consists of a molded fan housing with a 3/4 h.p. permanent split capacitor AC motor. Air
flow through the fan is determined by measuring the pressure at the flow sensor which is attached to the end of
the motor. When the fan is operating, air is pulled into the inlet side of the fan and exits through the exhaust side
(a metal fan guard is bolted to the exhaust side of the fan).
The Blower Door fan can accurately measure airflow over a wide range of flow rates using a series of calibrated
Flow Rings which are attached to the inlet of the fan. The standard Minneapolis Blower Door system comes
with 2 Flow Rings (A and B) capable of measuring flows as low as 300 Cubic Feet per Minute (cfm). Optional
Rings C, D and E are available which allows flow measurements as low as 85, 30 and 11 cfm respectively.
Model 3 Fan with Rings A and B
7
The main distinguishing feature between the Model 3 and Model 4 fans is the shape of the flow sensor attached
to the fan motor. Model 3 fans (both 110V and 230V) use a round white plastic flow sensor, while the Model 4
fan uses a flow sensor manufactured out of stainless steel tubing.
Model 3 Fan and Flow Sensor Model 4 Fan and Flow Sensor
2.1.a Determining Fan Flow and Using the Flow Rings:

Fan pressure readings from the flow sensor are easily converted to fan flow readings by using a Flow
Conversion Table (see Appendix B), by reading flow directly from the Blower Door gauge(s), or through the
use of the TECTITE Blower Door Test Analysis Software. The Blower Door fan has 6 different flow capacity
ranges depending on the configuration of Flow Rings on the fan inlet. Table 1 below show the approximate flow
range of the Blower Door fan under each of the 6 inlet configuration. The greatest accuracy in fan flow readings
will always be achieved by installing the Flow Ring with the smallest opening area, while still providing the
necessary fan flow. Importantly, when taking Blower Door measurements, stand at least 12 inches from the side
of the fan inlet. Standing directly in front of the fan may affect the flow readings and result in erroneous
measurements.
Table 1: Fan Flow Ranges
Fan Configuration Flow Range (cfm) for Flow Range (cfm) for
Model 3 Fan Model 4 Fan
Open (no Flow Ring) 6,100 - 2,435 4,850 - 2,090
Ring A 2,800 - 915 2,500 - 790
Ring B 1,100 - 300 900 - 215
Ring C 330 - 85 260 - 45
Ring D 115 - 30 125 - 30
Ring E 45 - 11 50 - 11
To install Flow Ring A, place Ring A onto the inlet side of the fan
housing and rotate the 8 fastener clips attached to the housing flange so
that they rotate over the edge of Ring A and secure it in place.
8
To Install Flow Ring B, place Ring B in the center of Ring A and

rotate the 6 fastener clips attached to Ring A so that they rotate over
the edge of Ring B and secure it in place.
In addition to Flow Rings A and B, the standard Minneapolis Blower

Door comes with a solid circular No-Flow Plate to seal off the fan
opening. The No-Flow Plate is attached to Ring B in the same manner
that Ring B attaches to Ring A.
The No-Flow Plate and Rings A and B can be removed separately, or

all 3 pieces can be removed at the same time by releasing the 8
fastener clips holding Ring A to the fan housing.
Installation and use of optional Flow Rings C, D and E are discussed

in Appendix C.
2.2 Test Instrumentation (Pressure and Fan Flow Gauges)

This manual covers three instrumentation options typically used with the Minneapolis Blower Door; the DG-
700 Digital Gauge, the DG-3 Digital Gauge, and the APT System.
2.2.a DG-700 and DG-3 Digital Pressure Gauges:

The DG-700 and DG-3 are differential pressure gauges which measure the pressure difference between either of
their Input pressure taps and its corresponding bottom Reference pressure tap. Both gauges have two separate
measurement channels which allows you to monitor the building pressure and fan pressure (air flow) signals
during the Blower Door test (the DG-700 allows for simultaneous display of both channels, while the DG-3 can
display one channel at a time). In addition, both gauges are able to directly display air flow through the Blower
Door fan (the DG-700 can display fan flow in units of cfm, l/s and m3/hr). The digital gauge is shipped in a
separate padded case which is stored in the Blower Door accessory case. Also included is a black mounting
board to which the digital gauge can be attached using the Velcro strips found on the back of the gauge.
The DG-700 can also be used to automate control of the Blower Door fan using the following two features:
The-DG-700 can be used along with TECTITE software and a user supplied laptop computer to
conduct a fully automated Blower Door test. When conducting automated tests, the speed of the Blower
Door fan is computer controlled while the TECTITE program simultaneously monitors the building
pressure and fan flow using the DG-700s two pressure channels. Test results are recorded, displayed on the
screen, and can be saved to a file. Note: Automated testing requires the TECTITE software and special
cabling.
Newer DG-700 gauges have a built-in Cruise Control feature which allow the user to control the
Blower Door fan to maintain a constant building pressure, without using the TECTITE software or a laptop
computer.
9
DG-700 Pressure Gauge DG-3 Pressure Gauge
2.2.b Automated Performance Testing System:

The Automated Performance Testing (APT) system performs fully automated Blower
Door tests from a user supplied laptop or desktop computer using TECs TECTITE
software. The TECTITE software allows the user to select among various airtightness
testing procedures, including a cruise control option which maintains the building at any
user-defined pressure. The APT system automatically adjusts the speed of the Blower
Door fan while simultaneously monitoring the building pressure and fan flow using 2
on-board differential pressure channels. Test results are recorded, displayed on the
screen, and can be saved to a file.
If the APT system contains more than 2 installed pressure channels, the additional
channels can be used to monitor and record pressures in attached zones (e.g. attic or
crawlspace) during the automated Blower Door test.
The APT system consists of the following components:
One Data Acquisition Box (DAB) with 2 to 8 on-board pressure channels and
phone jacks for 8 voltage input channels.
One 6 serial cable (w/ 9 pin connectors) to connect the DAB with your
computer.
One 12V power supply for the DAB.
One CD containing the TECTITE software.
The Data Acquisition Box (DAB) comes fastened to a black plastic mounting board. The mounting board may
also contain two electrical outlets which can be used to power the Blower Door fan, DAB or a lap-top computer.
Note: When using an APT system, only automated Blower Door testing can be conducted because the APTs
DAB does not have a built-in display. Manual testing must be done with a DG-700 or DG-3 gauge.
10
2.3 Fan Speed Controllers

Model 3 and Model 4 Blower Door fans are supplied with a speed controller. Fan speed is adjusted using the
adjustment knob on the face of the speed controller. Model 3 Blower Door systems come with the fan speed
controller clipped onto the black mounting board supplied with the system. The Model 3 controller can be
removed from the mounting board by sliding the controller clip off the board.
The Model 4 fan speed controller will either be attached to a mounting board (system with DG-700 gauge), or
simply have an attachment clamp connected directly on the back of the speed controller box (system with APT
system).
Model 3 Speed Controller Model 4 Speed Controller
2.4 Adjustable Aluminum Door Frame

The adjustable aluminum door frame (and nylon panel) is used to seal the
fan into an exterior doorway. The door frame is adjustable to fit any typical
size residential door opening. The aluminum frame consists of 5 separate
pieces which are shipped in a soft-sided cloth frame case. The two longest
frame pieces make up the vertical sides of the door frame, while the two
remaining shorter frame pieces make up the top and bottom. The cross bar
has a hook on either end of the bar. The frame was designed to be quickly
assembled and broken down to simplify storage and transport. If desired,
the frame can be transported completely assembled.
To assemble the frame, remove one long and one short frame piece from the
case. Disengage the cam levers on each piece by flipping the cam lever to
the relaxed position. Be sure the adjustment knobs have been tightened so
that the frame piece does not extend
as you put the frame together. Snap
the two pieces together by sliding one end of the short piece over one
corner block on the long frame piece. You will need to push in the round
bullet on the corner block as you slide the pieces together. The round
bullet will snap into the hole located on the short frame piece. Assemble
all four sides of the frame together in this manner. Be sure that the cam
levers and adjustment knobs are all on the same side of the frame as you
assemble the pieces.
11
Now remove the cross bar from the frame case. The hooks at each end of
the middle bar will fit into one set of slots which are found on the inside
edges of the vertical frame pieces. To insert the middle frame bar, first
loosen the adjustment knobs on the cross bar and the top and bottom
frame pieces. With the frame adjusted to its smallest size and the cam
levers and knobs facing you, insert one hook into the 2nd slot from the top
on one side of the frame. Extend the middle bar and insert the second
hook on the other side of the frame. Push the middle bar down so that the
hooks are fully set into the slots.
Assembled Aluminum Frame
2.5 TECTITE Blower Door Test Software

TECTITE is a Blower Door test analysis program for PC computers. The TECTITE program can be used to
calculate and display airtightness test results from manually collected Blower Door test data. In addition,
TECTITE can be used along with a DG-700 gauge or APT System to conduct fully automated building
airtightness tests.
2.5.a TECTITE Features:

Easy data entry of all test data and building information.
Calculation and display of airtightness test results including CFM50, air changes per hour, leakage
areas, estimated annual and design natural infiltration rates, and estimated cost of air leakage.
Choice of 4 test standards including CGSB 149.10-M86 and the 3 RESNET test standards.
Estimates needed mechanical ventilation based on ASHRAE Standard 62.2-10.
Built-in PDF report generator and compare file features.
TECTITE lets you print your company logo directly on the reports.
Compatible with both Model 3 and Model 4 Blower Door Systems.
Fully automates Blower Door testing when used with a DG-700 gauge or APT system.
Note: If you receive the TECTITE software, the program CD contains a separate software operation manual. A
fully functional copy of TECTITE is available to download from The Energy Conservatory's website at
www.energyconservatory.com.
12
Chapter 3 Installing the Blower Door for Depressurization Testing
Chapter 3 Installing the Blower Door for Depressurization

Testing
The following instructions are for conducting building depressurization tests (i.e. blowing air out of the
building). Depressurization testing is the most common method for taking Blower Door measurements.
One of the primary reasons depressurization testing is the most commonly used test method is that back-draft
dampers in exhaust fans and dryers will be pulled closed during the test. Because back-draft dampers are
typically shut most of the time, leakage from these devices should generally not be included in the results of a
Blower Door test.
Information on how and why to conduct Blower Door pressurization tests (i.e. blowing air into the building) is
discussed in Chapter 7.
3.1 Door Frame and Panel Installation
3.1.a Where To Install The Door Frame?
It is always best to install the Blower Door system in an exterior doorway of a large open room.
Try to avoid installing the fan in a doorway where there are stairways or major obstructions to air flow
very close (1-5 feet) to the fan inlet. See Appendix A for additional information on obstructions to air flow.
If the doorway leads to a porch or garage, make sure this space is open to the outside by opening doors
and/or windows.
The door frame is almost always installed from the inside of the building and may be installed in place
of the prime door, the storm door, or anywhere in between.
Always open the inside door and outside storm door as much as possible during the test to prevent
restrictions to airflow.
3.1.b Installing the Aluminum Frame:

The first step is to fit the adjustable frame loosely in the door opening. Adjust the width
of the frame by loosening the three knobs on the top, middle and bottom frame pieces
and sliding the sides apart. The side frame weatherstripping should be touching the sides
of the door jam opening, but should be easily removed. Retighten the knobs.
Now loosen the knobs on the 2 vertical frame pieces and

slide the frame up to the top of the door opening.
Retighten the vertical frame piece knobs.
13
Remove the frame from the door opening and set it up against a wall. Take the nylon panel
out of the accessory case and drape the top of the panel over the top of the frame. Use the
long Velcro strip at the top of the panel to hold the panel over the top frame piece.
Use the two Velcro tabs at the bottom of the panel to

secure the panel around the bottom piece of the frame.
Once the bottom tabs are attached, readjust the top Velcro
strip to remove any slack and tighten the panel vertically
over the frame.
Now pull both sides of the panel tightly around the

frame and secure the panel with the 4 side Velcro
tabs. The frame and panel should now look like the
picture to the right.
You are now ready to fit the frame and panel into
the door opening and secure it in place. Lift the
frame and panel assembly and insert it into the
doorway and up against the door stop. Once the
frame is firmly pushed up against the door stop,
release the top Velcro strip and 4 side Velcro tabs. If necessary, re-adjust the frame so
it fits snugly in the door opening, being sure to re-tighten the 5 adjustment knobs.
Now engage the five cam levers so that the frame is

secured tightly into the opening. These cam levers
provide the final tightening in the door opening.
Note: If the frame does not fit tightly, disengage the

cam levers, re-adjust the frame to fit tighter in the opening, and then re-
engage the cam levers.
3.2 Installing the Outside Building Pressure Tubing

Run approximately 3 - 5 feet of one end of the Green tubing outside through one of the
patches in the bottom corners of the nylon panel. Be sure the outside end of the tubing will
be placed well away from the exhaust flow of the Blower Door fan.
Outside pressure tubing

should be placed away
from fan exhaust.
14
3.3 Installing the Blower Door Fan

Place the fan, with the Flow Rings and no-flow plate installed, in line with the
large hole in the door panel. The exhaust side of the fan should be facing the
door panel. Now tip the fan forward with one hand while you stretch the elastic
panel collar over the exhaust flange of the fan. The elastic panel collar should fit
snugly around the fan with the collar resting in the gap between the two sides of
the electrical box.
The fan is held in place and stabilized by

the Velcro strap attached to the
aluminum frame cross bar. Slip the
Velcro strap through the fan handle and
loop it up and back around the cross bar.
Pull the strap tight so that it is holding
the bottom fan flange off the floor
(approximately 2 inches off the floor if possible). The Velcro strap can
now be attached to itself.
3.4 Attaching the Gauge Mounting Board

The black mounting board for the DG-700, DG-3, or the APT Data Acquisition
Box can be attached to any door by using the C-clamp connected to the back of
the board. The mounting board can also be easily attached to a horizontal surface
(book shelf or desk top) by rotating the clamp 90 degrees before securing the
board. In addition, the mounting board can be
attached to the gauge hanger bar which comes
with the adjustable aluminum door frame. To use
this option, connect the gauge hanger bar to either
side of the aluminum frame by inserting the hook
into one of the remaining slots on the side of the
frame. You can now tighten the mounting board
clamp onto the hanger bar.
15
3.5 Gauge Tubing Connections for Depressurization Testing

The Minneapolis Blower Door system comes with 2 pieces of color coded tubing - a 15 foot length of Green
tubing for measuring building pressure, and a 10 foot length of Red tubing to measure fan pressure and flow.
Connect the remaining end of the Green tubing (the other end should be running outside through the nylon
panel) and one end of the Red tubing to the gauge(s) as shown below:
3.5.a DG-700 Gauge:
Connect the Red tubing to the Channel B

Input tap. Channel B is used to measure
Fan pressure and flow.
Connect the Green tubing to the Channel A

Reference tap. Channel A is used to
measure building pressure with reference
to outside.
3.5.b DG-3 Gauge:
Connect the Red tubing to the Channel B

Input tap. Channel B is used to measure
Fan pressure and flow.
Connect the Green tubing to the Channel A

Reference tap. Channel A is used to
to outside.
16
3.5.c APT System:

APT-2
Connect the Red tubing to the Channel P2

Input tap. Channel P2 is used to measure fan
pressure and flow.
Connect the Green tubing to the Channel P1

Reference tap. Channel P1 is used to
measure building pressure with reference to
outside.
APT-3 through 8
Connect the Red tubing to the Channel P2

Input tap. Channel P2 is used to measure
fan pressure and flow.
Connect the Green tubing to the Channel P1

Reference tap. Channel P1 is used to
to outside.
Note: See the TECTITE manual for information on measuring zone pressures with installed pressure channels
P3 through P8.
3.6 Electrical and Tubing Connections to the Fan

3.6.a Electrical Connections:
Insert the female plug from the fan speed controller into the receptacle
located on the fan electrical box. Make sure that the plug is pushed
completely into the receptacle - overheating of the plug or receptacle
can result if not installed correctly. The remaining cord (power cord)
should be plugged into an AC power mains outlet that is compatible with the
Voltage of the fan motor and speed controller. Be sure the fan controller
knob is turned all the way counter clockwise to the "off" position before
plugging into the power outlet.
If you are using an older Model 3 fan, check that

the fan direction switch is in the proper position. The fan direction switch (located on
the fan electrical box) determines the air flow direction. In order to measure air flow
during a Blower Door test, air must flow through the fan inlet and out the exhaust side
of the fan.
Note: Model 4 fans and newer Model 3 fans are not reversible.
In case of emergencies, disconnect the power cord from the AC power mains outlet. During
installation, use the nearest readily accessible power outlet and keep all objects away from interfering
with access to the outlet.
17
3.6.b Connecting Tubing to the Model 3 Fan:
The remaining end of the Red tubing should

now be connected to the single pressure tap on
the Model 3 Blower Door fan electrical box (the
other end of the Red tubing is connected to the
Channel B/P2 Input tap).
3.6.c Connecting Tubing to the Model 4 Fan:

Note: Newer Model 4 fans have 2 pressure taps mounted on the fan electrical box. Older Model 4 fans have a
single pressure tap.
Connect the remaining end of the Red

tubing to this pressure tap (the other end
of the Red tubing is connected to the
Channel B/P2 Input tap).
If your Model 4 fan has 2 pressure taps located on the electrical box, connect this second
pressure tap (located by the receptacle) to the Channel B/P2 Reference tap using an
additional piece of Clear tubing provided with your system.
Note: Use of this second pressure tap is not required, provided that the Channel B/P2
Reference tap is sensing the air pressure upstream of the fan (i.e. the air being pulled into
the fan).
3.7 Fan Control Cable for Cruise Control

Beginning June 2007, a Cruise Control feature was added to the DG-700 which allows you to automatically
control the Blower Door fan to maintain a constant building pressure, without having the gauge connected to a
computer. Common applications of Cruise include conducting a one-point 50 Pa airtightness test and
maintaining a constant building pressure for diagnostic procedures (e.g. pressure pan). To use Cruise Control,
you must install a fan control cable between the fan control jack on the top of the DG-700 gauge, and the
communication jack on the side of the Blower Door fan speed controller (see Appendix I for more information).
Fan control cable.
Fan control jacks.
18
Chapter 4 Setting Up the Building for Testing
After installing the Blower Door system, you will need to set up the building for the airtightness test. This
typically includes closing adjustable openings and preparing combustion appliances and exhaust fans. The
following preparations are appropriate when using the Blower Door to determine retrofit airsealing potential,
weatherization effectiveness or estimating natural infiltration rates. If the purpose of the Blower Door test is to
document construction airtightness quality for new houses, additional preparation may be needed (see Testing
For New Construction below). If you are using the Blower Door to estimate duct leakage, see Chapter 9 for set
up procedures. Your program guidelines may require you to prepare the building differently than described
below.
Note: The building set-up and test procedures contained within this manual are recommended specifically by
The Energy Conservatory. These procedures generally conform to the Canadian General Standards Board
(CGSB) standard CGSB-149.10-M86 "Determination of the Airtightness of Building Envelopes by the Fan
Depressurization Method", and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard E779-10
"Standard Test Method for Determining the Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization". However, our procedures
include options and recommendations that are not contained within the CGSB and ASTM standards. If you need
to perform a Blower Door airtightness test that exactly meets the CGSB, ASTM or some other test procedure
(e.g. RESNET), you should obtain a copy of the applicable standard and follow the specific set-up directions
contained in the standard.
4.1 Adjustable Openings

Close all storm and prime windows.
Close all exterior doors and interior attic or crawlspace hatches which are connected to conditioned
spaces. Also close exterior crawl space hatches and vents if they are normally closed most of the year.
Open all interior doors to rooms that are conditioned. The object here is to treat the entire building as
one conditioned space and to subject all of the leaks in the building to the same pressure difference.
Because few house basements can be completely sealed from the house and usually some conditioning of
the basement is desirable, they are typically included as conditioned space.
Tape plastic over window air conditioners if they appear to be a source of air leakage into the building
and they are typically removed during a large part of the year.
4.2 Combustion Appliance/Exhaust Devices

Adjust all combustion appliances so they do not turn on during the test. This is commonly done by
temporarily turning off power to the appliance, or setting the appliance to the "Pilot" setting. Note: If
combustion appliances turn on during a depressurization test, it is possible for flames to be sucked out of
the combustion air inlet (flame rollout). This is a fire hazard and can possibly result in high CO levels.
If there are attached spaces (e.g. townhouses) that could contain a vented combustion appliance, either
adjust those appliances to prevent them from turning on during the test, or be sure that the attached spaces
are not depressurized or pressurized when the Blower Door is operating.
Be sure that fires in fireplaces and woodstoves are completely out. Take precautions to prevent ashes
from being sucked into the building during the test. In most cases it will be necessary to either tape doors
shut, clean out the ashes, and/or cover the ashes with newspaper.
Turn off all exhaust fans, vented dryers, air conditioners, ventilation system fans and air handler fans.
19
4.3 Testing For New Construction

If the Blower Door test is being performed to document performance compliance with building codes, the
building should be set-up in accordance with the specific requirements of the applicable building code. For
example, the 2012 International Energy Conservatory Code contains the following language in reference to
building set-up:
Exterior windows and doors, fireplace and stove doors should be closed, but not sealed, beyond the
intended weatherstripping or other infiltration control measures.
Dampers including exhaust, intake, makeup air, backdraft and flue dampers shall be closed, but not sealed
beyond intended infiltration control measures.
Interior doors, if installed at the time of the test, shall be open.
Exterior doors for continuous ventilation systems and heat recovery ventilators shall be closed and sealed.
Heating and cooling systems, if installed at the time of the test, shall be turned off.
Supply and return registers, if installed at the time of the test, shall be fully open.
20
Chapter 5 Conducting a Blower Door Depressurization Test
The following instructions assume you are conducting a depressurization test and have set up the Blower Door
system and building as outlined in Chapters 3 and 4 above. These instructions cover manual test operation using
the DG-700 and DG-3 Digital Pressure Gauges. If you are using the DG-700 or APT System to conduct a fully
automated Blower Door test with the TECTITE Software, follow the test instructions contained in the TECTITE
Software Users Guide (available from the TECTITE Help menu). Information on how and why to conduct
Blower Door pressurization tests (i.e. blowing air into the building) is discussed in Chapter 7.
5.1 Choosing a Test Procedure

