Air Tightness Testing

The current building regulations require mandatory air pressure testing for all new dwellings

Blower Door Kit

An Air tightness test measures the flow of air within a building. Air leakage is the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the fabric of a building. Improving air tightness in a dwelling can reduce air leakage.

The aim of air tightness is to "build tight, ventilate right". This means that there are no breaks or gaps in the envelope of the building fabric and there is complete control over the ventilation system within the building. Having an airtight property does not mean there is insufficient air flow, it means there is controlled air flow.

Air tightness testing highlights areas of heat loss. These areas are increasing your energy consumption and, with it, the amount of money your property is wasting. Air tightness and thermal imaging can locate these areas and therefore allow you to make the necessary changes to increase the energy efficiency of your home.

The only satisfactory way to measure air tightness is by using blower door test equipment.
"an air pressure test is mandatory for all new dwellings from the 1st of July 2008."
Air tightness testing highlights areas of heat loss from a building and consequently money wasted.
WEC have blower door testing equipment for residential or commercial properties.

Benefits of Air Pressure Tests in new and existing buildings

Air pressure tests can be used to increase the energy efficiency of existing dwelling.
Air leakage testing helps identify areas of a building experiencing heat loss.
Air leakage testing helps minimise energy usage in a dwelling.
Air leakage testing plays a vital role in achieving an "A" rated cert for a dwelling.
Air pressure tests in conjunction with Thermal Imaging can locate the inefficiencies in your building

For further information please contact Walsh Energy Consultants today.

What are the guidelines in relation to developments?

Number of Units	Number of Tests Required
* The regulations apply to new dwellings where planning permission has been applied for on or after the 1st July 2008 and where substantial works are not completed before the 30th June 2009. ** For small developments, no more than three dwelling units, a specific pressure test may not be necessary. If it can be demonstrated by way of a report that during the preceding 12 months a dwelling of the same type constructed by the same builder achieved an acceptable standard.
1-4	One Test **
5-40	Two Tests
41-100	5% of Dwelling Type
101+ (if target is reached)	2%
101+ (if target is not reached)	5%