High Performing Buildings - Spring 2009 - (Page 45) Airtightness Testing - Not Just for Homes Anymore Airtightness testing of homes has been around for more than 20 years. Various energy programs and uctuating energy bills have provided homeowners an incentive to improve the airtightness of their homes. Energy tax credits can also be received by the homeowner but only if the house airtightness has been veri ed that it is less leaky after remodeling than before. In England, airtightness testing of buildings over 10,000 square feet was the rst regulation initiated to reduce energy consumption. Efforts to make commercial buildings more energy ef cient in the U.S. has only recently been incorporated into various “green” initiatives. Tests of commercial buildings show that they tend to be more leaky than the average house, based on air leakage per square foot of surface area. That means that commercial buildings are less energy ef cient than the average house. To measure the actual airtightness of a large building means more air is needed to maintain a reasonable test pressure. The Energy Conservatory, a leader in airtightness testing, has kits available to directly measure more than 18,000 cubic feet per minute of air leakage. Multiple kits and fans can be used simultaneously to generate more air for accurate and reliable measurements of air leakage for testing before and after retro tting. For more information on multi-fan systems contact The Energy Conservatory at 612-827-1117 or visit our website at www.energyconservatory.com. DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS TO MEASURE BUILDING PERFORMANCE Minneapolis Blower Door™ The Leader in Airtightness Testing Blower Door tests are used to measure the airtightness level of building envelopes, diagnose and demonstrate air leakage problems, estimate natural infiltration rates, estimate efficiency losses from building air leakage, and certify construction integrity. For more than 20 years, the Minneapolis Blower DoorTM has been recognized as the best designed and supported building airtightness testing system in the world. Combined with new features such as Cruise without a computer, specialized accessories and complete testing procedures developed by The Energy Conservatory, the Minneapolis Blower Door is the system of choice for utility programs, energy raters, HVAC contractors, builders, insulation contractors and weatherization professionals. • Precision Engineered, Calibrated Fan • Accurate, Powerful 2 Channel Digital Pressure and Flow Gauge • Lightweight, Durable Aluminum Door Frame and Fabric Panel For more information about options, price and delivery, please call 612-827-1117. To view and download the product literature and complete owner’s manual visit our website at www.energyconservatory.com HPB.hotims.com/25005-9 spring 2009 HigH ENERGY CONSERVATORY The DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS TO MEASURE BUILDING PERFORMANCE Performing Buildings 45 http://www.energyconservatory.com http://www.energyconservatory.com http://www.energyconservatory.com http://HPB.hotims.com/25005-9
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