The two most common Blower Door test procedures used to assess overall building airtightness are the One-
Point Test and the Multi-Point Test. The One-Point Test utilizes a single measurement of fan flow needed to
create a 50 Pascal change in building pressure. The One-Point Test provides a quick and simple way to measure
building airtightness without the need to have a computer to analyze the Blower Door test data (although a
computer program like TECTITE can still be useful to generate reports and store data).
The Multi-Point Test procedure involves testing the building over a range of pressures (typically 60 Pascals
down to 15 Pascals) and analyzing the data using a Blower Door test analysis computer program (e.g.
TECTITE). When conducting a Multi-Point Test, we generally recommend that the building be tested at 8
different target pressures between 60 Pa and 15 Pa. For example, a common set of target building pressures
includes 60 Pa, 50 Pa, 40 Pa, 35 Pa, 30 Pa, 25 Pa, 20 Pa and 15 Pa. Other target pressures may be used as long
as they cover a variety of building pressures between 60 Pa and 15 Pa. Making multiple measurements allows
some of the errors introduced by fluctuating pressures and operator error to be averaged out over several
measurements, thus increasing test accuracy. In addition, a Multi-Point Test allows the operator to estimate the
leakage area of the building (i.e. estimate the cumulative size of the hole in the building envelope). Leakage area
values are used in detailed infiltration models and can be a useful way to express the results of the Blower Door
test.
5.2 Depressurization Test Procedures Using the DG-700

The following test procedures cover use of the DG-700 for both One-Point Tests and Multi-Point Tests.
a) Turn on the DG-700 and place it in the proper Mode:
DG-700: One-Point Test

Turn on the gauge by pressing the ON/OFF button. Press the MODE button twice to put the gauge into the
PR/ FL @50 mode. In this specialized test mode Channel A is used to measure building pressure while
Channel B is used to display estimated building leakage at a test pressure of 50 Pascals (CFM50). The leakage
estimate shown on Channel B is determined by mathematically adjusting the actual air flow from the Blower
Door fan to a test pressure of 50 Pascals, using the real-time Channel A building pressure reading and a Cant
Reach Fifty (CRF) factor. CRF factors are discussed later in this Chapter.
DG-700: Multi-Point Test

Turn on the gauge by pressing the ON/OFF button. Press the MODE button once to put the gauge into the
PR/ FL mode. The PR/ FL mode is a multi-purpose mode used to measure a test pressure on Channel A while
simultaneously measuring air flow from the Blower Door fan on Channel B.
21
b) Measure the baseline building pressure (same for both One-Point and Multi-Point Tests).
When conducting a Blower Door test, we want to measure the change in building pressure caused by air flowing
through the Blower Door fan. In order to measure this change accurately, we need to account for any existing
pressures on the building caused by stack, wind and other driving forces. This existing building pressure is
called the "baseline building pressure".
The DG-700 has a built-in baseline measurement procedure which allows the user to quickly measure and record
the baseline pressure on Channel A, and then display the baseline adjusted pressure. This feature makes it
possible to zero out the baseline building pressure on Channel A, and display the actual change in building
pressure caused by the Blower Door fan.
With the fan sealed off, begin a baseline building pressure reading from Channel A by pressing the BASELINE
button. The word BASELINE will begin to flash in the Channel A display indicating that the baseline feature
has been initiated. Press START to start the baseline measurement. During a baseline measurement, Channel A
will display a long-term average baseline pressure reading while Channel B is used as a timer in seconds to
show the elapsed measurement time. When you are satisfied with the baseline measurement, press the ENTER
button to accept and enter the baseline reading into the gauge. The Channel A display will now show an ADJ
icon to indicate that it is displaying a baseline adjusted building pressure value. Note: Once a baseline
measurement has been taken and entered into the gauge (i.e. ADJ appears below the Channel A reading), a new
baseline measurement procedure can be initiated by pressing the BASELINE button.
c) Choose a Flow Ring for the Blower Door fan (same for both One-Point and Multi-Point Tests).
Remove the No-Flow Plate from the Blower Door fan and Fan Configuration Flow Range (cfm) for
install the Flow Ring which you think best matches the needed Model 3 Fan
fan flow. Installation of Flow Rings will depend on the tightness Open (no Flow Ring) 6,300 - 2,425
level of the building stock being tested. For example, for Ring A 2,800 - 915
Ring B 1,100 - 300
relatively leaky buildings (greater than 3,000 CFM50), you will Ring C 330 - 85
want to start the test using the Open Fan configuration (i.e. no
Flow Rings installed). As you test tighter buildings, you will need to install Flow Rings A or B. Refer to the
Table to the right for approximate flow ranges of the fan using the various Flow Rings configurations. Don't
worry if you guess wrong and start the test with the incorrect Flow Ring - you can change the Fan Configuration
during the test procedure.
d) Enter the selected Flow Ring into the Gauge (same for both One-Point and Multi-Point Tests).
In order for the DG-700 to properly display fan flow, you need to input the Blower Door fan model and selected
Flow Ring into the gauge. Check (and adjust if necessary) the selected test Device (i.e. fan) and Configuration
(i.e. Flow Ring) shown in the upper part of the gauge display to match the fan and Flow Ring used in the test.
Press the DEVICE button to change the selected Blower Door fan.
Device Icon
BD 3 Model 3 110V fan
BD 3 220 Model 3 220V fan
BD 4 Model 4 220V fan
Once the fan is selected, the configuration of the fan can be selected by pressing the CONFIG button. The
currently selected Flow Ring configuration is shown in the Config section of the gauge display.
Config Icon Config Icon
OPEN No Flow Ring C3 Ring C
A1 Ring A D Ring D
B2 Ring B E Ring E
22
Also be sure that Channel B is showing the proper air flow units for your test (this should typically be set to
CFM). Units can be changed by pressing the UNITS button.
e) Turn on the fan for an initial inspection (same for both One-Point and Multi-Point Tests).
Turn on the Blower Door fan by slowly turning the fan controller clockwise. As the fan speed increases, the
building depressurization displayed on Channel A should also increase. As you increase the fan speed, you will
be increasing the pressure difference between the building and outside resulting in increased pressure exerted on
the aluminum door frame installed in the door opening. If you did not properly install the door frame, the frame
may pop out of the doorway at higher building pressures (over 30 Pascals). If this happens, simply reinstall the
frame more securely. When installed properly, the frame will easily stay in place during the entire test
procedure. Before making measurements, you may want to quickly walk around the building with the fan
producing about 30 Pascals of building pressure to check for any problems such as windows or doors blown
open or blowing ashes from a fire place or wood stove.
f) Make final adjustments to the Blower Door fan:

If Manually Controlling the Fan:

Continue to increase fan speed until the building depressurization shown on Channel A is between 45 and
55 Pascals. Do not waste time adjusting and re-adjusting the fan speed control to achieve a test pressure of
exactly -50 Pascals just get close to the target pressure. As long you are using the PR/ FL @50 mode and
the test pressure displayed on Channel A is within 5 Pascals of the -50 Pascal target pressure, any errors
introduced by estimating the leakage on Channel B will typically be very small (less than 1%).
If Using Cruise Control:

Turn the Blower Door speed control knob to the just on position (i.e. the controller is on but the Blower
Door fan is not turning). Now press the Begin Cruise (Enter) button. The Channel A display will now
show the number 50 (your target Cruise pressure). Press the Start Fan (Start) button. The Blower Door fan
will now slowly increase speed until the building depressurization displayed on Channel A is
approximately 50 Pascals.
Channel B will now display the One-Point CFM50 leakage estimate. If the leakage estimate is fluctuating more
than desired, try changing the Time Averaging setting on the gauge by pressing the TIME AVG button and
choosing the 5 or 10 second or Long-term averaging period. Record the CFM50 test reading on a Test Form
(see Appendix D).
Turn off the fan. If you are using Cruise Control, this is done by pressing the Stop Fan (Clear) button.
(If ------ or LO appear on Channel B, see below).
Whenever ----- or LO appears on Channel B in the PR/ FL @ 50 mode, the DG-700 can not
calculate a reliable leakage estimate. The messages ----- and LO appear on Channel B under the
following three conditions:
- ----- is continuously displayed when the building test pressure from Channel A is below a
minimum value of 10 Pascals. Estimating leakage results when the test pressure is below this value
may result in unacceptably large errors. If possible, install a larger Flow Ring or remove the Flow
Rings to generate more fan flow.
- LO is continuously displayed when there is negligible air flow through the test device.
23
- LO alternates with a flow reading when the air flow reading through the device is unreliable
(i.e. you are trying to measure a flow outside of the calibrated range of the test device in its current
configuration). If possible, you should change the test device configuration to match the flow rate
being measured (e.g. install a Flow Ring or a smaller Flow Ring).
Note: If you change the Flow Ring on the fan, be sure to change the Configuration setting on the gauge
(using the CONFIG button) to match the installed Ring. If you are using the Cruise Control feature,
you will need to exit Cruise (by pressing the CLEAR button) before using the CONFIG button to
change the selected Flow Ring.

Manually increase the fan speed until you achieve the highest target building pressure (e.g. -60 Pascals) on
Channel A. The fan flow needed to create this building pressure can be read directly from Channel B. Record
the test readings (building pressure and fan flow) on a Test Form (see Appendix D).
Now reduce the fan speed until the building pressure equals the next target pressure (e.g. -50 Pa). Once again
record the test readings on a Test Form. Continue this procedure for each of the remaining target pressures. Turn
off the fan when the final set of readings are completed.
Enter the test readings into the TECTITE software to generate you final test results. Note: Enter a baseline
pressure value of 0 into the TECTITE Manual Data Entry Screen because you zeroed out the baseline
pressure using the DG-700s built-in baseline feature.
(If LO appears on Channel B, see below).
Whenever LO appears on Channel B in the PR/ FL Mode, the DG-700 can not display a reliable
fan flow reading. The message LO appears on Channel B under the following two conditions:
- LO is continuously displayed when there is negligible air flow through the test device.
- LO alternates with a flow reading when the air flow reading through the device is unreliable
(i.e. you are trying to measure a flow outside of the calibrated range of the test device in its current
configuration). If possible, you should change the test device configuration to match the flow rate
being measured (e.g. install a Flow Ring or a smaller Flow Ring).
Note: If you change the Flow Ring on the fan, be sure to change the Configuration setting on the gauge
(using the CONFIG button) to match the installed Ring.
5.3 Depressurization Test Procedures Using the DG-3

The following test procedures cover use of the DG-3 for both One-Point Tests and Multi-Point Tests.
a) Turn on the DG-3 and put it into the proper Mode (same for both One-Point and Multi-Point Tests).
Turn the CHANNEL knob to A, turn the MODE switch to Pressure, and put the RANGE switch in the Low
Range position (200.0 Pa).
b) Measure the baseline building pressure (same for both One-Point and Multi-Point Tests).
When conducting a Blower Door test, we want to measure the change in building pressure caused by air flowing
through the Blower Door fan. In order to measure this change accurately, we need to account for any existing
pressures on the building caused by stack, wind and other driving forces. This existing building pressure is
called the "baseline building pressure".
24
When using the DG-3 gauge, we need to measure and record the actual baseline building pressure (see
Appendix D for a sample test recording form). Baseline building pressure is read from Channel A of the gauge.
With the fan sealed off, record the baseline building pressure on a Test Form, including the sign of the reading
(i.e. negative or positive reading). If the pressure is fluctuating too much to determine the reading, try changing
the Time Averaging setting on the gauge by turning the Mode Switch to Time Select, choosing the 5 or 10
second or Long-term average, and then return the Mode Switch to the Pressure setting.
Note: If you will be using the TECTITE software, the measured baseline building pressure will need to be
entered into the program's Data Table.
c) Choose a Flow Ring for the Blower Door fan (same for both One-Point and Multi-Point Tests).
Remove the No-Flow Plate and install the Flow Ring which you Fan Configuration Flow Range (cfm) for
think best matches the needed fan flow. Installation of Flow Rings Model 3 Fan
Open (no Flow Ring) 6,300 - 2,430
will depend on the tightness level of the building stock being tested. Ring A 2,800 - 915
For example, for relatively leaky buildings (greater than 3,000 Ring B 1,100 - 300
CFM50), you will want to start the test using the Open Fan Ring C 330 - 85
configuration (i.e. no Flow Rings installed). As you test tighter
buildings, you will need to install Flow Rings A or B. Refer to the Table to the right for approximate flow
ranges of the fan using the various Flow Rings configurations. Don't worry if you guess wrong and start the test
with the incorrect Flow Ring - you can change the Fan Configuration during the test procedure.
d) Enter the selected Flow Ring into the Gauge (same for both One-Point and Multi-Point Tests).
In order for the DG-3 to properly display fan flow, you need to input the Blower Door fan model and selected
Flow Ring into the gauge. To select the fan type and fan configuration being used in your test, first turn the
MODE knob to the Fan Select position. The gauge display will show "-SEL" to indicate that a fan type and fan
configuration have not yet been selected. The fan type can be selected by toggling the SELECT Switch up. The
fan configuration can be selected by toggling the SELECT switch down.
If the
Display
Shows Description
-SEL Begin fan type selection by toggling the SELECT switch up once.
3-0 This indicates that you have chosen the Model 3 Minneapolis Blower Door fan, and that the
fan is in the "Open" inlet configuration (i.e. no Flow Rings installed).
To change the fan inlet configuration for the Model 3 Blower Door fan, toggle the SELECT
switch down.
3-1 Model 3 Blower Door fan with Ring A installed.
3-2 Model 3 Blower Door fan with Ring B installed.
3-3 Model 3 Blower Door fan with Ring C installed.
3-4 Model 3 Blower Door fan with Ring D installed.
3-5 Model 3 Blower Door fan with Ring E installed.
To change the fan type to the Model 4 Blower Door fan, toggle the SELECT switch up twice (DG-3E gauge
only).
4-0 This indicates that you have chosen the Model 4 Minneapolis Blower Door fan, and that the
fan is in the "Open" inlet configuration (i.e. no Flow Rings installed).
To change the fan inlet configuration for the Model 4 Blower Door fan, toggle the SELECT
switch down.
25
4-1 Model 4 Blower Door fan with Ring A installed.

4-2 Model 4 Blower Door fan with Ring B installed.
4-3 Model 4 Blower Door fan with Ring C installed.
4-4 Model 4 Blower Door fan with Ring D installed.
4-5 Model 4 Blower Door fan with Ring E installed.
Once you have input the fan configuration, turn the MODE knob back to Pressure, and then flip the RANGE
switch to the 2000 setting (High Range).
e) Turn on the fan for an initial inspection (same for both One-Point and Multi-Point Tests).
With the CHANNEL knob set to Channel A, turn on the Blower Door fan by slowly turning the fan controller
clockwise. As the fan speed increases, building pressure indicated on Channel A should also increase. As you
increase the fan speed, you will be increasing the pressure difference between the building and outside resulting
in increased pressure exerted on the aluminum door frame installed in the door opening. If you did not properly
install the door frame, the frame may pop out of the doorway at higher building pressures (over 30 Pascals). If
this happens, simply reinstall the frame more securely. When installed properly, the frame will easily stay in
place during the entire test procedure. Before making measurements, you may want to quickly walk around the
building with the fan producing about 30 Pascals of building pressure to check for any problems such as
windows or doors blown open or blowing ashes from a fire place or wood stove.
f) Make final adjustments to the Blower Door fan:

Increase fan speed until the building is depressurized by 50 Pascals from the baseline pressure measured in
section b) above (i.e. change the building pressure by 50 Pa from the baseline building pressure). In order to do
this, you first need to calculate a new adjusted target test pressure to shoot for. This is done by manually adding
the measured baseline building pressure to the target depressurization.
Example: If the measured building baseline pressure was negative 2 Pascals (-2 Pa), the new target
test pressure becomes (-2 + (-50)) or -52. In other words, you will need to depressurize the building to
-52 Pascals for your One-Point Test. The main point to remember is that we want to change building
pressure by 50 Pascals from the starting point (baseline) pressure.
Note: If you are using the DG-3 and the TECTITE software program, it is not necessary to adjust the
target pressure of -50 Pascals for your One-Point Test because the baseline building pressure can
simply be entered into the TECTITE Data Table.
After adjusting the fan speed to depressurize the building by 50 Pascals, turn the CHANNEL knob to Channel
B, and turn the MODE switch to Flow. The gauge will now display the One-Point CFM50 leakage result for the
building. If the gauge display is fluctuating too much to determine the reading, try changing the Time Averaging
setting on the gauge by turning the MODE Switch to Time Select, choosing the 5 or 10 second or Long-term
average, and then returning to the Flow mode. Record the CFM50 test reading on a Test Form (see Appendix
D). Turn off the fan.
(If the CFM flow reading on Channel B is blinking, see below):

- The CFM flow reading on Channel B will blink when the air flow reading through the fan is
unreliable (i.e. you are trying to measure a flow outside of the calibrated range of the test device in
its current configuration). If possible, you should change the fan configuration to match the flow
rate being measured (e.g. install a Flow Ring or a smaller Flow Ring).
- If you change Flow Rings, be sure to use the Fan Select feature to update the gauge with the new
Flow Ring installed before reconducting the test.
26
Increase the fan speed until you achieve the highest target building pressure (e.g. -60 Pascals) on Channel A.
Now determine the air flow through the fan needed to create this building pressure by first turning the
CHANNEL switch to Channel B, and then turning the MODE knob to the Flow position. The gauge will now
display the flow through the fan. Record the test readings (building pressure and fan flow) on a Test Form (see
Appendix D).
Turn the CHANNEL switch back to Channel A and then turn the MODE knob back to the Pressure setting.
Now reduce the fan speed until the building pressure equals the next target pressure (e.g. -50 Pa). Once again
determine the air flow from Channel B and record the test readings on a Test Form. Continue this procedure for
each of the remaining target pressures. Turn off the fan when the final set of readings are completed.
Enter the test readings into the TECTITE software to generate your final test results.
(If the CFM flow reading on Channel B is blinking, see below):

- The CFM flow reading on Channel B will blink when the air flow reading through the fan is
unreliable (i.e. you are trying to measure a flow outside of the calibrated range of the test device in
its current configuration). If possible, you should change the fan configuration to match the flow
rate being measured (e.g. install a Flow Ring or a smaller Flow Ring).
- If you change Flow Rings, be sure to use the Fan Select feature to update the gauge with the new
Flow Ring installed before reconducting the test.
5.4 Using the Cant Reach 50 Factors (One-Point Tests)

If you were performing a One-Point Test and the Blower Door fan was unable to depressurize the building by
approximately 50 Pascals because one of the Flow Rings was installed, remove the Ring and repeat the test
(removing the Flow Ring will increase the maximum air flow available from the fan). If you were not able to
depressurize the building by approximately 50 Pascals (with the "Open Fan" running at full speed) because the
building is extremely leaky, use the following instructions:
For DG-700 Users:

No adjustments to the test procedure above are necessary other than to make sure the gauge was in the
PR/ FL @50 mode during the One-Point Test. If you can not achieve the target test pressure of 50 Pascals
because the building is extremely leaky, a CFM50 leakage estimate will automatically be displayed on Channel
B. The leakage estimate shown on Channel B is determined by continuously adjusting the measured air flow
from the Blower Door fan to a test pressure of 50 Pascals, using the real-time Channel A building pressure
reading and the Cant Reach Fifty Factors shown in Table 2 below.
For DG-3 Users:

Take your One-Point Test reading at the highest achievable building pressure. Now manually use Table 2 below
to estimate the amount of air flow through the Blower Door fan it would take to reach the target pressure. To
use Table 2, determine the flow required to maintain the highest achievable building pressure listed in the Table.
Multiply this flow by the corresponding "Can't Reach Fifty (CRF) Factor" to estimate flow that would be
required to maintain a 50 Pascal building pressure.
27
Table 2: Can't Reach Fifty Factors

Building Building
Pressure CRF Pressure CRF
(Pa) Factor (Pa) Factor
48 1.03 28 1.46
46 1.06 26 1.53
44 1.09 24 1.61
42 1.12 22 1.71
40 1.16 20 1.81
38 1.20 18 1.94
36 1.24 16 2.10
34 1.28 14 2.29
32 1.34 12 2.53
30 1.39 10 2.85
Example: With the fan running full speed, you are able to achieve a building pressure of 28 Pascals with a
measured fan flow of 5,600 cfm. The corresponding CRF Factor for a building pressure of 28 Pascals is
1.46. The estimated flow needed to achieve the target pressure of 50 Pascals is 5,600 x 1.46 = 8,176 cfm.
0.65
50
Cant Reach Fifty =
Factor Current Test Pressure (Pa)
(Channel A)
Note: The TECTITE program automatically applies the CRF Factors to One-Point Test data.
5.4.a Potential Errors In One-Point CFM50 Estimate from Using the CRF Factors:
Table 3 below show the potential errors in the One-Point CFM50 leakage estimates from using the CRF factors.
There are two main sources of error:
- The actual test pressure (Channel A) not being equal to the target pressure of 50 Pascals.
- The actual exponent of the leaks being measured differing from the assumed exponent of 0.65.
Table 3: Error in One-Point Leakage Estimate from CRF factors
Actual exponent n
0.5 0.55 0.6 0.65 0.7 0.75
Test 10 21.4% 14.9% 7.7% 0.0% -8.4% -17.5%
Pressure in Pa 15 16.5% 11.3% 5.8% 0.0% -6.2% -12.8%
(Channel A) 20 12.8% 8.8% 4.5% 0.0% -4.7% -9.6%
25 9.9% 6.7% 3.4% 0.0% -3.5% -7.2%
30 7.4% 5.0% 2.5% 0.0% -2.6% -5.2%
35 5.2% 3.5% 1.8% 0.0% -1.8% -3.6%
40 3.3% 2.2% 1.1% 0.0% -1.1% -2.3%
45 1.6% 1.0% 0.5% 0.0% -0.5% -1.1%
50 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
55 -1.4% -1.0% -0.5% 0.0% 0.5% 0.9%
60 -2.8% -1.8% -0.9% 0.0% 0.9% 1.8%
65 -4.0% -2.7% -1.3% 0.0% 1.3% 2.6%
28
For example, Table 3 shows that for a One-Point 50 Pa Blower Door building airtightness test, a 2.5% error
would be introduced if the leakage estimate was determined at an actual test pressure of 30 Pa (Channel A), and
the actual exponent of the leaks was 0.60 rather than the assumed value of 0.65.
5.5 Unable to Reach a Target Building Pressure During a Multi-Point Test?

If the Blower Door fan was unable to achieve the highest target building pressure (e.g. 60 Pascals) because one
of the Flow Rings was installed, remove the Ring and repeat the test. If you were not able to reach the highest
target pressure with the "Open Fan" running at full speed because the building is extremely leaky, take your first
set of test readings the highest achievable building pressure. Continue your test by using the remaining target
pressures which are less than the highest achievable pressure.
5.6 Testing in Windy Weather

During strong or gusty winds, building pressure readings can vary significantly. As wind gusts contact a
building, the actual pressures within the building will change (10 to 20 Pa changes are common in windy
weather). Under these conditions, you will need to spend more time watching the gauges to determine the "best"
reading. Use of the time-averaging functions can help stabilize readings in windy conditions.
While conducting a multi-point Blower Door test over a wide range of building pressures will tend to even out
some of the error introduced from moderate wind fluctuations, significant wind related error can still exist.
Under very windy conditions, it is sometimes impossible to manually collect accurate and repeatable test data.
Under these conditions, conducting a fully automated test using a DG-700 or APT system may be the only way
to collect accurate and repeatable test results. During an automated test hundreds of simultaneous measurements
of building pressure and fan flow are quickly collected greatly reducing the variability of tests results due to
wind.
5.7 Before Leaving the Building
Be sure you have returned the building to its original condition before leaving. This includes turning the
thermostat and water heater temperature controls to their original setting. Always check to see that furnace,
water heater and gas fireplace pilot lights have not been blown out during the Blower Door test - re-light them if
necessary. Remove any temporary seals from fireplaces, woodstoves or other openings sealed during the test. In
addition, combustion safety tests (see Chapter 10) should usually be performed before leaving the house.
29
Chapter 6 Basic Test Results
Basic test results from a One-Point Test can be manually calculated to provide a quick assessment of the
airtightness of the building. For more complicated calculation procedures including analysis of Multi-Point Test
data, calculated physical leakage areas, estimated natural infiltration rates (including design infiltration rates),
estimated cost of air leakage and ventilation guidelines, we recommend that you use the TECTITE program.
6.1 Basic Airtightness Test Results

Airtightness test results can be presented in a number of standardized formats.
6.1.a Air Leakage at 50 Pascals:
CFM50:
CFM50 is the airflow (in cubic feet per minute) from the Blower Door fan needed to create a change in building
pressure of 50 Pascals (0.2 inches of water column). A 50 Pascal pressure is roughly equivalent to the pressure
generated by a 20 mph wind blowing on the building from all directions. CFM50 is the most commonly used
measure of building airtightness and gives a quick indication of the total air leakage in the building envelope.
When conducting a One-Point Test at 50 Pascals of building pressure, you are directly measuring CFM50.
Note: Air Leakage at 50 Pa can also be presented in units of liters per second (l/s), or cubic meters per second
(m3/s).
As a point of reference, an old uninsulated two-story Victorian style wood framed house in Minneapolis would
likely produce a CFM50 test result in the range of 4,000 to 8,000 - quite leaky. A new modern house built to a
strict airtightness standard would likely produce a test result in the 600 to 1,000 CFM50 range - quite airtight -
in fact tight enough that a mechanical ventilation system would be needed to maintain good indoor air quality.
The airtightness of existing homes can vary dramatically based on the construction style, age and region. Below
are airtightness test results from a few field tests of new and existing homes around the United States.
Average CFM50
64 New Houses in Minnesota (1984) 1390
22 New Houses in Arizona (1994) 1959
18 New Houses North Carolina (1990) 1987
19 Existing Houses in Arkansas (low-income weatherization) 3071
6,711 Existing Houses in Ohio (low-income weatherization) 4451
Percent Reduction in CFM50:

Performing a One-Point CFM50 test before and after airtightening work will allow you to determine the
reduction in building airtightness. Reductions in CFM50 as large as 40 to 50 percent are often achieved in high
level weatherization programs working on leaky houses. To determine the percent reduction in CFM50, subtract
the after-tightening test result from the before-tightening test result. Divide this difference by the before-
tightening result and multiply by 100.
CFM50 (before) - CFM50 (after)

% Reduction = ------------------------------------ x 100
CFM50 (before)
30
6.1.b Normalizing Air Leakage for the Size of the House:

In order to compare the relative tightness of buildings, it is useful to adjust (or normalize) the results for the size
of the building. This allows easy comparison of various size buildings with each other, or with program
standards. There are many aspects of building size which can be used to normalize including volume, floor area
and surface area of the building envelope.
Air Change per Hour at 50 Pascals (ACH50):

One way to compare different size buildings is to compare the measured Air Leakage at 50 Pascals (e.g.
CFM50) to the conditioned interior volume of the building. Air Change per Hour at 50 Pa or (ACH50) is
calculated by multiplying CFM50 by 60 to get air flow per hour, and dividing the result by the volume of the
building. ACH50 tells us how many times per hour the entire volume of air in the building is replaced when the
building envelope is subjected to a 50 Pascal pressure.
Note: If you included the basement of a house in the Blower Door test, (i.e. opened the door between the
basement and house during the test) we recommend that you include the basement in your volume calculation.
CFM50 x 60
ACH50 = ------------------------
Building Volume (cubic feet)
Many airtightness test standards for new houses have specified a maximum allowable ACH50 leakage rate.
Some examples are listed below.
Example ACH50 Airtightness Standards in New Construction
ACH50
Canadian R-2000 * 1.5
Alaska Craftsman Home * 1.5
Sweden * 3.0
* Mechanical Ventilation is required.
The airtightness of existing homes can vary dramatically based on the construction style, age and region. Below
are results expressed in ACH50 from a few field tests of new and existing homes around the country.
Measured Field Test Results
Average ACH50 Pa
64 New Houses in Minnesota (1984) 3.7
129 New Electric Homes in Pacific NW (1987-88) 5.6
134 New Electric Homes in Pacific NW (1980-87) 9.3
98 Existing Homes in Florida 12.7
31
Air Leakage at 50 Pascals per Unit of Floor Area:

This parameter is calculated by dividing the measured Air Leakage at 50 Pascals (e.g. CFM50) by the floor area
of the building. Floor area is sometimes used to normalize leakage because floor area is an easily determined
number often known by the occupant.
CFM50
CFM50 per Square Foot of Floor Area = ------------------------
Square Feet of Floor Area
Air Leakage at 50 Pascals per Unit of Above Grade Surface Area (Minneapolis Leakage Ratio):
Also known as the Minneapolis Leakage Ratio (MLR), this is the measured Air Leakage at 50 Pascals (e.g.
CFM50) divided by the above grade surface area of the building. MLR is a useful method of adjusting the
leakage rate by the amount of envelope surface through which air leakage can occur. The MLR has been
particularly useful for weatherization crews working on wood frame buildings. Experience to date has shown
that for uninsulated wood frame houses with a MLR above 1.0, very large cost-effective reductions in house
leakage can often be achieved by using dense-pack cellulose insulation techniques and airsealing other large
hidden construction openings. In houses with a calculated MLR in the 0.5 to 1.0 range, it is often more difficult
to achieve economical improvements in airtightness.
CFM50
Minneapolis Leakage Ratio = ------------------------
Square Feet of Above Grade Surface Area
Note: When calculating Above Grade Surface Area, we recommend including all surfaces separating the
conditioned space of the building from unconditioned spaces (e.g. exterior walls, floors over unheated and
vented crawlspaces, surfaces separating the building and the attic).
6.2 Optional Correction for Air Density

To increase the accuracy of either a One-Point Test or a Multi-Point Test, the fan flow measurements can be
corrected for differences in air density caused by air temperature. During a depressurization test, the Blower
Door system is measuring the air flow through the Blower Door fan. But what we really want to know is the air
flow coming back into the building through air leaks. When the inside and outside temperature are different, the
air flow leaving the building through the fan is actually different from the air flow back into the building (due to
differences in air density). In extreme weather conditions, this difference in air flow can be as great as 10
percent. If you wish to manually adjust your test results for differences in air density, a table of air density
correction factors can be found in Appendix H.
Note: If you are using the TECTITE program, corrections for air density are made automatically.
32
6.3 Additional Test Result Options (requires use of TECTITE software)
6.3.a Leakage Areas:

Once the leakage rate of the building has been measured, it is often useful to estimate the cumulative size of all
leaks or holes in the building's air barrier. The estimated leakage areas provide us with a way to visualize the
physical size of the measured holes in the building. In addition, leakage areas are used in infiltration models to
estimate the building's natural infiltration rates (i.e. the air change rate under natural weather conditions see
Estimating Natural Infiltration Rates below). In order to accurately estimate leakage areas, it is best to conduct a
Multi-Point Blower Door test over a range of building pressures (60 Pa to 15 Pa).
Typically, two separate leakage area estimates are calculated based on differing assumptions about the physical
shape and behavior of the leaks. These two leakage areas are compatible with the two most commonly used
infiltration models.
Equivalent Leakage Area (EqLA): EqLA is defined by Canadian researchers at the Canadian National
Research Council as the area of a sharp edged orifice (a sharp round hole cut in a thin plate) that would leak
the same amount of air as the building does at a pressure of 10 Pascals. The EqLA is used in the AIM
infiltration model (which is used in the HOT2000 simulation program).
Effective Leakage Area (ELA): ELA was developed by Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL) and is
used in their infiltration model. The Effective Leakage Area is defined as the area of a special nozzle shaped
hole (similar to the inlet of your Blower Door fan) that would leak the same amount of air as the building
does at a pressure of 4 Pascals.
Note: The calculated EqLA will typically be about 2 times as large as the ELA. When using leakage area
calculations to demonstrate physical changes in building airtightness, we recommend using the EqLA
measurement. Typically, EqLA more closely approximates physical changes in building airtightness. For
example, if you performed a Blower Door test, and then opened a window to create a 50 square inch hole and
repeated the test, the estimated EqLA for the building will have increased by approximately 50 square inches
from the initial test results.
6.3.b Estimated Natural Infiltration Rates:

Estimating the natural infiltration rate of a building is an important step in evaluating indoor air quality and the
possible need for mechanical ventilation. Blower Doors do not directly measure the natural infiltration rates of
buildings. Rather, they measure the building leakage rate at pressures significantly greater than those normally
generated by natural forces (i.e. wind and stack effect). Blower Door measurements are taken at high pressures
because these measurements are highly repeatable and are less subject to large variations due to changes in wind
speed and direction. In addition, during a Blower Door test all leaks in the building are subjected to
approximately the same pressure and they are leaking in the same direction.
In essence, a Blower Door test measures the cumulative hole size, or leakage area, in the building's air barrier
(see Leakage Areas above). From this measurement of leakage area, estimates of natural infiltration rates can be
made using mathematical infiltration models. The TECTITE software uses the calculation procedure contained
in the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 136 to
estimate the average annual natural infiltration rate for purposes of evaluating indoor air quality and the need for
mechanical ventilation.
33
Notes on Estimated Annual Infiltration Rates:
Daily and seasonal naturally occurring air change rates will vary dramatically from the estimated annual
average rate due to changes in weather conditions (i.e. wind and outside temperature).
The physical location of the holes in the building air barrier compared to the assumptions used in the
infiltration model will cause actual annual average infiltration rates to vary from the estimated values.
Research done in the Pacific Northwest on a large sample of houses suggests that estimated infiltration rates
for an individual house (based on a Blower Door test) may vary by as much as a factor of two when
compared to tracer gas tests - one of the most accurate methods of measuring actual infiltration rates.
The annual average infiltration estimates from ASHRAE Standard 136 should be used only for evaluating
detached single-family dwellings, and are not appropriate for use in estimating peak pollutant levels or
energy loss due to infiltration. If any of the building leakage is located in the forced air distribution system,
actual air leakage rates may be much greater than the estimates provided here. Duct leaks result in much
greater air leakage because they are subjected to much higher pressures than typical building leaks. The
ASHRAE 136 standard assumes that 1/4 of the building leakage is in the ceiling, 1/4 is in the floor, 1/2 is in
the walls, and that leaks are uniformly distributed.
6.3.c Mechanical Ventilation Guideline:

It is possible, even easy in the case of new construction or when air sealing work is done by trained, skilled
contractors, to increase the airtightness of a house to the point where natural air change rates (from air leakage)
may not provide adequate ventilation rates to maintain acceptable indoor air quality. To help evaluate the need
for mechanical ventilation in buildings, national ventilation guidelines have been established by ASHRAE. The
recommended whole building mechanical ventilation rate presented in this version of TECTITE is based on
ASHRAE Standard 62.2-10, and is only appropriate for low-rise residential structures.
Recommended Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation Rate: This value is the recommended whole
building ventilation rate to be supplied on a continuous basis using a mechanical ventilation system.
The recommended mechanical ventilation rate is based on 7.5 CFM per person (or number of
bedrooms plus one whichever is greater), plus 1 CFM per 100 square feet of floor area. This
guideline assumes that in addition to the mechanical ventilation, natural infiltration is providing 2 CFM
per 100 square feet of floor area..
For buildings where the estimated annual natural infiltration rate (based on the Blower Door test) is
greater than 2 CFM per 100 square feet of floor area, the recommended mechanical ventilation rate is
reduced to provide ventilation credit for excess infiltration. In these cases, the recommended
mechanical ventilation rate is reduced by the following amount:
0.5 x (estimated annual natural infiltration rate (CFM) 0.02 CFM x sq. ft. of floor area )
Notes on Ventilation Guidelines:
ASHRAE Standard 62.2-10 also contains requirements for local kitchen and bathroom mechanical exhaust
systems. These local exhaust systems may be incorporated into a whole building ventilation strategy.
Consult Standard 62.2-10 for more information on ventilation strategies and specific requirements and
exceptions contained in the Standard.
34
Compliance with the ventilation guideline does not guarantee that a moisture or indoor air quality (IAQ)
problem will not develop. Many factors contribute to indoor air quality including ventilation rates, sources
and locations of pollutants, and occupant behavior. Additional testing (including combustion safety testing)
is needed to fully evaluate air quality in buildings. In many cases, a combination of pollutant source control
and mechanical ventilation will be required in order to ensure adequate indoor air quality.
6.3.d Estimated Cost of Air Leakage:

The TECTITE program estimates the annual cost associated with measured air leakage, both for heating and
cooling. The equations used to calculate the annual cost for air leakage are:
Annual 26 x HDD x Fuel Price x CFM50

Heating = -------------------------------------- x 0.6
Cost N x Seasonal Efficiency
- HDD is the annual base 65 F heating degree days for the building location.
- The Fuel Price is the cost of fuel in dollars per Btu.
- N is the Energy Climate Factor from the Climate Information Screen (adjusted for wind
shielding and building height). See Appendix E for more information.
- Seasonal Efficiency is the AFUE rating of the heating system.
Annual .026 x CDD x Fuel Price x CFM50

Cooling = ----------------------------------------
Cost N x SEER
- CDD is the base 70 F cooling degree days for the building location.
- The Fuel Price is the cost of electricity in dollars per kwh.
- N is the Energy Climate Factor from the Climate Screen (adjusted for wind shielding and
building height). See Appendix E for more information.
- SEER is the SEER rating for the air conditioner.
Note: Cooling Cost procedure is based on sensible loads only. In hot humid climates, latent loads due
to air leakage can be greater than the sensible loads which are estimated by this procedure.
35
Chapter 7 Pressurization Testing
Blower Door airtightness measurements are typically performed with the building depressurized relative to the
outdoors (i.e. the Blower Door fan exhausting air out of the building). However, under certain conditions it is
necessary to conduct a Blower Door test by pressurizing the building. For example, if a Blower Door test is
being conducted where there is a fire in a fireplace or woodstove, pressurization testing should be performed to
prevent smoke from being drawn into the building through the fireplace. Pressurization testing may also be used
to avoid the possibility of pulling known pollutants into the building during the test procedure (e.g. mold from
walls or crawlspaces). In addition, some testing procedures (ASTM E779, EN 13829) recommend that both
depressurization and pressurization tests be performed, and then averaged to determine building airtightness.
7.1 Gauge Set-Up For Pressurization Measurements

Gauges should be set-up inside the building using the following procedures.
7.1.a DG-700 and DG-3 Gauges:
Connect one end of the Red tubing to the Channel B Input tap.

be connected to the pressure tap located on
the left side of the Blower Door fan electrical
box.
Connect the Green tubing to the Channel A Reference tap.
The remaining end of the Green tubing should be Connect one end of the extra 30 foot
run to the outside (see Chapter 3 instructions for Clear tubing (stored in the accessory
installing the Outside Building Pressure Tubing). case) to the Channel B Reference tap.
The remaining end of the Clear tubing

should be run to the outside, through the
open patch at the bottom of the nylon
panel. The end of this tubing should be
placed next to the side of the fan, but not
in the fan's airstream. *
* Note: Newer Model 4 fans have 2 pressure taps located on

the fan electrical box. If your Model 4 fan has 2 pressure taps,
connect the remaining end of the Clear tubing to the second
pressure tap (located by the receptacle), rather than running it
to the outside.
36
7.1.b APT System:

APT 2
Connect one end of the Red tubing to the Channel P2 Input tap.

box.
Connect one end of the extra 30 foot

Connect the Green tubing to the Channel P1Reference tap. Clear tubing (stored in the accessory
case) to the Channel P2 Reference tap.
The remaining end of the Green tubing should be
run to the outside (see Chapter 3 instructions for The remaining end of the Clear tubing
installing the Outside Building Pressure Tubing). should be run to the outside, through the
Connect one end of the Red tubing to the Channel P2 Input tap. APT 3-8

box.
Connect the Green tubing to the Channel P1Reference tap. Connect one end of the extra 30 foot
Clear tubing (stored in the accessory
The remaining end of the Green tubing should be case) to the Channel P2 Reference tap.
run to the outside (see Chapter 3 instructions for
installing the Outside Building Pressure Tubing). The remaining end of the Clear tubing
should be run to the outside, through the
* Note: Newer Model 4 fans have 2 pressure taps located on the fan
electrical box. If your Model 4 fan has 2 pressure taps, connect the
remaining end of the Clear tubing to the second pressure tap
(located by the receptacle), rather than running it to the outside.
37
7.2 Fan Set-Up For Pressurization Measurements

When pressurizing the building, the fan should be installed with the inlet
side of the fan facing outside, and the exhaust side of the fan inside the
building. If you have an older Model 3 fan with a reversible direction
switch, be sure to keep the direction switch in the same position as
when you perform depressurization tests - we want to blow air into
the building through the exhaust guard. The elastic panel collar should
fit snugly around the fan with the collar resting in the gap between the two
sides of the electrical box.
The fan is held in place and stabilized by the Velcro strap attached to
aluminum frame cross bar. Slip the
Velcro strap through the fan handle
and loop it up and back around the
cross bar. Pull the strap tight so that it
is holding the bottom of the fan flange off the floor (approximately 2 inches
off the floor if possible.)
You are now ready to make your pressurization measurements using the
same testing procedures described in Chapter 5.
7.3 Optional Correction for Air Density

Similar to depressurization testing, pressurization fan flow measurements can be adjusted for differences in air
density between inside and outside the building. A table of air density correction factors for pressurization
testing can be found in Appendix H.
Note: If you are using the TECTITE software, corrections for air density are made automatically
38
Chapter 8 Finding Air Leaks
There are many techniques that are used to find air leaks with the Blower Door. Air leaks between the interior
and exterior of the building often follow long and complicated leakage paths. Typically, the air sealing goal is to
find where the leaks cross the "exterior envelope" of the building and to concentrate sealing activities on those
areas.
8.1 Using Your Hand

The easiest method and one that is used most often is to depressurize the building and walk around the inside,
checking for leaks with your hand. When you are looking for leaks, let the Blower Door fan run at a speed which
generates between 20 and 30 Pascals of building pressure. You should get in the habit of always using the same
pressure so you will get a good feel for what is a big leak and what is not. An entire room can be checked
quickly if there is a door between it and the rest of the house. Standing just outside of the room, close the door
most of the way, leaving about a one inch crack. A large blast of air coming through this crack indicates large
leaks between that room and the outdoors.
8.2 Using a Chemical Smoke Puffer

In houses, many of the most important leaks are found between the house and the attic or between the house and
a ventilated crawlspace. These leaks usually will not be easy to find unless you physically go into the attic or
crawlspace. The use of a handheld smoke puffer is often helpful in these areas. With
the house depressurized (and the crawlspace or attic access door shut), you can
squirt small puffs of smoke toward suspected leakage sites from the attic or
crawlspace and watch to see if the smoke gets sucked into the leak. With a piece of
tubing attached to the smoke puffer, you can
often reach deep into corners or in hard to
reach spots. A smoke puffer or a pressure pan
is a necessity when looking for leaks in the
forced air ductwork (see Chapter 9 on duct
leakage testing).
Note: Smoke from the chemical puffer is very corrosive. Do not store the
puffer in a closed container with other items, especially tools or gauges.
8.3 Using an Infrared Camera

The ideal technique for finding leaks is to use an infrared scanner with a Blower Door. This procedure usually
involves performing two infrared scans from the interior of the building; one before turning on the Blower Door
and one after the Blower Door has been depressurizing the building for 5 to 10 minutes. As long as the air being
sucked in through the leaks is either warmer or colder than the interior of the house, the area surrounding the
leakage path will change temperature and show up on the infrared scanner screen. Even if there is little
temperature difference between inside and outside, an infrared scan may still be possible if the attic space has
been warmed from solar radiation on the roof or the crawlspace has been cooled from the ground. A temperature
difference of about 5 to 10 degrees is sufficient to expose the important leaks. This technique often allows you
to find significant leaks without having to enter the attic or crawlspace.
Note: Pressurizing the building and inspecting from the outside can also be useful.
39
Infrared Images Of Kitchen Soffit

Without Blower Door With Blower Door Running
Soffit Cabinets
8.4 Diagnosing Series Leakage Paths

Many important air leaks in a building are not direct leaks to the outside. Air leaks often follow complicated
paths through building cavities and through unconditioned zones (such as attics, crawlspaces or garages) on
their way into or out of the building. Attic bypasses, found in many houses, are a good example of a series leak.
Air leaving the house first must flow through the ceiling/attic boundary and then through the attic/roof boundary
before exiting the house.
Diagnostic procedures have been developed over the past decade to analyze series leakage. These procedures,
called zone pressure diagnostics (ZPD), are widely used by weatherization professionals to prioritize airsealing
efforts in houses by estimating the amount of air leakage from attached zones (e.g. attics, crawlspaces, garages
and basements). ZPD techniques typically combine Blower Door airtightness test results with zone pressure
measurements made both before and after an opening or hole has been added to one surface of the zone being
tested.
In 2000, the Energy Center of Wisconsin commissioned a study of ZPD techniques and procedures in order to
improve the accuracy and reliability of zone leakage estimates. The results of that study, published in 2002,
include numerous improvements to both the methodology used to collect ZPD measurements and the calculation
procedures used to estimate the magnitude of air leakage from tested zones.
To assist our customers in using ZPD calculation methods, we have developed a simple software program which
can be used to quickly perform ZPD calculations using many of the improvements recommended in the Energy
Centers study. The ZPD Calculation Utility is comprised of 7 Steps (or screens) which are used to input test
information and display test results. The ZPD Calculation Utility program and operation manual are available at
no cost from our website (www.energyconservatory.com). The ZPD Calculation Utility assumes that the Blower
Door test results and zone pressure measurements are being collected using either an Energy Conservatory
digital pressure gauge, or as part of an automated Blower Door test using an APT system.
40
Chapter 9 Testing for Duct Leakage and Pressure Imbalances
Chapter 9 Testing for Duct Leakage and Pressure

Imbalances
9.1 Duct Leakage Basics
9.1.a Why Is Duct Leakage Important?

Unintentional air leakage in forced air duct systems is now recognized as a major source of energy waste in both
new and existing houses. Studies indicate that duct leakage can account for 25% or more of total house energy
loss, and in many cases has a greater impact on energy use than air infiltration through the building shell. In
many light commercial buildings, duct leakage is the single largest cause of performance and comfort problems.
Here are just a few of the problems resulting from duct leakage:
Leaks in the supply ductwork cause expensive conditioned air to be dumped directly outside or into the attic
or crawlspace rather than delivered to the building.
Leaks in the return ductwork pull unconditioned air directly into the HVAC system reducing both efficiency
and capacity. For example, if 10 percent of the return air for an air conditioning system is pulled from a hot
attic (120 F), system efficiency and capacity could be reduced by as much as 30 percent. In humid climates,
moist air being drawn into return leaks can overwhelm the dehumidification capacity of air conditioning
systems causing buildings to feel clammy even when the air conditioner is running.
Duct leakage has been found to greatly increase the use of electric strip heaters in heat pumps during the
heating season.
Infiltration rates can increase by 2 or 3 times whenever the air handler is operating.
Leaks in return ductwork draw air into the building from crawlspaces, garages and attics bringing with it
dust, mold spores, insulation fibers and other contaminants.
Building depressurization from duct leaks and imbalanced duct systems can cause spillage of combustion
products (from furnaces, water heaters and fireplaces).
9.1.b Where Does Duct Leakage Occur?

Because the air leaking from ductwork is invisible, most duct leaks go unnoticed by homeowners and HVAC
contractors. In addition, ducts are often installed in difficult to reach spots like attics and crawlspaces, or are
"buried" inside building cavities making them even more difficult to find. And the hard to find leaks are usually
the most important leaks to fix, because they are connected directly to the outside or to a hot attic or humid
crawlspace.
Duct leaks can be caused by a variety of installation and equipment failures including:
Poorly fitting joints and seams in the ductwork.

Disconnected or partially disconnected boot connections.
Holes in duct runs.
Use of improperly sealed building cavities for supply or return ducts.
"Platform" return plenums which are connected to unsealed building cavities.
Poor connections between room registers and register boots.
Poorly fitting air handler doors, filter doors and air handler cabinets.
Failed taped joints.
The impact on a particular building will depend on the size of the duct leak, the location of the duct leak and
whether or not the leak is connected to the outside.
41
Example Duct Leakage Problems
9.1.c How Much Can Energy Bills Be Reduced By Sealing Duct Leaks?
Numerous studies conducted by nationally recognized research organizations has shown that testing and sealing
leaky distribution systems is one of the most cost-effective energy improvements available in many houses.
A 1991 study in Florida found:
Air conditioner use was decreased by an average of 17.2% in a sample of 46 houses where comprehensive
duct leakage diagnostics and sealing were performed.
These houses saved an average of $110 per year on cooling bills at a cost of approximately $200 for repairs.
A 1991 study in Arkansas found:
Duct leaks also waste energy in heating climates. A study of 18 houses showed that a duct leakage repair
service saved 21.8% on heating bills by eliminating three-quarters of the duct leakage in the study houses.
In addition to the energy savings, duct leakage repair improved homeowner comfort and reduced callbacks by
allowing the HVAC system to work as designed.
9.1.d Duct Leakage to the Outside:

Duct leakage to the outside has the largest impact on HVAC system performance. Duct leakage to the outside
commonly results from leaky ductwork running through unconditioned zones (attics, crawlspaces or garages).
Most of the duct leakage research studies referenced in this manual have been performed on houses which
contain significant portions of the duct system in unconditioned zones. However, significant leakage to the
outside can also occur when all ductwork is located within the building envelope. In these cases, leaky ducts
passing through wall or floor cavities (or the cavities themselves may be used as supply or return ducts) create a
pressure differential between the cavity containing the ductwork and other building cavities indirectly connected
to the outside. Air can be forced through these leaks whenever the air handler fan is operating.
42
9.1.e Duct Leakage to the Inside:

Much less is known about the energy and system efficiency impacts of duct leakage inside the house. A recent
study of new houses in Minnesota has shown that the duct systems are very leaky, but that very little of that
leakage was connected directly or indirectly to the outside. One of the primary causes of duct leakage in
Minnesota houses was found to be very leaky basement return systems which use panned under floor joists as
return ductwork. In addition, many of the joints and connections in the sheet metal supply ductwork were leaky.
Because almost all of the duct leakage was occurring within the conditioned space of the house, the energy
efficiency penalty from this leakage is thought to be much less significant.
However, the Minnesota study did find that leaky return systems can cause the basement (where the furnace and
water heater are located) to depressurize to the point where combustion products from the water heater or
furnace would spill into the house. Negative pressures from return leaks can also contribute to increased
moisture and radon entry into houses. In addition, many comfort problems were experienced in the summer due
to leaks in the supply duct system dumping much of the cool conditioned air into the basement. These problems
all suggest that controlling duct leakage to the inside may be just as important as leakage to the outside.
9.2 Finding Duct Leaks to the Outside

There are a number of simple ways to help you pinpoint which duct runs contain major leaks to the outside.
Two methods are presented below:
9.2.a Smoke Test:

Turn off the air handler fan, open all registers, remove all filters
and open all interior doors. Turn on the Blower Door and
pressurize the building to about 25 Pa With Reference To (WTR)
outside. With the Blower Door running, go around to all the
supply and return registers in the building and squirt a little
chemical smoke near the register. If the smoke is vigorously
pulled into the register, it indicates that the register is near a large
duct leak to the outside. If the smoke lazily moves past the
register, little or no outside leakage is near that location.
9.2.b Pressure Pan:

An alternative method for finding duct leaks with the Blower Door can be performed with a gasketed pressure
pan and a digital pressure gauge. This method involves placing the pressure pan completely over each register
and taking a quick pressure reading while the Blower Door is depressurizing or pressurizing the building by 50
Pascals. A measure of the pressure between a duct run and the room where the duct register is located can often
provide a quick and reliable indication of whether significant exterior duct leaks exist in that section of the duct
system. The pattern of pressure pan readings often allows for quick identification of major leakage sites.
Pressure pan readings can also be used to tell technicians if they have done a good job of air sealing the duct
system.
43
Typical pressure pan readings found in existing buildings with

external duct systems are commonly in the 0 - 20 Pa range
(with the house depressurized to 50 Pa). However, pressure
pan readings up to 50 Pa can be found in cases of catastrophic
failure (such as complete disconnects). The higher the
pressure pan reading, the more connected (leaking) that part
of the duct system is to the outside. Experience to date has
shown that in many retrofit applications, pressure pan readings
can be brought down to, or below, 1.0 Pa with cost-effective
duct sealing techniques.
Pressure pan readings do not measure air flow rates. Rather,

the pressure pan reading tells us the degree to which a
particular duct run is connected to the outside. Because the pressure pan does not measure leakage rates, it is
often necessary to make a direct measurement of duct leakage to the outside in CFM to determine if duct repair
is cost effective. Further information on pressure pan testing can be obtained from The Energy Conservatory
(the Pressure Pan Manual is available on our website at www.energyconservatory.com.
9.3 Estimating Duct Leakage to the Outside With a Blower Door

The following two testing procedures can be used to estimate the amount of leakage directly between the forced
air duct system and the outside. Note: The leakage rate of a duct system determined using the airtightness test
procedures listed in this manual may differ from the leakage rates occurring in the duct system under actual
operating conditions. When conducting an airtightness test, all leaks in the ductwork are subjected to
approximately the same pressure (i.e. the test pressure). Under actual operating conditions, pressures within the
duct system vary considerably with the highest pressure present near the air handler, and the lowest pressures
present near the registers. Researchers are working on developing new test procedures which will provide duct
leakage measurements under actual operating conditions.
9.3.a Modified Blower Door Subtraction:

Step 1: Conduct "Whole House" Blower Door Depressurization Test
- Set up the building for a standard Blower Door depressurization test.
- Turn the air handler fan off, open all registers and remove all HVAC filters including remote filters.
- Temporarily seal all exterior combustion air intakes and ventilation system air intakes that are connected to
the duct system.
- Depressurize the building by 50 Pa With Respect To (WRT) outside (see Chapter 5).
- Record Whole House CFM50, and turn off the Blower Door.
Step 2: Conduct "Envelope Only" Blower Door Depressurization Test

- Tape off all supply and return registers with Duct Mask temporary register sealing film (available from The
Energy Conservatory) or use paper and high quality painters masking tape. Be sure to include any
ventilation system supply and return registers that are connected to the forced air duct system.
- Depressurize the building to 50 Pa WRT outside with the Blower Door.
- Record Envelope Only CFM50.
Step 3: Measure Pressure in Duct System with Registers Taped Off

- With the building still depressurized to 50 Pa WRT outside, measure the pressure in the taped off duct
system WRT the building. This measurement can be taken at the return or supply plenum using a static
pressure probe, or at a supply or return register by punching a small hole through the sealing tape and
inserting a pressure tap or hose.
44
Step 4: Calculate Duct Leakage to the Outside
- Using the pressure measured in Step 3, look up the appropriate correction factor in Table 4 below. This
correction is needed to account for any underestimation of duct leakage due to connections between the
duct system and the building.
- Calculate Duct Leakage to Outside =
(Whole House CFM50 - Envelope Only CFM50) x Subtraction Correction Factor (SCF)
Table 4:
Uncertainty of Duct Leakage Measurements Using Blower Door Subtraction
Because Blower Door Subtraction involves subtraction of two separate Blower Door test results (using the same
Blower Door), the accuracy of the duct leakage estimate using this technique is a function of the repeatability of
the Blower Door measurements. The example below shows how repeatability errors can affect the accuracy of
Blower Door subtraction test results.
45
Assume you conducted a Blower Door subtraction test with the following results:
Whole House CFM50 = 3,000

Envelope Only CFM50 = 2,750
House to Duct Pressure During Envelope Only Measurement = 45 Pascals
Correction Factor = 1.29
The estimated duct leakage would be (3,000 - 2,750) * 1.29 = 322 cfm
On a day with only slight wind, our experience is that the repeatability of manual Blower Door test is about
+/- 3% of the unsealed whole house CFM50 value when using the same gauges for both tests. For the example
above, a repeatability error of 3% means we have an error of approximately +/- 90 CFM50 (0.03 x ,3,000
CFM50) in our leakage estimate. We must also apply the correction factor calculated above to the 90 CFM50
error which increases the error to +/- 116 CFM50 (90 x 1.29). Thus our final duct leakage estimate is 322
CFM50 (+/- 116 CFM50). This means the actual leakage in the duct system is somewhere between 206 CFM50
and 438 CFM50, a fairly wide variation in test results.
In very windy weather, repeatability error for a manual Blower Door test will increase to much larger than the
3% shown here. However, if you are using an APT system to conduct your Blower Door test, repeatability errors
will typically be reduced below the 3% quoted above, and the APT system will provide you with a estimate of
the measurement uncertainty.
9.3.b Flow Hood Method: (Requires use of calibrated flow capture hood)
- Set up the building for a standard Blower Door pressurization test (see Chapter 7).
- Turn the air handler fan off, open all registers and remove all HVAC filters including remote filters.
- Temporarily seal all exterior combustion air intakes and ventilation system air intakes that are connected to
the forced air duct system.
- Tape off all supply and return registers, except the largest and closest return to the air handler, with Duct
Mask temporary register sealing film (available from The Energy Conservatory) or use paper and high
quality painters masking tape. Include all ventilation system registers connected to the forced air duct
system.
- Pressurize the building to 50 Pa WRT outside with the Blower Door.
- Place the flow capture hood over the open return register and record the flow going into the return register.
This measured flow is an estimate of the CFM50 duct leakage to the outside.
Note: This procedure can also be conducted by depressurizing the building and measuring the air flow coming
out of the open return register.
9.4 Unconditioned Spaces Containing Ductwork

When using either duct leakage measurement method described in Section 9.3 above, the unconditioned spaces
containing ducts should be as close to outside pressure as possible. Be sure to open all operable vents between
the unconditioned space and the outside before conducting the duct leakage test. If the unconditioned space
containing ductwork is not well connected to the outside (e.g. unvented crawlspaces or unvented attics) or has
very large connections to the house, then the unconditioned space will be at a pressure somewhere between the
outside and inside building pressure during the Blower Door test. In this case, the duct leakage measurement
will show an artificially low number.
46
You can measure the degree of connection between an unconditioned space and the outside by measuring the
pressure difference between the building and the space during the Blower Door test. If the pressure between the
building and the unconditioned space is less than 45 Pa (assuming the building to outside pressure difference is
50 Pa with the Blower Door running), then the duct leakage measurement will be underestimated. The lower the
pressure, the greater the underestimation.
9.5 Testing for Pressure Imbalances Caused By Forced Air System Flows
Air handler fans commonly move 500 to 2000 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM). Pressure imbalances within
the building can be caused by air hander fan operation if supply and return air flows to each part of the building
are not in balance. Pressure imbalances within the building can significantly increase infiltration rates, contribute
to radon and moisture entry, create durability problems, and cause potential combustion appliance spillage and
backdrafting. Research on combustion appliances has found that very small negative pressures (as low as 3 to 5
Pascals) can cause spillage and backdrafting in natural draft appliances.
Building pressure imbalances can also be caused by duct leakage to the outside. If either the supply or return air
ductwork has leaks to the outside, air will be forced through these leaks when the air handler fan is operating. If
the leaks are in the supply ducts, building air will be exhausted to the outside through the leaks and this will tend
to depressurize the building. If the leaks are in the return system, outside air will be sucked into the leaks and the
building will tend to be pressurized. If there are equal amounts of leakage in both the supply and return, no
change in building pressure will occur, even though large energy losses may result.
Below are a set of test procedures used to help identify pressure imbalances caused by leaks between the duct
system and the outside, and by imbalanced supply and return air flows throughout a building. These tests are
very sensitive to wind effects, and on windy days it can be very difficult to get accurate results.
9.5.a Dominant Duct Leak Test:

This test measures whole building pressurization or depressurization caused by duct leakage to the outside
during operation of the air handler fan. A pressure change due to duct leakage can cause safety, durability,
comfort, and efficiency problems. In some cases, duct repair can cause a problem or make it worse. Diagnosing
which side of the system is causing a dominant pressure helps determine a safe and effective treatment strategy.
- Turn off the Blower Door and close off the Blower Door fan opening with the "No-Flow" plate.
- Be sure all exterior doors and windows in the building are closed. Replace all HVAC filters (be sure they
are clean). Open all interior doors and check that all exhaust fans and the air handler fan are off.
- Set up a digital gauge to measure the building pressure With Respect To (WRT) outside. The outside
pressure hose should be connected to the bottom (Reference) pressure tap on Channel A (top tap should be
open). Set the gauge Mode to measure pressures.
- Turn on the air handler fan and record the change in building pressure indicated on the gauge.
- Repeat this test several times by turning the air handler on and off for better certainty.
Greater leakage on the return side of the duct system will typically cause the building to become pressurized
since the return ductwork is drawing outside air into the ductwork. In this case, there will be a positive
reading on pressure gauge. The size of the pressure change will depend on both the amount of imbalanced
duct leakage and the tightness of the building being tested (see Figure 10 in Chapter 10).
47
Greater leakage on the supply side of the system will typically cause the building to become depressurized
since the supply ductwork is exhausting building air to the outside, just like an exhaust fan. In this case,
there will be a negative reading on the pressure gauge. The size of the pressure change will depend on both
the amount of imbalanced duct leakage and the tightness of the building being tested (see Figure 10 in
Chapter 10).
In cold climates, pressurizing a building to even 1 Pascal could lead to moisture problems caused by forcing
warm, moist air into the walls and attic where it can condense on cold surfaces. In warm humid climates,
depressurization by 1 Pa can also cause severe moisture problems from warm moist outside air being drawn into
the walls where it can condense on the backside of cooled gypsum board. If there are natural draft combustion
appliances, or if radon is a problem, depressurizing a building by 1 Pascal may also be a problem.
If there is no change in building pressure, this means that there is either equal supply and return leakage to the
outside, no leaks to the outside, or the building itself is too leaky for the duct leakage to create a measurable
pressure change.
Note: For APT users, a prototype software program called ONOFF is available to help precisely measure small
changes in building or room pressures. The program uses a signal averaging technique which significantly
reduces noise, particularly in windy weather, allowing for precise measurement of small pressure changes.
Contact The Energy Conservatory for more information.
9.5.b Master Suite Door Closure:

This test measures the effect of closing the master suite door on the pressure in the main body of the building.
The master bedroom is often the largest room in a building and can contain multiple supply registers while
having no returns. Closing of bedroom doors can restrict the supply air pathway back to the air handler, causing
bedrooms to become pressurized while other parts of the building may become depressurized. Repeat this test
for other building areas that contain large numbers of registers and can be closed off from the main body of the
building with one door (e.g. a basement door when the basement has supply registers).
- Keep the gauge set up to measure the pressure between the main body of the building WRT outside.
- With air handler still running, close the master suite door.
- Record the total pressure difference from the main body of the building WRT outside. (Large impacts from
Master Suite Door Closure are most common in single and double return houses.)
- Consider pressure relief if the Master Suite door is frequently closed and causes the pressure in the main
body of the building to change by 1 Pascal or more in either direction.
9.5.c All Interior Doors Closed:

This test measures the added effect of closing all interior doors on the pressure in the main body of the building.
- Keep the gauge set up to measure the pressure between the main body of the building WRT outside.
- With the air handler still running, close all interior doors.
- Record the total pressure difference from the main body of the building WRT outside.
- Consider pressure relief if closing all the doors causes the pressure in the main body of the building to
change by 2 Pascals or more in either direction.
48
9.5.d Room to Room Pressures:

This test measures the pressure difference between each room in the building and the main body, with the air
handler operating. Excessive pressurization in rooms can create durability problems by driving moisture into
walls, ceilings and floors. Excessive depressurization in rooms can pull outside moisture into building
components in humid climates. Pressure imbalances can also lead to large increases in building infiltration rates.
- Close all interior doors and walk around the building with a digital pressure gauge.
- Connect tubing to the Channel A Input tap and leave the bottom Reference tap open. Set the gauge Mode
to measure pressures.
- While standing in the main body of the building, place the hose from the gauge under each door (including
the combustion appliance room and/or basement).
- Record the pressure difference from each room WRT the main body.
- Consider pressure relief for any rooms pressurized or depressurized by 3 Pa or more with respect to the
main body of the building.
Note: If there are combustion appliances in a depressurized area (i.e. fireplaces, furnace or water heater), their
ability to draft properly may be affected. Try to eliminate all depressurization in combustion appliance zones by
finding and sealing leaks in the return ducts, plenum, filter access door and air handler cabinet, or by providing
pressure relief. See Chapter 10 for more information on Combustion Safety Testing Procedures.
9.6 Other Important Test Procedures

Although not covered in this manual, other important test procedures should be performed whenever repairs and
changes are made to the forced air heating and cooling system.
9.6 a Total System Air Flow:

The air flow rate through air handlers is a very important variable in estimating and optimizing the performance
of heat pumps, air conditioners and furnaces. Many studies of residential systems have shown low air flow to be
a common problem. There are a number of methods to measure total system air flow including the Duct
Blaster pressure matching method, the temperature rise method, system static pressure and fan curve, as well
as a new direct flow measuring tool (TrueFlow Flow Plate) available from TEC.
Note: Research has shown that in most cases, the temperature rise method and fan curve method are much less
accurate than either the Duct Blaster or TrueFlow methods.
9.6.b System Charge:

Having the proper amount of refrigerant installed in a new heat pump or air conditioning system is another
critical variable in determining system efficiency, as well the longevity of the system compressor. Numerous
studies have shown the incorrect amount of system charge to be a common installation problem.
9.6.c Airflow Balancing:

Verification that proper air flow is being delivered to each room in a building is another important component of
a complete system assessment. Air flow rates are commonly measured using a calibrated flow capture hood.
49
Chapter 10 Combustion Safety Test Procedure
10.1 Overview
Buildings with natural draft combustion appliances should be routinely tested to ensure that the spillage of
combustion products into the building is unlikely. Combustion safety testing is critical because of the potential
for severe health effects from improperly venting appliances, including carbon monoxide poisoning. Because the
goal of Blower Door guided air sealing activities is to reduce the infiltration rate (and subsequent ventilation
rate) of the building, contractors need to check that they are not leaving a building with a potential problem.
Spillage of combustion products into the building can be caused by a variety of conditions including:
Blocked or partially blocked chimneys, vents, or vent connectors.

Improper equipment installation.
Cracked heat exchangers.
Leaks in the venting system (disconnected flue pipes, open cleanout door etc.).
Low vent temperatures.
Combustion appliance zone depressurization. As buildings are made tighter, it becomes easier for exhaust
fans and forced air system imbalances to create potentially hazardous depressurization conditions.
Many cases of improperly venting combustion appliances have been related to depressurization (or negative
pressures) in the room that contains the combustion appliance. Depressurization can be caused by exhaust fans,
dryers, imbalanced forced air distribution systems, and forced air system duct leakage. As buildings (or
combustion appliance rooms) are made tighter, these problems can be made worse, although very leaky
buildings can also have venting problems related to depressurization. Figure 10 below estimates the amount of
depressurization that can be caused by various exhaust fan flows. For example, from Figure 10 we can see that a
400 cfm exhaust fan will depressurize a 2,500 CFM50 building (or room) to approximately 3 Pascals. That same
400 cfm fan would produce over 10 Pascals of depressurization in a 1,000 CFM50 building.
The presence of code approved combustion air intakes does not ensure that venting problems will not occur.
Significant combustion room depressurization is frequently found even after code approved combustion air
intakes have been installed. Passive combustion room air intakes typically do not provide sufficient airflow to
relieve negative pressures caused by distribution imbalances, duct leakage, or large exhaust appliances. For
example, a typical 6" passive inlet can at best supply only about 50 cfm at a 5 Pa negative building pressure.
And because passive air intakes are often poorly installed (i.e. many sharp bends, long runs), they typically
provide much lower flows than designed. Building codes typically give little or no guidance on how one would
design a combustion air opening when competing exhaust appliances are present (the 2000 Minnesota Energy
Code is the only code we are aware of to give such guidance).
The only way to be reasonably sure that venting problems will not occur in a building is to perform combustion
safety tests. Described below are commonly used test procedures to locate existing or potential combustion
safety problems in buildings. These procedures are offered only as an example of what other organizations
in North America typically recommend for testing. The Energy Conservatory assumes no liability for
their use, and contractors should have a working knowledge of local codes and practices before
attempting to use the procedures outlined below.
If combustion safety problems are found, tenants and building owners should be notified immediately and steps
taken to correct the problem including notifying a professional heating contractor if basic remedial actions are
not available. Remember, the presence of elevated levels of carbon monoxide in ambient building air or in
combustion products is a potentially life threatening situation. Air sealing work should not be undertaken
until existing combustion safety problems are resolved, or unless air sealing is itself being used as a
remedial action.
50
Figure 10:
10.2 Test Procedures

This procedure is not intended to cover all circumstances you will find in the field. A basic understanding of the
dynamic interactions between building pressures, air flow and mechanical system operation is required to fully
utilize the procedures presented below. Detailed descriptions of similar test procedures can be found in
Reference #4, in Appendix G.
51
10.2.a Measure Ambient CO Level in Building:

- Zero your digital CO tester outside before entering the building. CO tester should have 1 PPM resolution.
- Measure the ambient CO level in all occupied areas of the building. Be sure to measure ambient CO levels
in kitchens and in combustion appliance rooms.
- Investigate any ambient CO levels above 2 ppm. Note: Areas close to very busy streets may have ambient
CO levels above 2 ppm.
- Maximum CO concentration guidelines: 9 ppm for 8 hour exposure (EPA)
35 ppm for 1 hour exposure (EPA)
200 ppm single exposure (OSHA)
CO concentrations at or above these levels requires immediate remedial action.
10.2.b Survey of Combustion Appliances:

- Walk through the building and survey all combustion appliances including furnaces, water heaters,
fireplaces, woodstove and auxiliary heating units, dryers and cooking stoves.
- Write down the following information on a survey form:
Location, type and input of combustion appliances.

Signs of visible deterioration and leaks in flue pipes and connections.
Presence of gas leaks, signs of spillage or flame roll-out.
Location, size and operable condition of combustion air supply(s).
Evidence of rusted interior surfaces of heat exchangers.
Gas or fuel leaks are a very serious safety problem requiring immediate remedial action.
10.2.c Survey of Exhaust Fans:

- Walk through building and note the location and rated capacity (or estimated capacity) of all exhaust fans
including kitchen and stove fans, bath fans, dryers, whole house vacuum systems, attic (not whole house)
vent fans etc..
10.2.d Measure Worst Case Fan Depressurization:

With this test procedure, the goal is to measure worst case depressurization in all combustion rooms with natural
draft appliances and fireplaces. This measurement gives us an indication of the likelihood of exhaust and air
handler fans causing the combustion appliances to backdraft and spill. The procedures below measure worst
case depressurization under 3 separate operating conditions; running exhaust fans only, running exhaust and air
handler fans, and running the air handler fan only. These tests are very sensitive to wind effects, and on windy
days it can be very difficult to get accurate results.
Initial Preparation
Close all exterior windows and doors and be sure furnace, water heater and other vented combustion appliances
are off. Close all interior doors. Set up a digital gauge to measure the pressure difference of the combustion
appliance zone (CAZ) with reference to (WRT) outside on Channel A. If using a DG-3 gauge, record the
baseline CAZ to outside pressure. If using a DG-700, use the built-in baseline feature to measure and record
the baseline CAZ to outside pressure on Channel A. Once the baseline feature has been used with the DG-
700, Channel A will display the baseline adjusted pressure.
52
1. Exhaust Fans Only
Turn on all exhaust fans found in the survey above (for dryer, clean out lint filter before turning on). Now
determine the worst case position of interior doors with the smoke test below:
Smoke Test: While standing in the main body of the building, squirt smoke under each door
containing an exhaust fan (except the CAZ currently being tested). If the smoke goes into the room,
open the door. If the smoke comes back into the main body of the building, keep the door closed.
Now squirt smoke under the CAZ door (while continuing to stand in the main body). If smoke goes
into the CAZ, leave the CAZ door shut. If smoke comes back into the main body of the building, open
the door.
Measure the depressurization of the CAZ WRT outside caused by turning on the exhaust fans. Depressurization
should not exceed the appropriate House Depressurization Limits (HDL) listed below. If it is windy, it is often
necessary to turn fans off and on several times to obtain good pressure readings.
Fireplace Zones: For Fireplace Zones, repeat the same procedure and measure and record
depressurization of fireplace zone WRT outside from exhaust fan operation. Depressurization should
not exceed the appropriate HDL listed below.
2. Air Handler and Exhaust Fans
With exhaust fans continuing to run, turn on the air handler fan (note: air handler fan only, do not turn on
burner) and close any supply registers in combustion appliance room. For both CAZ and Fireplace Zone tests,
re-determine worst case position of all interior doors with the smoke test described above. If cooling is
available, be sure air handler fan is running at high speed. Repeat worst case depressurization measurements.
3. Air Handler Fan Only
Turn off all exhaust fans and leave air handler operating (if cooling is available, be sure air handler is running at
high speed). For both CAZ and Fireplace Zone tests, re-determine worst case position of all interior doors with
the smoke test described above. Repeat worst case depressurization measurements.
If the HDL are exceeded for any of the worst case depressurization tests above, pressure relief is
needed. Pressure relief could include duct system repair, undercutting of doors, installation of transfer
grills, eliminating or reducing exhaust fan capacity, or instructing homeowner on safe exhaust fan
operation. If negative pressures in the combustion appliance zone (or basement) are a function of
return leaks in that area, check for leaks in the return ductwork, plenum, filter access door and air
handler cabinet. Pay particular attention to panned under floor joists (used as returns) as they typically
have many leaks.
Note: For APT users, a prototype software program called ONOFF is available to help precisely measure small
changes in building or room pressures. The program uses a signal averaging technique which significantly
reduces noise, particularly in windy weather, allowing for precise measurement of small pressure changes.
Contact The Energy Conservatory for more information.
53
Table 5: House Depressurization Limits (HDL)
Appliance Type Depressurization Limit

Individual natural draft water heater (WH) 2 Pascals
Natural draft WH and natural draft 3 Pascals
furnace/boiler
Natural draft WH and Induced Draft (ID) 5 Pascals
furnace/boiler
Individual natural draft furnace/boiler 5 Pascals
Individual ID furnace/boiler 15 Pascals
Power vented and sealed combustion appliances >25 Pascals
Source: CEE Appliance Safety Test Methods, MAC Part 150 Residential Sound Insulation Program, Mpls,
MN.
10.2.e Spillage Test (natural draft and induced draft appliances):

This test identifies actual spillage of combustion byproducts into the living space under worst case
depressurization conditions.
- With building set up in worst case depressurization mode (as specified above), fire up each combustion
appliance.
- If appliances are common vented, conduct test on smallest input appliance first, then test with both
appliances running.
- When burner lights, check for flame rollout (stand away from burner).
- Check for spillage (using chemical smoke) at the end of the spillage test period (see Table 6 below). For
natural draft appliances, spillage is tested at the draft divertor. When an induced draft heating system is
vented in common with a natural draft water heater, spillage is checked at the water heater draft divertor.
For a single induced draft appliance, spillage is checked at the base of the chimney liner or flue, typically
using the drip tee at the bottom of the liner.
Table 6: Spillage Test Period
Appliance Type Spillage Test Period (minutes)
Water heater, gravity furnace 3.0 minutes
and boiler
Space heater 2.0 minutes
Furnace 1.0 minutes
MN.
- If spillage continues beyond the spillage test period, remove the negative pressure in combustion room by
turning off fans and/or opening an exterior window or door.
- Re-check for spillage. If spillage stops, there is a pressure induced spillage problem. If spillage continues,
check flue and chimney for obstructions, and check compatibility of appliance BTU input with chimney
size.
Spillage of combustion products beyond the spillage test period is a health and safety concern. If the
problem is a blocked flue or chimney, or inadequately sized flue or chimney, consult a professional
heating contractor. If the problem is pressure induced, provide pressure relief. Re-check for spillage
following attempt to provide pressure relief. If spillage continues, contact a professional heating
contractor to investigate the problem.
54
10.2.f Carbon Monoxide Test:

This test measures carbon monoxide levels in all operating combustion appliances.
- After 5 minutes of appliance operation, measure the CO level in the flue products of all combustion
appliances.
- CO should be measured before appliance draft diverter, or barometric damper.
- CO levels should be below 100 ppm in all flues.
- For gas stoves, measure CO from oven exhaust port and 3 feet above burners with all burners running. CO
level should be below 50 ppm.
- If CO found in gas stove, re-measure ambient kitchen CO after 10 minutes of stove operation.
The presence of CO and spillage requires immediate remedial action.
10.2.g Draft Test (natural draft appliances):

This test measures flue draft pressure in the venting systems of all natural draft combustion appliances under
worst case depressurization (not to be done for sealed combustion or induced draft appliances).
- Drill a small hole in the vent pipe approx. 2 feet downstream of the draft divertor or barometric damper.
Insert a static pressure probe.
- Measure draft pressure (vent WRT combustion room) with digital pressure gauge after 5 minutes of
operation.
- Compare measured draft with minimum draft pressures below:
Table 7: Minimum Draft Pressures
Outside Temp Draft Pressure

Below 10 F -2.50 Pa
20 F -2.25 Pa
40 F -1.75 Pa
60 F -1.25 Pa
80 F -0.75 Pa
Above 90 F -0.50 Pa
MN.
If measured draft is below the minimum draft pressure above, check for flue or chimney obstructions,
disconnected vents, open chimney cleanout doors etc.. Also remove sources depressurization (e.g. turn off
exhaust fans) and test again to determine if CAZ depressurization is contributing to poor draft.
10.2.h Heat Exchanger Integrity Test (Forced Air Only):

This test is used to determine if a crack or hole is present in the furnace heat exchanger. A crack or hole could
allow products of combustion into the building, and/or promote carbon monoxide production through flame
distortion and impingement. There are 3 main types of tests which can be performed:
1. Flame Distortion Test

This test involves watching the furnace flame when the furnace air handler first turns on. Any distortion of the
flame indicates a hole or crack in the heat exchanger. This test can be done in conjunction with the flame rollout
55
component of the spillage test. Another method for conducting a flame distortion test is to slowly extend a match
up and down into each combustion chamber with the burner off and the air handler fan on, and watch for
movement of the flame head.
2. Blocked Flue Test
With the furnace off, block the flue ports leading from the combustion chamber to the draft diverter or
barometric damper. Squirt smoke into the combustion chamber. Turn on the furnace fan and watch to see if the
smoke is disturbed when the fan comes on. Smoke movement indicates a hole or crack in the heat exchanger.
3. Tracer Gas Test
A number of testing procedures exist for injecting a tracer gas into the combustion chamber (usually with the
furnace fan off) and then measuring or detecting the tracer gas on the warm air side of the heat exchanger.
If any of the above heat exchanger tests provides a positive indication for a cracked heat exchanger,
immediate action should be taken to notify the residents of the potential danger, and a professional
heating contractor should be contacted to investigate the problem.
Turn off fans and return appliance controls to their original settings once the test
procedures have been completed.
Special thanks to Advanced Energy, Sun Power and the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) for their
work in developing and refining the combustion safety test procedures above.
56
Appendix A Calibration and Maintenance
A.1 Fan Calibration Parameters (Updated January 2007)

Model 3 (110V) Calibration Parameters:
Fan Configuration Calibration Parameters

Open Fan Flow (cfm) = 506.8 x (Fan Pressure in Pa).4879
Ring A Installed Flow (cfm) = 190.1 x (Fan Pressure in Pa).4876
Ring B Installed Flow (cfm) = 60.67 x (Fan Pressure in Pa).4955
Ring C Installed Flow (cfm) = 21.37 x (Fan Pressure in Pa).5132


Note: All fan flows indicated on Energy Conservatory gauges or flow tables are corrected to a standard air
density of 0.075 lbs/cubic foot, and are not the actual volumetric flow going through the fan. The indicated
flows are corrected to standard air density according to the CGSB Standard CAN/CG-SB-149.10-M86. The
correction is done in such a way that, for particular types of leaks (where the viscosity of air is negligible and the
flow exponent "n" equals 0.5), the indicated flow is independent of barometric pressure. For this type of leak,
the indicated flow is the flow that would have been going through the fan if the building had been tested at
standard barometric pressure, and indoor and outdoor temperatures were unchanged.
If the actual volumetric flow rate going through the fan is desired, multiply the indicated flow by:
0.075
actual air density* (where air density is in lb/ft3)
or
1.204
actual air density* (where air density is in Kg/m3)
* Use the density of air flowing through the fan.
57
A.2 Issues Affecting Fan Calibration

A.2.a Fan Sensor and Motor Position:
Model 3 and Model 4 Blower Door fans maintain their calibration unless physical damage occurs. Conditions
which could cause the fan calibration to change are primarily damaged flow sensors, movement of the motor and
blades relative to the fan housing, and leaks in the sensor or tubing running from the flow sensor to the fan
pressure tap. These conditions are easily detected and should be tested for on a regular basis.
Damaged Blower Door Flow Sensor
Model 3 fans (both 110V and 230V) use a round white plastic flow sensor, while the Model 4 fan uses a flow
sensor manufactured out of thin stainless steel tubing. The flow sensors are permanently attached to the end of
the fan motor opposite the fan blades.
Model 3 Flow Sensor Model 4 Flow Sensor
First visually confirm that the sensor is not broken or deformed due to impact. Check that the sensor is firmly
attached to the motor. Next, perform a test for leaks in the sensor or the tubing connecting the sensor to the fan
pressure tap (this test is easier if you first place the fan in an elevated position such as on a bench top or table.)
Attach a piece of tubing to the pressure tap on the Blower Door fan electrical box. Leave the other end of the
tubing open. Find the 4 intentional pin holes in the flow sensor. For the Model 3 flow sensor they are evenly
spaced around the outside rim of the sensor - for the Model 4 flow sensor they are evenly spaced on the back
side of the sensor. Temporarily seal the 4 holes by covering them with masking tape. Next, create a vacuum in
the fan pressure tubing by sucking on the open end. A vacuum in the tubing assures that the flow sensor does not
leak. There is a vacuum, if by placing your tongue over the end of the tubing, the tubing sticks to your tongue.
Make sure that the vacuum persists for at least 5 seconds. If a vacuum can not be created, contact The Energy
Conservatory to further diagnose the sensor leakage problem.
Blower Door Motor Position
If a fan has been dropped, the motor may have shifted from its proper position in the motor mount. This can
degrade the fan calibration. To test the motor position, lay the fan on its side with the flow sensor facing up and
all Flow Rings removed. Place a straightedge (such as a heavy yardstick on edge) across the inlet of the fan. Use
a ruler to measure the following distance and compare this measurement to the appropriate specification.
58
Model 3 Fan: Measure the distance from the bottom of the straightedge to the face of the flow sensor.
This distance should be in the range of 3/16th to 5/16th of an inch. If the motor is not in the proper
position, call The Energy Conservatory for further instructions.
Model 4 Fan: Measure the distance from the bottom of the straightedge to the face of the motor
bearing cover. This distance should be in the range of 3/8th to 5/8th of an inch. If the motor is not in the
proper position, call The Energy Conservatory for further instructions.
Figure 11: Schematic of Blower Door Fans
MODEL 3 120/240 Vac BLOWER DOOR MODEL 4 240 Vac BLOWER DOOR
electrical box pressure tap electrical box pressure tap
fan blades fan housing fan blades fan housing
flow sensor tubing flow sensor tubing
exit guard flow sensor exit guard flow sensor
1/4" +/- 1/16" gap 1/2" +/- 1/8" gap measured

measured from the inlet from the inlet plane of the
plane of the fan housing to fan housing to the face of
the face of the flow sensor the motor bearing cover
motor motor
motor mount / inlet guard motor mount / inlet guard
59
A.2.b Upstream Air Flow Conditions:

The calibration for all Blower Door fans are slightly sensitive to upstream air flow conditions (e.g. orientation of
walls, doors, stairs etc. relative to the fan inlet). This is particularly true when measurements are taken using the
open fan configuration. As a result, follow these simple rules whenever possible.
It is always best to install the fan in a doorway leading to a large open room. Try to avoid installing the fan
in a doorway where there are stairways or major obstructions to air flow very close (1-5 feet) to the fan
inlet.
If the fan must be installed next to a stairway or major obstruction, it is best to take measurements using one
of the Flow Rings and not open fan.
Always open the inside door and outside storm door as much as possible during the Blower Door test to
prevent restrictions to air flow.
A.2.c Operating Under High Backpressure Conditions:

Note: For most testing applications, backpressure is not a concern and can be ignored.
The term "backpressure" is used to describe the pressure that the Blower Door fan is working against when it is
running. Backpressure is determined by measuring the static pressure difference between the air directly
upstream of the fan, and the air directly exiting the fan.
Under typical testing applications, the backpressure seen by the fan is simply the test pressure at which the
building airtightness measurement is being measured made (e.g. 50 Pascals). However, there are applications
where the Blower Door fan could see backpressures that are greater than the test pressure. For example, if the
Blower Door fan is exhausting air into a confined area (such as an attached porch), it is possible that the porch
area could become pressurized relative to outside creating a backpressure condition that is greater than the test
pressure. Although the Blower Door 's flow sensor was designed to be affected as little as possible by variations
in backpressure, under certain high backpressure operating conditions (described below) the calibration of the
fan can degrade.
High Backpressure Conditions
Model 3 and Model 4 Blower Door fans can be used in testing applications with backpressures up to 80 Pascals
with no significant effect on calibration accuracy. This is true for all fan flow configurations (Open through Ring
E), provided that the fan is operated within the accepted flow range for each configuration. Backpressures above
80 Pa can diminish the accuracy of the fan calibration and should be avoided.
60
A.3 Blower Door Fan Maintenance and Safety

There are several maintenance tips and procedures to ensure the proper operation of the Blower Door fan and to
avoid any safety risks.
A.3.a Maintenance Checks:
Examine the motor cooling holes for excessive dust build-up. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to
remove dust, or blow out the dust with compressed air.
Inspect housing, blades and guards. Especially note clearance of blade tips relative to the fan housing.
There should be about 1/4 inch of clearance.
Inspect electrical wiring and electrical connections on the fan and the fan speed controller.
A.3.b General Operational Notes and Tips:
Do not reverse the fan (if the fan has a flow direction switch) while the blades are turning. Turn off the fan
and wait for it to come to a complete stop before reversing the flow direction.
For long-term operation, such as maintaining house pressure while air-sealing, use a Flow Ring whenever
possible to ensure good airflow over the fan. This will minimize heating of the fan and is important in
warmer weather.
Do not run the fan for long periods of time in reverse.
The motor is thermally protected and if you experience a motor shut down, be sure to turn off the fan speed
controller so that the fan does not restart unexpectedly after the motor cools down.
Make sure to press the power plug firmly into power receptacle on fan. Failure to do so can cause
overheating of the power cord and possible damage.
Do not use ungrounded outlets or adapter plugs.
Do not operate if the motor, controller or any of the electrical connections are wet.
The Blower Door Fan is a very powerful and potentially dangerous piece of equipment if not used and
maintained properly. Carefully examine the fan before each use. If the fan housing, fan guards, blade,
controller or cords become damaged, do not operate the fan until repairs have been made. Keep people and pets
away from the fan when it is operating. Contact The Energy Conservatory if there are any unusual noises or
vibrations while the fan is running.
A.3.c Replacing the Model 4 Controllers Internal Fuse:

Diagnosing the Problem:
If the Model 4 Bower Door fan stops running or fails to respond to speed commands:
Verify that the fan speed controller is turned ON.

Verify that the fan speed controller power cord is plugged into an AC power mains outlet.
Verify that the AC power mains outlet has electrical power.
Verify that the fan connect cord from the fan speed controller is plugged into the receptacle located on the
fan electrical box.
Turn the fan speed control knob from minimum to maximum and back to minimum. If the fan fails to
respond then the internal fuse may be blown and need to be replaced.
61
CAUTION HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES INSIDE MODEL 4 SPEED CONTROLLER.

UNPLUG POWER CORD FROM AC POWER MAINS OUTLET BEFORE SERVICING
SPEED CONTROLLER.
Replacement Fuse Specification 5 Amp, 250VAC, 5 X 20 mm, FAST acting, approved by VDE/UL
Opening the Model 4 Speed Controller Enclosure:
Verify the power cord is not plugged into an AC mains power and that the controller power switch is OFF.
Remove the four screws attaching the bottom enclosure cover to the two endplates
Carefully separate the bottom cover from the rest of the enclosure. Do not disconnect the green and yellow
ground wire which connects the top and bottom halves of the enclosure.
Replacing the Fuse:
Locate the terminal block fuse holder next to the printed circuit board and power line filter. See photo
below for details.
Firmly grasp the black handle of the fuse holder and pull out the old fuse.
Carefully slip the old fuse out of the black handle. Insert the new fuse into the black handle.
Align the rib on the black handle with the notch in the terminal block fuse holder.
Press the black handle and new fuse back into the terminal block fuse holder.
Reassembling the Model 4 Speed Controller Enclosure:
Position the bottom enclosure cover in place between the two end plates.
CAUTION verify that no wires are being pinched as the enclosure is closed.
Replace the four screws. With each screw, align the screw in its hole perpendicular to the end plate. Rotate
the screw counterclockwise about one full turn until the threads drop into place.
Tighten each screw and verify that each screw is tight.
Verify Operation:
Reconnect the controller power cord to the AC power mains outlet.

Turn ON the controller Power Switch.
Adjust speed control knob from minimum to half speed and verify fan operation.
Resume normal use of speed controller.
62
A.4 Calibration and Maintenance of Digital Pressure Gauges

A.4.a Digital Gauge Calibration:
Re-calibration of digital pressure gauges is recommended every 12 months. Gauges should be sent back to The
Energy Conservatory for re-calibration. It is also a good idea to perform gauge comparisons between
calibrations, especially when damage is suspected (e.g. when a gauge has been dropped).
Digital Gauge Comparison
This technique is used to compare the readings of two digital gauges when they are both connected to the same
pressure source. When two gauges are being compared, you should expect them to agree within their
specifications:
DG-3 Accuracy Specifications:

Low Range: +/- 1% of reading or 0.2 Pa, whichever is larger (0-200.0 Pa)
High Range: +/- 1% of reading or 2 Pa, whichever is larger (0-800 Pa)
+/- 2% of reading (800-1,000 Pa)
DG-700 Accuracy Specifications:

+/- 1% of reading or 0.15 Pa, whichever is greater (0-1,250 Pa)
Parts Needed for Comparison
2 digital gauges
one Magnehelic gauge
2 T fittings
one syringe
five 1 foot sections of tubing
Comparison Procedure
Using the two T fittings and short sections of hose, hook up the gauges and syringe as shown in Figure 12
below. Turn on the digital gauges, (if DG-3s, set on High Range). They should both be reading 0 Pa. Pull out
on the syringe slowly until the desired test pressure on the digital gauges is achieved. Record your results and
compare with the specifications above.
63
Figure 12: Digital Gauge Comparison Setup
Digital Gauge
Digital Gauge
Magnehelic
Gauge
ALWAYS have a Magnehelic gauge connected to the

syringe to avoid over-pressuring the digital gauges.
Test at a variety of pressures, both high and low range.
Repeat test with tubing connected to top taps on Channel
A to check for positive pressure difference.
Syringe
A.4.b Digital Gauge Maintenance:
Operating temperature range: 32 oF to 120 oF.

Storage temperatures 5 oF to 160 oF (best to keep it warm during cold weather).
Avoid conditions where condensation could occur, for example taking a gauge from a cool environment
into a hot humid environment.
Do not store gauge in the same container as chemical smoke. The smoke can and does cause corrosion.
Do not ignore low battery indicator (readings can start being in error almost immediately).
Avoid exposing the gauge to excessive pressures, such as caused by hoses slammed in a door.
A.5 Checking for Leaky Tubing

It does not happen very often, but leaky tubing can seriously degrade the accuracy of Blower Door airtightness
tests. These leaks can be small enough to go undetected for years but large enough to affect fan calibration.
- Before starting, inspect both ends of the tubing to make sure they are not stretched out to the point where
they will not make a good seal when attached to a gauge.
- Seal off one end of the tubing by doubling it over on itself near the end.
- Create a vacuum in the tubing by sucking on the open end (make sure the hose is clean first!). Let the end of
the tubing stick to your tongue due to the vacuum.
- The tubing should stick to your tongue indefinitely if there are no leaks. Waiting for 5 seconds or so is a
good enough test.
- If the tubing has a leak, it should be replaced immediately.
- The ends of the tubing will sometimes get stretched out or torn after many uses. Periodically trim 1/4" off
the ends of the tubing to remove the damaged end.
64
Appendix B Flow Conversion Tables

Model 3 (110V)
Flow (cfm) Flow (cfm)
Fan Open Fan Open
Pressure (Pa) Fan Ring A Ring B Ring C Pressure (Pa) Fan Ring A Ring B Ring C
122 5282 1978 656 251
124 5324 1994 661 254
126 5365 2010 666 256
128 5407 2025 672 258
130 5448 2041 677 260
132 5489 2056 682 262
134 5529 2071 687 264
16 89 136 5569 2086 692 266
18 94 138 5609 2101 697 268
20 99 140 5648 2116 702 270
22 104 142 5688 2130 707 272
24 109 144 5727 2145 712 274
26 2484 931 305 114 146 5765 2159 717 276
28 2576 965 316 118 148 5804 2174 722 278
30 2664 998 327 122 150 5842 2188 726 280
32 2749 1030 338 127 152 5880 2202 731 281
34 2832 1061 348 131 154 5917 2216 736 283
36 2912 1091 358 134 156 5955 2230 741 285
38 2990 1120 368 138 158 5992 2244 745 287
40 3065 1149 377 142 160 6029 2258 750 289
42 3139 1176 387 145 162 6065 2272 755 291
44 3211 1203 396 149 164 6102 2285 759 293
46 3282 1230 404 152 166 6138 2299 764 294
48 3351 1255 413 156 168 6174 2312 768 296
50 3418 1281 421 159 170 6210 2326 773 298
52 3484 1305 430 162 172 6245 2339 777 300
54 3549 1330 438 165 174 6281 2352 782 302
56 3612 1353 446 169 176 6316 2365 786 303
58 3675 1377 454 172 178 6351 2378 791 305
60 3736 1400 461 175 180 6385 2391 795 307
62 3796 1422 469 178 182 6420 2404 799 309
64 3855 1444 476 181 184 6454 2417 804 310
66 3914 1466 484 183 186 6488 2430 808 312
68 3971 1488 491 186 188 6522 2443 812 314
70 4028 1509 498 189 190 2455 817 316
72 4083 1530 505 192 192 2468 821 317
74 4138 1550 512 195 194 2480 825 319
76 4193 1571 519 197 196 2493 829 321
78 4246 1591 525 200 198 2505 834 322
80 4299 1610 532 202 200 2518 838 324
82 4351 1630 539 205 202 2530 842 326
84 4402 1649 545 208 204 2542 846 327
86 4453 1668 551 210 206 2554 850 329
88 4503 1687 558 213 208 2566 854 331
90 4553 1706 564 215 210 2578 858 332
92 4602 1724 570 218 212 2590 862 334
94 4651 1742 576 220 214 2602 866 335
96 4699 1760 582 222 216 2614 870 337
98 4746 1778 588 225 218 2626 874 339
100 4793 1796 594 227 220 2637 878 340
102 4840 1813 600 229 222 2649 882 342
104 4886 1830 606 232 224 2661 886 343
106 4932 1847 612 234 226 2672 890 345
108 4977 1864 617 236 228 2684 894 347
110 5021 1881 623 238 230 2695 898 348
112 5066 1898 629 241 232 2707 902 350
114 5110 1914 634 243 234 2718 906 351
116 5153 1930 640 245 236 2729 909 353
118 5196 1946 645 247 238 2740 913 354
120 5239 1962 650 249 240 2752 917 356
65
Model 3 (110V) Flow (cfm) Flow (cfm)

Fan Open Fan Open
242 2763 921 357 372 3407 1139 446
244 2774 924 359 374 3416 1142 447
246 2785 928 360 376 3425 1145 448
248 2796 932 362 378 3434 1148 449
250 2807 936 363 380 3443 1151 450
252 2818 939 365 382 3452 1154 452
254 2829 943 366 384 3460 1157 453
256 2840 947 368 386 3469 1160 454
258 2850 950 369 388 3478 1163 455
260 2861 954 371 390 3487 1166 457
262 2872 958 372 392 3495 1169 458
264 2883 961 374 394 3504 1172 459
266 2893 965 375 396 3513 1175 460
268 2904 968 377 398 3521 1178 461
270 2914 972 378 400 3530 1181 462
272 2925 976 379 402 3538 1184 464
274 2935 979 381 404 3547 1187 465
276 2946 983 382 406 3556 1190 466
278 2956 986 384 408 3564 1193 467
280 2966 990 385 410 3573 1196 468
282 2977 993 387 412 3581 1198 470
284 2987 997 388 414 3590 1201 471
286 2997 1000 389 416 3598 1204 472
288 3007 1004 391 418 3606 1207 473
290 3018 1007 392 420 3615 1210 474
292 3028 1011 394 422 3623 1213 475
294 3038 1014 395 424 3632 1216 477
296 3048 1017 396 426 3640 1218 478
298 3058 1021 398 428 3648 1221 479
300 3068 1024 399 430 3657 1224 480
302 3078 1028 400 432 3665 1227 481
304 3088 1031 402 434 3673 1230 482
306 3098 1034 403 436 3681 1233 483
308 3108 1038 404 438 3690 1235 485
310 3117 1041 406 440 3698 1238 486
312 3127 1044 407 442 3706 1241 487
314 3137 1048 408 444 3714 1244 488
316 3147 1051 410 446 3722 1246 489
318 3156 1054 411 448 3730 1249 490
320 3166 1057 412 450 3739 1252 491
322 3176 1061 414 452 3747 1255 492
324 3185 1064 415 454 3755 1258 494
326 3195 1067 416 456 3763 1260 495
328 3204 1070 418 458 3771 1263 496
330 3214 1074 419 460 3779 1266 497
332 3223 1077 420 462 3787 1268 498
334 3233 1080 422 464 3795 1271 499
336 3242 1083 423 466 3803 1274 500
338 3252 1086 424 468 3811 1277 501
340 3261 1090 425 470 3819 1279 502
342 3270 1093 427 472 3827 1282 503
344 3280 1096 428 474 3834 1285 505
346 3289 1099 429 476 3842 1287 506
348 3298 1102 431 478 3850 1290 507
350 3307 1105 432 480 3858 1293 508
352 3317 1109 433 482 3866 1295 509
354 3326 1112 434 484 3874 1298 510
356 3335 1115 436 486 3882 1301 511
358 3344 1118 437 488 3889 1303 512
360 3353 1121 438 490 3897 1306 513
362 3362 1124 439 492 3905 1309 514
364 3371 1127 441 494 3913 1311 515
366 3380 1130 442 496 3920 1314 516
368 3389 1133 443 498 3928 1317 518
370 3398 1136 444 500 3936 1319 519
66
Model 3 (230V)
Fan Open Fan Open
122 5297 1991 653 246
124 5340 2007 659 248
126 5382 2022 664 250
128 5424 2038 669 252
130 5466 2053 674 255
132 5507 2069 679 257
134 5548 2084 684 259
136 5588 2099 689 261
138 5628 2114 694 263
140 5668 2129 699 264
142 5708 2144 704 266
144 5747 2159 709 268
26 2477 935 304 111 146 5787 2173 714 270
28 2569 969 315 115 148 5825 2188 719 272
30 2657 1003 326 119 150 5864 2202 724 274
32 2743 1035 336 123 152 5902 2217 729 276
34 2826 1066 347 127 154 5940 2231 733 278
36 2907 1096 357 131 156 5978 2245 738 280
38 2985 1125 366 135 158 6016 2259 743 282
40 3061 1154 376 138 160 6053 2273 747 283
42 3136 1182 385 142 162 6090 2287 752 285
44 3208 1209 394 145 164 6127 2300 756 287
46 3279 1236 403 149 166 6164 2314 761 289
48 3348 1262 411 152 168 6200 2328 766 291
50 3416 1287 420 155 170 6236 2341 770 292
52 3483 1312 428 158 172 6272 2355 775 294
54 3548 1336 436 161 174 6308 2368 779 296
56 3612 1360 444 165 176 6344 2381 783 298
58 3675 1384 452 168 178 6379 2394 788 299
60 3737 1407 459 171 180 6414 2408 792 301
62 3797 1430 467 173 182 6449 2421 797 303
64 3857 1452 474 176 184 6484 2434 801 305
66 3916 1474 482 179 186 6518 2447 805 306
68 3974 1496 489 182 188 6553 2459 809 308
70 4031 1517 496 185 190 2472 814 310
72 4087 1538 503 187 192 2485 818 311
74 4143 1559 510 190 194 2497 822 313
76 4197 1579 517 193 196 2510 826 315
78 4251 1600 523 195 198 2522 831 316
80 4305 1620 530 198 200 2535 835 318
82 4357 1639 536 200 202 2547 839 320
84 4409 1659 543 203 204 2560 843 321
86 4460 1678 549 205 206 2572 847 323
88 4511 1697 556 208 208 2584 851 325
90 4561 1716 562 210 210 2596 855 326
92 4611 1734 568 213 212 2608 859 328
94 4660 1752 574 215 214 2620 863 329
96 4708 1771 580 218 216 2632 867 331
98 4756 1789 586 220 218 2644 871 333
100 4804 1806 592 222 220 2656 875 334
102 4851 1824 598 224 222 2668 879 336
104 4897 1841 604 227 224 2679 883 337
106 4944 1858 609 229 226 2691 887 339
108 4989 1876 615 231 228 2703 891 340
110 5034 1892 621 233 230 2714 895 342
112 5079 1909 626 236 232 2726 898 344
114 5124 1926 632 238 234 2737 902 345
116 5168 1942 637 240 236 2749 906 347
118 5211 1959 643 242 238 2760 910 348
120 5255 1975 648 244 240 2771 914 350
67

Fan Open Fan Open
242 2782 917 351 372 3433 1135 439
244 2794 921 353 374 3442 1138 440
246 2805 925 354 376 3451 1141 441
248 2816 929 356 378 3460 1144 442
250 2827 932 357 380 3469 1147 444
252 2838 936 359 382 3478 1150 445
254 2849 940 360 384 3487 1153 446
256 2860 943 361 386 3496 1156 447
258 2871 947 363 388 3505 1159 448
260 2882 951 364 390 3514 1162 450
262 2893 954 366 392 3522 1165 451
264 2903 958 367 394 3531 1168 452
266 2914 961 369 396 3540 1171 453
268 2925 965 370 398 3549 1174 454
270 2935 969 372 400 3557 1177 455
272 2946 972 373 402 3566 1180 457
274 2957 976 374 404 3575 1183 458
276 2967 979 376 406 3583 1186 459
278 2978 983 377 408 3592 1189 460
280 2988 986 379 410 3601 1192 461
282 2999 990 380 412 3609 1194 462
284 3009 993 381 414 3618 1197 464
286 3019 997 383 416 3626 1200 465
288 3030 1000 384 418 3635 1203 466
290 3040 1004 386 420 3643 1206 467
292 3050 1007 387 422 3652 1209 468
294 3060 1010 388 424 3660 1212 469
296 3070 1014 390 426 3669 1214 471
298 3081 1017 391 428 3677 1217 472
300 3091 1021 392 430 3685 1220 473
302 3101 1024 394 432 3694 1223 474
304 3111 1027 395 434 3702 1226 475
306 3121 1031 396 436 3710 1228 476
308 3131 1034 398 438 3719 1231 477
310 3141 1037 399 440 3727 1234 479
312 3150 1041 400 442 3735 1237 480
314 3160 1044 402 444 3744 1240 481
316 3170 1047 403 446 3752 1242 482
318 3180 1050 404 448 3760 1245 483
320 3190 1054 406 450 3768 1248 484
322 3199 1057 407 452 3776 1251 485
324 3209 1060 408 454 3785 1253 486
326 3219 1063 410 456 3793 1256 487
328 3228 1067 411 458 3801 1259 489
330 3238 1070 412 460 3809 1261 490
332 3248 1073 414 462 3817 1264 491
334 3257 1076 415 464 3825 1267 492
336 3267 1080 416 466 3833 1270 493
338 3276 1083 417 468 3841 1272 494
340 3286 1086 419 470 3849 1275 495
342 3295 1089 420 472 3857 1278 496
344 3305 1092 421 474 3865 1280 497
346 3314 1095 423 476 3873 1283 498
348 3323 1098 424 478 3881 1286 499
350 3333 1102 425 480 3889 1288 501
352 3342 1105 426 482 3897 1291 502
354 3351 1108 428 484 3905 1294 503
356 3360 1111 429 486 3913 1296 504
358 3370 1114 430 488 3921 1299 505
360 3379 1117 431 490 3928 1302 506
362 3388 1120 433 492 3936 1304 507
364 3397 1123 434 494 3944 1307 508
366 3406 1126 435 496 3952 1309 509
368 3415 1129 436 498 3960 1312 510
370 3424 1132 437 500 3967 1315 511
68
Model 4 (230V)
Fan Open Fan Open
122 4504 1736 523 135
124 4540 1750 527 136
126 4575 1764 531 138
128 4610 1777 536 139
130 4645 1791 540 140
132 4680 1805 544 141
134 4714 1818 548 142
16 47 136 4748 1832 552 143
18 50 138 4782 1845 556 144
20 213 53 140 4815 1858 560 145
22 223 56 142 4848 1871 564 146
24 233 58 144 4881 1884 568 147
26 2129 807 243 61 146 4914 1897 572 148
28 2207 837 252 63 148 4947 1910 576 149
30 2282 866 261 66 150 4979 1923 580 150
32 2354 895 269 68 152 5011 1935 583 152
34 2425 922 277 70 154 5043 1948 587 153
36 2493 948 285 72 156 5075 1960 591 154
38 2559 974 293 74 158 5106 1973 595 155
40 2623 999 301 76 160 5137 1985 598 156
42 2686 1024 308 78 162 5168 1997 602 157
44 2747 1047 315 80 164 5199 2009 606 158
46 2807 1071 322 82 166 5230 2022 609 159
48 2866 1094 329 84 168 5260 2034 613 160
50 2923 1116 336 85 170 5290 2046 617 161
52 2979 1138 342 87 172 5320 2057 620 161
54 3034 1159 349 89 174 5350 2069 624 162
56 3088 1180 355 91 176 5380 2081 627 163
58 3141 1201 361 92 178 5410 2093 631 164
60 3193 1221 368 94 180 5439 2104 634 165
62 3244 1241 374 95 182 5468 2116 638 166
64 3295 1261 380 97 184 5497 2127 641 167
66 3344 1280 385 99 186 5526 2139 645 168
68 3393 1299 391 100 188 5555 2150 648 169
70 3441 1318 397 102 190 2161 652 170
72 3488 1337 402 103 192 2173 655 171
74 3535 1355 408 105 194 2184 659 172
76 3581 1373 413 106 196 2195 662 173
78 3626 1391 419 107 198 2206 665 174
80 3671 1408 424 109 200 2217 669 175
82 3715 1426 429 110 202 2228 672 175
84 3759 1443 434 112 204 2239 675 176
86 3802 1460 440 113 206 2250 678 177
88 3845 1476 445 114 208 2260 682 178
90 3887 1493 450 116 210 2271 685 179
92 3928 1509 455 117 212 2282 688 180
94 3970 1525 459 118 214 2292 691 181
96 4010 1541 464 120 216 2303 695 182
98 4051 1557 469 121 218 2314 698 182
100 4090 1573 474 122 220 2324 701 183
102 4130 1588 478 123 222 2335 704 184
104 4169 1604 483 125 224 2345 707 185
106 4208 1619 488 126 226 2355 710 186
108 4246 1634 492 127 228 2366 714 187
110 4284 1649 497 128 230 2376 717 188
112 4321 1664 501 129 232 2386 720 188
114 4359 1678 506 131 234 2396 723 189
116 4396 1693 510 132 236 2406 726 190
118 4432 1707 514 133 238 2416 729 191
120 4468 1721 519 134 240 2426 732 192
69

Fan Open Fan Open
Pressure Fan Ring A Ring B Ring C Pressure Fan Ring A Ring B Ring C
242 2436 735 193 372 3015 910 240
244 2446 738 193 374 3023 912 241
246 2456 741 194 376 3031 915 242
248 2466 744 195 378 3039 917 242
250 2476 747 196 380 3046 920 243
252 2486 750 197 382 3054 922 244
254 2496 753 197 384 3062 924 244
256 2505 756 198 386 3070 927 245
258 2515 759 199 388 3078 929 246
260 2525 762 200 390 3086 932 246
262 2534 765 201 392 3094 934 247
264 2544 767 201 394 3102 936 248
266 2553 770 202 396 3109 939 248
268 2563 773 203 398 3117 941 249
270 2572 776 204 400 3125 943 250
272 2582 779 205 402 3133 946 250
274 2591 782 205 404 3140 948 251
276 2600 785 206 406 3148 950 251
278 2610 787 207 408 3156 953 252
280 2619 790 208 410 3163 955 253
282 2628 793 208 412 3171 957 253
284 2637 796 209 414 3179 960 254
286 2647 799 210 416 3186 962 255
288 2656 801 211 418 3194 964 255
290 2665 804 211 420 3201 967 256
292 2674 807 212 422 3209 969 257
294 2683 810 213 424 3216 971 257
296 2692 812 214 426 3224 973 258
298 2701 815 214 428 3231 976 258
300 2710 818 215 430 3239 978 259
302 2719 820 216 432 3246 980 260
304 2728 823 217 434 3254 982 260
306 2737 826 217 436 3261 985 261
308 2745 829 218 438 3268 987 262
310 2754 831 219 440 3276 989 262
312 2763 834 220 442 3283 991 263
314 2772 836 220 444 3291 994 263
316 2781 839 221 446 3298 996 264
318 2789 842 222 448 3305 998 265
320 2798 844 222 450 3313 1000 265
322 2807 847 223 452 3320 1002 266
324 2815 850 224 454 3327 1005 266
326 2824 852 225 456 3334 1007 267
328 2832 855 225 458 3342 1009 268
330 2841 857 226 460 3349 1011 268
332 2849 860 227 462 3356 1013 269
334 2858 863 227 464 3363 1016 269
336 2866 865 228 466 3370 1018 270
338 2875 868 229 468 3377 1020 271
340 2883 870 230 470 3385 1022 271
342 2892 873 230 472 3392 1024 272
344 2900 875 231 474 3399 1026 272
346 2908 878 232 476 3406 1029 273
348 2917 880 232 478 3413 1031 274
350 2925 883 233 480 3420 1033 274
352 2933 885 234 482 3427 1035 275
354 2941 888 234 484 3434 1037 275
356 2950 890 235 486 3441 1039 276
358 2958 893 236 488 3448 1041 277
360 2966 895 236 490 3455 1043 277
362 2974 898 237 492 3462 1046 278
364 2982 900 238 494 3469 1048 278
366 2990 903 238 496 3476 1050 279
368 2998 905 239 498 3483 1052 279
370 3006 908 240 500 3490 1054 280
70
Appendix C Using Flow Rings C, D and E
C.1 Using Ring C

Ring C is used with the Model 3 Minneapolis Blower Door system
to measure fan flows between 300 and 85 cfm, and between 260
and 50 cfm with the Model 4 system . Flows in this range are
typically measured in very tightly constructed new houses, or in
airitight rooms (e.g. computer rooms).
C.1.a Installation:
To install Ring C, place Ring C in the center of Ring B and rotate
the 6 fastener clips attached to Ring B so that they rotate over the
edge of Ring C and secure it in place.
C.1.b Calibration Parameters for Ring C (Updated January 2007):
Model 3 (110V): Flow (cfm) = 21.37 x (Fan Pressure in Pa).5132

A flow conversion table for Ring C can be found in Appendix B.
C.2 Using Rings D and E

Rings D and E have been designed to measure very low air flows with Model 3 and 4 Minneapolis Blower Door
systems. Ring D has a flow range between 125 and 30 cfm. Ring E has a flow range between 50 and 11 cfm.
C.2.a Installation:
Ring D
Ring D attaches directly to the center of Ring B and is secured

by the 6 rotating fastener clips found on Ring B. Install Ring D
so that the letter D is in the 12 oclock position.
71
Ring E
Ring E attaches directly to the center of Ring D and is secured by the

3 rotating fastener clips found on Ring D. Install Ring E so that the
letter "E" is in the "12 o'clock" position.
C.2.b Measuring Fan Flow with Rings D and E:

When using either Rings D or E, it is necessary to measure fan
pressure by using the pressure tap mounted directly on Ring D,
rather than the pressure tap located on the top of the
fan.
C.2.c Calibration Parameters for Rings D and E (Updated January 2007):
Ring D: Model 3 (110V): Flow (CFM) = 7.216 x (Fan Pressure in Pa) .4942
Model 3 (230V): Flow (CFM) = 6.870 x (Fan Pressure in Pa) .5022
Ring E: Model 3 (110V): Flow (CFM) = 2.726 x (Fan Pressure in Pa) .5267
A flow conversion table for Rings D and E is presented below:
Note: If you are using Rings C, D or E with an older set of Flow Rings that have 3 fastening washers instead of
the 6 rotating fastener clips, you should temporarily tape the following locations to prevent air leakage between
the Rings.
the outer edge between Ring A and the fan housing.

the edge (joint) between Ring B and Ring A.
the edge (joint) between Ring C and Ring B.
the edge (joint) between Ring D and Ring B.
72
Flow Conversion Table for Rings D and E (Model 3 (110V))

Fan Fan
Pressure Low-Flow Low-Flow Pressure Low-Flow Low-Flow
(Pa) Ring D Ring E (Pa) Ring D Ring E
15 28 11 105 72 32
20 32 13 110 74 32
25 35 15 115 75 33
30 39 16 120 77 34
35 42 18 125 78 35
40 45 19 130 80 35
45 47 20 135 81 36
50 50 21 140 83 37
55 52 22 145 84 37
60 55 24 150 86 38
65 57 25 155 87 39
70 59 26 160 89 39
75 61 26 165 90 40
80 63 27 170 91 41
85 65 28 175 93 41
90 67 29 180 94 42
95 68 30 185 95 43
100 70 31 190 96 43

Fan Fan
Pressure Low-Flow Low-Flow Pressure Low-Flow Low-Flow
(Pa) Ring D Ring E (Pa) Ring D Ring E
195 98 44 300 121 55
200 99 44 305 122 55
205 100 45 310 123 56
210 101 46 315 124 56
215 103 46 320 125 57
220 104 47
225 105 47
230 106 48
235 107 48
240 108 49
245 109 49
250 110 50
255 112 50
260 113 51
265 114 52
270 115 52
275 116 53
280 117 53
290 119 54
295 120 54
73
Appendix D Sample Test Forms
Appendix D Sample Test Forms
74
Example Completed Form Building Airtightness Test Form
Customer Information: Building and Test Conditions:

Name: Tom Jones
Date: Jan 1, 2000
Address: 2345 First ave.
Time: 1:00 PM
City: Minneapolis
Indoor Temperature (F): 70
State/Zip: MN, 55444
Outdoor Temperature (F): 20
Phone: 612-566-6000
Volume (ft3): 22000
Email: tjones@wildworld.com
Floor Area (ft2): 2800
Surface Area (ft2): 3000
Building Address: (if different from above) # Bedrooms: 4
Street:
# Occupants: 4
City/State:
Wind Shielding: Moderate
Comments:
Owner complains of condensation on windows.
Crawlspace is wet.
2 smokers in the house.
Downspouts dump directly at the base of the house.
Test #1 Depress x Press ______ Test #2 Depress ______ Press ______
Pre-test Baseline Pressure: 0 (Pa) Mag Gauges Pre-test Baseline Pressure: ______ (Pa)
Bdlg Press. Flow Ring Fan Press Flow Bdlg Press. Flow Ring Fan Press Flow
(Pa) Installed (Pa) (cfm) (Pa) Installed (Pa) (cfm)
-55 Open 73 4091
-50 Open 65 3862
-44 Open 56 3588
-38 Open 45 3220
-30 Open 33 2762
-26 Open 26 2455
-15 Ring A 100 1764
Post-test Baseline Pressure: N/A (Pa) Post-test Baseline Pressure: ______ (Pa)
Fan Model/SN: Model 3 S/N 8331 Fan Model/SN: ___________________________________
Results: (from TECTITE Program) Results:
CFM50: 3674 CFM50:
ACH50: 10.0 ACH50:
CFM50/ft2: 1.3 CFM50/ft2:
Mpls Leakage Ratio: 1.2 Mpls Leakage Ratio:
75
Example Blank Form Building Airtightness Test Form
Customer Information: Building and Test Conditions:

Name:
Date:
Address:
Time:
City:
Indoor Temperature (F):
State/Zip:
Outdoor Temperature (F):
Phone:
Volume (ft3):
Email:
Floor Area (ft2):
Surface Area (ft2):
Building Address: (if different from above) # Bedrooms:
# Occupants:
Street:
Wind Shielding:
City/State:
Comments:
Test #1 Depress ______ Press ______ Test #2 Depress ______ Press ______
Pre-test Baseline Pressure: ______ (Pa) Pre-test Baseline Pressure: ______ (Pa)
Bdlg Press. Flow Ring Fan Press Flow Bdlg Press. Flow Ring Fan Press Flow
(Pa) Installed (Pa) (cfm) (Pa) Installed (Pa) (cfm)
Post-test Baseline Pressure: ______ (Pa) Post-test Baseline Pressure: ______ (Pa)
Fan Model/SN: ___________________________________ Fan Model/SN: ___________________________________
Results: Results:
CFM50: CFM50:
ACH50: ACH50:
2
CFM50/ft : CFM50/ft2:
Mpls Leakage Ratio: Mpls Leakage Ratio:
76
Appendix E Home Energy Article
Appendix E Home Energy Article *
Infiltration: Just ACH50 Divided by 20?
by Alan Meier
Alan Meier is executive editor of Home Energy Magazine.
This Home Energy classic, originally printed in 1986, explains a simple way
to take one air infiltration measurement and determine a home's average air
infiltration rate.
Many researchers have sought to develop a correlation between a one-time

pressurization test and an annual infiltration rate. Translating blower
door measurements into an average infiltration rate has bedeviled the
retrofitter and researcher alike. The rate of air infiltration constantly
varies, yet the pressurization test is typically a single measurement.
Nevertheless, many researchers have sought to develop a correlation between
a one-time pressurization test and an annual infiltration rate.
ACH Divided by 20
In the late 1970s, a simple relation between a one-time pressurization test
and an average infiltration rate grew out of experimentation at Princeton
University. For a few years, the correlation remained "Princeton folklore"
because no real research supported the relationship. In 1982, J. Kronvall
and Andrew Persily compared pressurization tests to infiltration rates
measured with tracer-gas for groups of houses in New Jersey and Sweden.
They focused on pressurization tests at 50 Pascals because this pressure
was already used by the Swedes and Canadians in their building standards.
(This measurement is typically called "ACH50.") Other countries and groups
within the United States have also adopted ACH as a measure of house
tightness. Persily (now at the National Institute of Science and
Technology) obtained a reasonably good estimate of average infiltration
rates by dividing the air change rates at 50 Pascals by 20, that is:
average infiltration rate (ACH) = ACH50(1)

-----
20
In this formula, ACH50 denotes the hourly air change rate at a pressure
difference of 50 Pascals between inside and outside. Thus, for a house with
15 ACH at 50 Pascals (ACH50 = 15), one would predict an average air change
rate of (15/20 = ) 0.75 ACH.
This simple formula yields surprisingly reasonable average infiltration

estimates, even though it ignores many details of the infiltration process.
These "details" are described below:
* Printed by Permission of Home Energy Magazine.
77
Stack effect. Rising warm air induces a pressure difference, or "stack

effect," that causes exfiltration through the ceiling and infiltration
at (or below) ground level. The stack effect depends on both the outside
temperature and the height of the building. A colder outside temperature
will cause a stronger stack effect. Thus, given two identically tall
buildings, the one located in a cold climate will have more stack-
induced infiltration. A taller building will also have a larger stack
effect. Even though outside temperature and building height affect
average infiltration rates, neither is measured by the pressure test.
During the summer, stack effects disappear because the inside air is
usually cooler (especially when the air conditioner is operating). Wind-
induced pressure therefore becomes the dominant infiltration path.
Windiness and wind shielding. Wind is usually the major driving force in
infiltration, so it is only reasonable to expect higher infiltration
rates in windy areas. Thus, given two identical buildings, the one
located in a windy location will have more wind-induced infiltration.
Nevertheless, a correlation such as ACH50/20 does not include any
adjustment for windiness at the house's location. Trees, shrubs,
neighboring houses, and other materials also shield a house from the
wind's full force. Since a brisk wind can easily develop 10 Pascals on a
windward wall, the extent of shielding can significantly influence total
infiltration. A pressurization test does not directly measure the extent
of shielding (although a house with good shielding may yield more
accurate measurements since it is less affected by wind).
Type of leaks. The leakage behavior of a hole in the building envelope

varies with the shape of the hole. A long thin crack, for example,
responds less to variations in air pressure than a round hole does. The
pressure/air change curve (determined with a calibrated blower door)
often gives clues to the types of leaks in a house.
A person conducting pressurization tests on a particular house can collect
considerable information about these details. For example, it is easy to
measure a house's height and estimate the wind exposure. The kinds of
cracks can often be judged through careful inspection of the building
construction. Climate data, including windiness and temperature, can be
obtained from local weather stations. Ideally, this additional information
should be applied to the formula in order to get a correlation factor more
accurate for that house. Unfortunately, the formula was developed from data
in just a few houses in New Jersey and Sweden, and it cannot be easily
adjusted to other locations and circumstances. Should a retrofitter in
Texas also use ACH50/20, or is dividing by 15 more appropriate for the
Texas climate and house construction types?
The LBL Infiltration Model

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory developed a model to convert a
series of fan pressurization measurements into an "equivalent leakage
area." (See HE, "Blower Doors: Infiltration Is Where the Action Is,"
Mar/Apr. '86, p.6. and the ASHRAE Book of Fundamentals chapter on
ventilation and infiltration.) The equivalent leakage area roughly
corresponds to the combined area of all the house's leaks.
78
A second formula converts the equivalent leakage area into an average

infiltration rate in air changes per hour. This formula combines the
physical principles causing infiltration with a few subjective estimates of
building characteristics, to create relatively robust estimates of
infiltration. ASHRAE has approved the technique and describes the formulae
in ASHRAE Fundamentals. The LBL infiltration model is now the most commonly
accepted procedure for estimating infiltration rates.
Max Sherman at LBL used this model to derive the theoretical correlation
between pressure tests at 50 Pascals and annual average infiltration
rates.1 His major contribution was to create a climate factor to reflect
the influence of outside temperature (which determines the stack effect)
and windiness. Sherman estimated the climate factor using climate data for
North America and plotted it (see Figure 1). Since the factor reflects both
temperature and seasonal windiness, a cold, calm location could have the
same climate factor as a warm, windy location. The map also reflects summer
infiltration characteristics. Note how Texas and Vermont have the same
climate factors.
Sherman found that the correlation factor in the revised formula could be
expressed as the product of several factors:
correlation factor, N = C * H * S * L (2)
where:
C = climate factor, a function of annual temperatures and wind (see

Figure 1)
H = height correction factor (see Table 1)
S = wind shielding correction factor (see Table 2)
L = leakiness correction factor (see Table 3)
Values for each of the factors can be selected by consulting Figure 1 and
Tables 1-3. An estimate of the average annual infiltration rate is thus
given by
average air changes per hour =

ACH50 (3)
-----
N
This formula provides a more customized "rule-of-thumb" than the original
ACH50/20 , when additional information about the house is available.
An Example
The application of the climate correction is best shown in an example.
Suppose you are pressure testing a new, low-energy house in Rapid City,
South Dakota. It is a two-story house, on an exposed site, with no
surrounding vegetation or nearby houses to protect it from the wind.
79
1. At 50 Pascals, you determine that the ACH50 is 14.

2. You consult Figure 1, and determine that the house has a climate factor,
"C," of 14-17. Since Rapid City is near a higher contour line, select
17.
3. The house is two stories tall, so the appropriate height correction
factor, "H" (from Table 1), is 0.8.
4. The house is very exposed to wind, and there are no neighboring houses
or nearby trees and shrubs. The appropriate wind shielding correction
factor, "S" (from Table 2), is 0.9.
5. The house is new, and presumably well-built. The appropriate leakiness
factor, "L" (from Table 3), is 1.4.
6. Calculate N:
N = 17 * 0.8 * 0.9 * 1.4
= 17
Calculate the average annual infiltration rate:
ACH = ACH50
-----
17
= 14
--
17
= 0.82
The difference in this case (between dividing by 20 and 17) is not great--
only 17%--but it demonstrates how the building conditions and location can
affect the interpretation of pressurization tests.
Sherman compared his results to those reported by Persily. Sherman noted

that he obtained a correlation factor (N) of about 20 for a typical house
in the New Jersey area. Thus, Sherman's theoretically derived correlation
factor yields results similar to Persily's empirically derived correlation
factor.
The range of adjustment can be quite large. In extreme cases, the

correlation factor, N, can be as small as 6, and as large as 40. In other
words, the ACH50/20 rule of thumb could overestimate infiltration by a
factor of two, or underestimate it by a factor of about three.
This formula is still only a theory; it has not been validated with field
measurements. Moreover, there is considerable controversy regarding the
physical interpretation of the climate factor. For example, the formula
yields a year-round average infiltration rate, rather than just for the
heating season. Such a result is useful for houses with both space heating
and cooling, but it may be misleading for some areas.
80
Recommendations
There is no simple way to accurately convert a single pressure-test of a
building to an average infiltration rate, because many building and
climate-dependent factors affect true infiltration. Long-term tracer gas
measurements are the only reliable way to obtain average infiltration
rates. However, tracer gas measurements are impractical for retrofitters,
and even most conservation researchers. A simplified rule of thumb to let
the retrofitter quickly translate a pressure-test to an infiltration rate
is clearly attractive.
Persily and Kronvall developed a crude conversion technique, ACH50/20, that

provides reasonable results. On the other hand, it was impossible to
customize the relationship of ACH50/20 to local conditions. What are the
components of the magic number, 20?
Now Sherman has created a similar conversion factor that can be modified to
reflect local building and climate conditions. This correlation factor
accounts for windiness, climate, stack effect, and construction quality.
Some judgement is needed to select the appropriate correction factors, but
the blower-door user can now understand the quantitative impact of local
conditions on infiltration. For example, a three-story house will have
significantly more infiltration than a ranch house--even though the
pressure tests are identical--due to a greater stack effect. (Clearly an
infiltration standard should take these factors into account.)
Of course, Sherman's correlation factor still cannot account for occupant

behavior or perversities in the building's construction. Nor is it a
substitute for tracer-gas measurements. Field measurements must also be
conducted to validate the formula. Still, it puts a scientific foundation
behind what was previously an empirically derived relationship. It is a
modest step forward in the efficient and accurate use of the blower door.
Table 1. Height Correction Factor

Select the most appropriate value and insert in Equation 2.
Number of stories 1 1.5 2 3
Correction factor "H" 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7
Table 2. Wind Shielding Correction Factor

Extent of shielding well-shielded normal exposed
Correction factor "S" 1.2 1.0 0.9
Table 3. Leakiness Correction Factor

small cracks large holes
Type of holes (tight) normal (loose)
Correction factor "L" 1.4 1.0 0.7
81
Figure 1: LEAKAGE/INFILTRATION RATIO
Climate correction factor, "C," for calculating average infiltration rates

in North America. Note that the climate correction factor depends on both
average temperatures and windiness. It also includes possible air
infiltration during the cooling season. For these reasons, locations in
greatly dissimilar climates, such as Texas and Vermont, can have equal
factors. Select the value nearest to the house's location and insert it in
Equation 2. This map is based on data from 250 weather stations.
82
Appendix F Calculating a Design Air Infiltration Rate
The following procedure can be used to calculate a design air infiltration rate for a house from a single or multi-
point blower door airtightness test. Calculated design air infiltration rates can be used in ACCA Manual J load
calculations in lieu of the estimation procedures listed in Manual J. The calculation procedure presented below
is based on the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL) infiltration model. More information on this procedure
can be found in the 2009 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, Section 27.21.
Note: This calculation procedure is contained in the TECTITE test analysis software.
Determine the 4 Pascal Effective Leakage Area (ELA) of the house in square inches from the Blower Door
test data. This can be done in 2 ways:
1. Perform a multi-point Blower Door test of the house and determine the ELA using the TECTITE
software, or
2. Perform a single-point 50 Pa Blower Door test to determine house CFM50. Multiply CFM50 by 0.055
to estimate the ELA of the house in square inches. This procedure assumes the "House Leakage Curve"
has a slope (or "N" value) of 0.65. Research has shown that N = 0.65 is a reasonable assumption for a
large sample of houses.
Determine the Stack Coefficient (A) and the Wind Coefficient (B) for the house from the Tables below:
Stack Coefficient (A)

House Height (Stories)
One Two Three
0.0150 0.0299 0.0449
Wind Coefficient (B)
Shielding Class House Height (Stories)

One Two Three
1 0.0119 0.0157 0.0184
2 0.0092 0.0121 0.0143
3 0.0065 0.0086 0.0101
4 0.0039 0.0051 0.0060
5 0.0012 0.0016 0.0018
Shielding Class Description

1. No obstructions or local shielding.
2. Light local shielding, few obstructions, a few trees or small shed.
3. Moderate local shielding; some obstructions within two house heights, thick hedge, solid
fence or one neighboring house.
4. Heavy shielding; obstructions around most of perimeter, building or trees within 30 feet
in most directions; typical suburban shielding.
5. Very heavy shielding; large obstructions surrounding perimeter within two house heights;
typical downtown shielding.
83
Determine the air flow rate due to infiltration from the following equation:
Q = L x ((A x T) + (B x V2))1/2
where:
Q = airflow rate in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
L = Effective Leakage Area (ELA) in square inches.
A = Stack Coefficient.
T = Design indoor-outdoor temperature difference (F).
B = Wind Coefficient.
V = Design wind speed (MPH - measured at a local weather station).
Frequency data for mean hourly wind speeds within the United States can be
found in a summarized printed pamphlet from the National Climatic Center
in Asheville, North Carolina, and from the Atmospheric Environment
Service in Downsview, Ontario for Canadian sites.
Convert airflow rate in CFM to Air Changes per Hour (ACH).
ACH = (Q x 60) / Volume of House in Cubic Feet
Example Calculation
Estimate the winter-time design infiltration rate for a 2 story, 30,000 cubic foot house in Minneapolis with
suburban wind shielding. Use a design wind speed of 20 MPH and a design temperature difference of 82
degrees F. A single-point Blower Door test of the house measured an airtightness rate of 2,350 CFM50.
Estimated ELA in square inches = 2,350 x 0.055 = 129.25
Q = 129.25 x ((0.0313 x 82) + (0.0051 x 202))1/2
= 277.4 CFM
ACH = (277.4 x 60) / 30,000 = 0.55 ACH
84
Appendix G References
Appendix G References
1. ASHRAE, 1989. ASHRAE Standard 62-1989, "Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality." American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.
2. ASTM, 1987. ASTM Standard E779-87, "Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan
Pressurization" American Society for Testing and Materials.
3. Canadian General Standards Board, 1986. "Determining of the Airtightness of Building Envelopes by the
Fan Depressurization Method" Standard CAN/CGSB-149.10-M86.
4. CMHC, 1988. "Chimney Safety Tests Users' Manual: Procedures for Determining the Safety of Residential
Chimneys." Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Information Centre, 700 Montreal Rd., Ottawa,
Ontario, Canada K1A-0P7 (613) 748-2000.
5. ASHRAE, 1988. ASHRAE Standard 119-1988, "Air Leakage Performance for Detached Single-Family
Residential Buildings." American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.
6. ASHRAE, 1993. ASHRAE Standard 136-1993. "A Method of Determining Air Change Rates in Detached
Dwellings." American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.
7. Cummings, James, Tooley, John and Moyer, Neil, 1991. "Investigation of Air Distribution System Leakage
and It's Impact in Central Florida Homes" Florida Solar Energy Center, January 1991.
8. Fitzgerald, Jim, Nelson, Gary and Shen, Lester, 1990. "Sidewall Insulation and Air Leakage Control" Home
Energy, January/February 1990. pp 13-20.
9. Meier, Alan, 1986. "Infiltration: Just ACH50 Divided By 20?" Energy Auditor and Retrofitter (now Home
Energy), July/August 1986. pp 16-19.
10. Moffatt, Sebastian, 1990. "Backdrafting Causes and Cures" Journal of Light Construction, 1990. pp. 27-29.
11. Palmiter, Larry, Brown, Ian and Bond, Tammi, 1990. "Infiltration and Ventilation in New Electrically
Heated Homes in the Pacific Northwest" Proceedings of the ACEEE 1990 Summer Study on Energy
Efficiency in Buildings, Volume 9. pp 9.241-9.252.
12. Shen, Lester, Nelson, Gary, Dutt, Gautam and Esposito, Bonnie, 1990. "Cost-Effective Weatherization in
Minnesota: The M200 Enhanced Low-Income Weatherization" Energy Exchange, August 1990. pp 13-18.
13. Tooley, John and Moyer, Neil, 1989. "Air Handler Fan: A Driving Force for Air Infiltration" Home
Energy, November/December 1989. pp 11-15.
14. Tooley, John and Moyer, Neil, 1989. "MAD-AIR" Residential Energy Forum (now Southern Comfort),
Summer 1989. pp 2-3, 9.
15. Tooley, John and Moyer, Neil, 1990. "Duct Busting" Southern Comfort, August 1990. pp 2-4, 5, 8.
16. Tooley, John, Moyer, Neil and Cummings, James, 1991. "Pressure Differential "The Measurement of a
New Decade"" Proceeding of the Ninth Annual International Energy Efficiency Building Conference,
Indianapolis, IN, March 91. pp A38-A52.
85
Appendix H Air Density Correction Factors
H.1 Air Density Correction Factors for Depressurization Testing
INSIDE TEMPERATURE (F)
50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90
-20 0.929 0.924 0.920 0.915 0.911 0.907 0.903 0.898 0.894
-15 0.934 0.930 0.925 0.921 0.916 0.912 0.908 0.904 0.899
-10 0.939 0.935 0.930 0.926 0.921 0.917 0.913 0.909 0.904
-5 0.945 0.940 0.935 0.931 0.927 0.922 0.918 0.914 0.909
0 0.950 0.945 0.941 0.936 0.932 0.927 0.923 0.919 0.914
5 0.955 0.950 0.946 0.941 0.937 0.932 0.928 0.924 0.919
10 0.960 0.955 0.951 0.946 0.942 0.937 0.933 0.929 0.924
15 0.965 0.960 0.956 0.951 0.947 0.942 0.938 0.934 0.929
20 0.970 0.965 0.961 0.956 0.952 0.947 0.943 0.938 0.934
25 0.975 0.970 0.966 0.961 0.957 0.952 0.948 0.943 0.939
30 0.980 0.975 0.971 0.966 0.962 0.957 0.953 0.948 0.944
35 0.985 0.980 0.976 0.971 0.966 0.962 0.957 0.953 0.949
OUTSIDE 40 0.990 0.985 0.981 0.976 0.971 0.967 0.962 0.958 0.953
TEMPERATURE 45 0.995 0.990 0.985 0.981 0.976 0.972 0.967 0.963 0.958
(F) 50 1.000 0.995 0.990 0.986 0.981 0.976 0.972 0.967 0.963
55 1.005 1.000 0.995 0.990 0.986 0.981 0.977 0.972 0.968
60 1.010 1.005 1.000 0.995 0.991 0.986 0.981 0.977 0.972
65 1.015 1.010 1.005 1.000 0.995 0.991 0.986 0.981 0.977
70 1.019 1.014 1.010 1.005 1.000 0.995 0.991 0.986 0.982
75 1.024 1.019 1.014 1.009 1.005 1.000 0.995 0.991 0.986
80 1.029 1.024 1.019 1.014 1.009 1.005 1.000 0.995 0.991
85 1.034 1.029 1.024 1.019 1.014 1.009 1.005 1.000 0.995
90 1.038 1.033 1.028 1.024 1.019 1.014 1.009 1.005 1.000
95 1.043 1.038 1.033 1.028 1.023 1.019 1.014 1.009 1.005
100 1.048 1.043 1.038 1.033 1.028 1.023 1.018 1.014 1.009
105 1.053 1.047 1.042 1.037 1.033 1.028 1.023 1.018 1.014
110 1.057 1.052 1.047 1.042 1.037 1.032 1.027 1.023 1.018
To use the air density correction factor, multiply the measured fan flow by the appropriate correction factor from
the Table above. For example, if the measured fan flow was 3,200 cfm, and during the test the inside
temperature was 70 F and the outside temperature was 40 F, the appropriate correction factor would be 0.971.
The density corrected fan flow is 3,200 x 0.971 = 3,107 cfm
86
H.2 Air Density Correction Factors for Pressurization Testing
INSIDE TEMPERATURE (F)
50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90
-20 1.077 1.082 1.087 1.092 1.098 1.103 1.108 1.113 1.118
-15 1.071 1.076 1.081 1.086 1.091 1.097 1.102 1.107 1.112
-10 1.065 1.070 1.075 1.080 1.085 1.090 1.096 1.101 1.106
-5 1.059 1.064 1.069 1.074 1.079 1.084 1.089 1.095 1.100
0 1.053 1.058 1.063 1.068 1.073 1.078 1.084 1.089 1.094
5 1.047 1.052 1.058 1.063 1.068 1.073 1.078 1.083 1.088
10 1.042 1.047 1.052 1.057 1.062 1.067 1.072 1.077 1.082
15 1.036 1.041 1.046 1.051 1.056 1.061 1.066 1.071 1.076
20 1.031 1.036 1.041 1.046 1.051 1.056 1.061 1.066 1.070
25 1.025 1.030 1.035 1.040 1.045 1.050 1.055 1.060 1.065
30 1.020 1.025 1.030 1.035 1.040 1.045 1.050 1.055 1.059
35 1.015 1.020 1.025 1.030 1.035 1.040 1.044 1.049 1.054
OUTSIDE 40 1.010 1.015 1.020 1.025 1.030 1.034 1.039 1.044 1.049
TEMPERATURE 45 1.005 1.010 1.015 1.020 1.024 1.029 1.034 1.039 1.044
(F) 50 1.000 1.005 1.010 1.015 1.019 1.024 1.029 1.034 1.038
55 0.995 1.000 1.005 1.010 1.014 1.019 1.024 1.029 1.033
60 0.990 0.995 1.000 1.005 1.010 1.014 1.019 1.024 1.028
65 0.986 0.990 0.995 1.000 1.005 1.009 1.014 1.019 1.024
70 0.981 0.986 0.991 0.995 1.000 1.005 1.009 1.014 1.019
75 0.976 0.981 0.986 0.991 0.995 1.000 1.005 1.009 1.014
80 0.972 0.977 0.981 0.986 0.991 0.995 1.000 1.005 1.009
85 0.967 0.972 0.977 0.981 0.986 0.991 0.995 1.000 1.005
90 0.963 0.968 0.972 0.977 0.982 0.986 0.991 0.995 1.000
95 0.959 0.963 0.968 0.973 0.977 0.982 0.986 0.991 0.995
100 0.954 0.959 0.964 0.968 0.973 0.977 0.982 0.987 0.991
105 0.950 0.955 0.959 0.964 0.969 0.973 0.978 0.982 0.987
110 0.946 0.951 0.955 0.960 0.964 0.969 0.973 0.978 0.982
To use the air density correction factor, multiply the measured fan flow by the appropriate correction factor from
the Table above. For example, if the measured fan flow was 3,200 cfm, and during the test the inside
temperature was 70 F and the outside temperature was 40 F, the appropriate correction factor would be 1.030.
The density corrected fan flow is 3,200 x 1.030 = 3,296 cfm.
87
Appendix I Cruise Control with the DG-700 Gauge

All new DG-700 gauges include a Cruise Control feature which allows you to automatically control the Blower
Door fan to maintain a constant 75 Pa, 50 Pa, 25 Pa or 0 Pa building pressure without having the gauge
connected to a computer. Common applications of the Cruise Control feature include:
Quickly measuring building airtightness using a one-point 50 Pa test.

Maintaining a constant 25 Pa building pressure while conducting a duct leakage to outside test with a
Duct Blaster system.
Pressure pan testing for evaluating leakage in forced air duct systems.
Maintaining a constant building pressure while locating and sealing air leaks.
Performing series leakage to quantify leakage rates between various zones within a building.
In order to use the Cruise Control feature you will need the following 3 items:
- A Cruise compatible DG-700 gauge. Your DG-700 is compatible

with Cruise Control if the CONFIG, CLEAR, START, and ENTER
keys have additional red lettering below the main black script.
- A Blower Door fan speed controller with a 3.5 mm communication
jack on the side of the controller box.
- A fan control cable to connect the DG-700 fan control jack to the
speed controller communication jack.
Fan Control
cable with
Blower Door
controller
Fan control jacks.
Fan control
cable with
Duct
Blaster
controller.
88
Cruise Overview
Cruise Control uses the DG-700s fan control feature to continuously adjust the (Blower Door) fan to maintain a
constant Cruise target pressure on Channel A of the gauge. Cruise Control can be used in the following gauge
Modes to maintain the listed target pressures:
Gauge Mode Cruise Target

Pressures Available
PR/ FL @50 50 Pa
PR/ FL @25 25 Pa
PR/ FL 75 Pa, 50 Pa, 25 Pa, +0, -0
PR/ PR 75 Pa, 50 Pa, 25 Pa, +0, -0
Before starting Cruise, the Blower Door and DG-700 should be completely set-up (including tubing
connections), the gauge should be in the Mode you wish to use, and the correct Device and Configuration
settings should be entered. If you wish to Cruise with a baseline pressure adjustment applied to Channel A,
simply use the Baseline feature first before beginning Cruise. You will also need to install the fan control cable
and turn the Blower Door speed control knob to the just on position:
- Model 3 Blower Door just on - from the off position, turn the controller knob clockwise only until
you feel the click and no farther - the fan will not be turning.
- Duct Blaster just on turn the controller knob all the way down (counter-clockwise) and flip the
on/off switch to ON the fan will not be turning.
Begin Cruise button: When you are ready to begin Cruise, press Begin Cruise to enter Cruise setup. A Cruise
target pressure will appear in the Channel A display and the Cruise icon will flash. The flashing Cruise icon
indicates that the gauge is ready to begin Cruising but is not yet controlling the fan. If you are in the PR/ FL or
PR/ PR modes, you may change the Cruise target pressure at this point by pressing the Cruise Target button.
Note: You can not change the Cruise target pressure when in the PR/ FL @50 and PR/ FL @25 modes.
Start Fan button: Press Start Fan to instruct the DG-700 to begin ramping up the fan to achieve the target
pressure on Channel A. The fan will slowly start increasing speed until the pressure reading on Channel A
matches the Cruise target pressure. The fan will simply run at full speed if the target pressure can not be
achieved. Whenever the DG-700 is calling for full fan speed, the gauge will emit a beeping sound.
Stop Fan button: Press Stop Fan to turn off the fan when you are done Cruising. When the fan is turned off by
pressing Stop Fan, the DG-700 returns to the Cruise setup state (i.e. the Cruise icon is flashing and a Cruise
target pressure is displayed on Channel A). You may re-start Cruise again by pressing Start Fan, or exit the
Cruise feature altogether by pressing the CLEAR button.
The fan will also be stopped while Cruising under the following circumstances:
- If Channel A registers a pressure of 100 Pa or more, the fan will automatically be shut down and the
gauge will revert back to the Cruise setup state.
- Pressing the HOLD button will shut down the fan and freeze the display. Pressing Start Fan from a
display freeze will re-start Cruise. Pressing the HOLD button a second time from a display freeze will
return the gauge to the Cruise setup state.
- The DG-700s auto-off feature will shut down the gauge and turn off the fan after 2 hours of run-time
(if no buttons are pressed during that time).
Cruising Zero (+0 and -0)
Cruising Zero is designed for specialized testing/research applications and will typically not be used by most
Blower Door technicians. Cruising Zero is useful if you want to control the Blower Door fan to remove an
existing pressure from a building or other enclosure. When using the fan to pressurize a space (that is currently
depressurized) use +0 as your Cruise target pressure. When using the fan to depressurize a space (that is
currently pressurized), use 0 as the Cruise target pressure.
89
Appendix J Blower Door System Specifications
Appendix J Blower Door System Specifications
Maximum Flow: (Model 3 Fan): 6,100 CFM (free air), 5,250 CFM (at 50 Pa).
(Model 4 Fan): 4,850 CFM (free air), 4,320 CFM (at 50 Pa).
Minimum Flow: 300 CFM (Ring B), 85 CFM (Ring C), 30 CFM (Ring D), 11 CFM (Ring E).
Flow Accuracy: +/- 3% with DG-500, DG-700 (+/- 4% or 1 CFM for Rings D & E).
Calibration: Meets ASTM Standard E779-10, E1554-07, CGSB-149.10-M86, RESNET 2012,

EN 13829, CIBSE TM23, ATTMA TS-1 and NFPA 2001.
Electrical Input: (Model 3 Fan): 100-130V/60Hz, 8.5A, 1Ph.

(Model 4 Fan): 220-240V/50Hz, 3.7A, 1Ph.
Fan Over-Current Protection Fuse (Model 4): 250VAC/5AF VDE,UL Approved.
Fan Motor Rating: 3/4 Hp, Class B Insulation, Thermally Protected.
Fan Control Jack Isolation Rating: VISO > 2500 VRMS.
Operational Environment: 0 to 48 degree C, 10-90% R.H. (non-condensing).
Dimensions: (Fan): 20 in. inlet diameter, 10.25 in. length.

(Frame): 28 in. to 40 in. width, 52 in. to 96 in. height (adjustable).
Weight: 33 lbs. (15 kg) with Rings A & B.
Options:
DG-700 Gauge Universal AC Adapter: 100-240V/50-60Hz Input, 12 VDC Output, Center "+", 12mm
Barrel Length, 3W Min. Output (International mains adapters
included).
90

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Minneapolis Blower Door

The Energy Conservatory

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ENERGY CONSERVATORY WARRANTY

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY:

CHAPTER 2 SYSTEM COMPONENTS 7

CHAPTER 3 INSTALLING THE BLOWER DOOR FOR DEPRESSURIZATION

CHAPTER 4 SETTING UP THE BUILDING FOR TESTING 19

CHAPTER 6 BASIC TEST RESULTS 30

CHAPTER 7 PRESSURIZATION TESTING 36

CHAPTER 8 FINDING AIR LEAKS 39

CHAPTER 9 TESTING FOR DUCT LEAKAGE AND PRESSURE

CHAPTER 10 COMBUSTION SAFETY TEST PROCEDURE 50

APPENDIX A CALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE 57

APPENDIX B FLOW CONVERSION TABLES 65

APPENDIX D SAMPLE TEST FORMS 74

APPENDIX E HOME ENERGY ARTICLE * 77

APPENDIX F CALCULATING A DESIGN AIR INFILTRATION RATE 83

APPENDIX H AIR DENSITY CORRECTION FACTORS 86

APPENDIX I CRUISE CONTROL WITH THE DG-700 GAUGE 88

APPENDIX J BLOWER DOOR SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS 90

1.1 What is a Blower Door?

Documenting the construction airtightness of buildings.

Figure 1: Blower Door Depressurization Test

Figure 2: Graph of Blower Door Test Data

Flow through the

Pressure difference between inside

1.2 Air Leakage Basics

1.2.a Stack Effect:

1.2.b Wind Pressure:

1.2.c Point Source Exhaust or Supply Devices:

1.2.d Duct Leakage to the Outside:

1.2.e Door Closure Coupled with Forced Air Duct Systems:

1.3 Common Air Leakage Sites

Figure 3: Common Air Leakage Sites

Figure 4: Hidden Construction Details

Figure 5: Leak from Attached Porch Figure 6: Common Kneewall Leak

Chapter 2 System Components

Model 3/110V System

Both the Model 3 and Model 4 Minneapolis Blower Door

1. Blower Door Fan

2.1 Blower Door Fan

Model 3 Fan with Rings A and B

2.1.a Determining Fan Flow and Using the Flow Rings:

To Install Flow Ring B, place Ring B in the center of Ring A and

In addition to Flow Rings A and B, the standard Minneapolis Blower

The No-Flow Plate and Rings A and B can be removed separately, or

Installation and use of optional Flow Rings C, D and E are discussed

2.2 Test Instrumentation (Pressure and Fan Flow Gauges)

2.2.a DG-700 and DG-3 Digital Pressure Gauges:

DG-700 Pressure Gauge DG-3 Pressure Gauge

2.2.b Automated Performance Testing System:

The APT system consists of the following components:

2.3 Fan Speed Controllers

Model 3 Speed Controller Model 4 Speed Controller

2.4 Adjustable Aluminum Door Frame

2.5 TECTITE Blower Door Test Software

2.5.a TECTITE Features:

Chapter 3 Installing the Blower Door for Depressurization

3.1 Door Frame and Panel Installation