What is the Final Energy Report?

The Final Energy Report is comprised of two test in the City of Henderson. Thermal Envelope Testing & Duct Leakage Testing.

Building Envelope Testing

Building envelope testing is also referred to as “blower door testing.”

Blower Door Testing is a diagnostic tool used in building performance analysis to measure the airtightness of a building envelope. The test involves temporarily installing a powerful fan in an exterior door frame of a building, which is then used to depressurize or pressurize the building. By measuring the airflow required to maintain a certain pressure difference between the inside and outside of the building, technicians can determine the air leakage rate.

During the test, the technician typically closes all windows, doors, and other openings in the building except for the one with the blower door. The fan creates a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the building, causing air to flow through any leaks in the building envelope. The airflow rate is measured using a pressure gauge, and the results are typically expressed in air changes per hour (ACH) or in cubic feet per minute (CFM) at a certain pressure difference.

Blower Door Testing helps identify areas of air leakage in a building, which can lead to energy loss, discomfort due to drafts, and decreased indoor air quality. Once these areas are identified, they can be sealed to improve energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality. Additionally, blower door testing is often used to assess the effectiveness of air sealing measures after they have been implemented.

Duct Leakage Testing

Duct LeakageTesting is another diagnostic tool used in building performance analysis, specifically focused on assessing the airtightness of ductwork within a building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Just as blower door testing evaluates the overall airtightness of a building envelope, duct blaster testing evaluates the tightness of the ductwork system.

During a Duct Leakage Test, a calibrated fan is temporarily connected to the ductwork system, typically at the air handler or furnace. The remaining duct openings, such as registers and grilles, are sealed off. The fan pressurizes or depressurizes the ductwork system, and a pressure gauge measures the amount of air required to maintain a certain pressure difference between the inside and outside of the ducts.

By measuring the airflow and pressure difference, technicians can determine the amount of air leakage present in the ductwork system. This information is typically expressed in terms of air leakage rate in cubic feet per minute (CFM) or as a percentage of the total airflow capacity of the system.

Duct Leakage Testing is crucial for identifying leaks in ductwork, which can lead to energy waste, reduced HVAC system efficiency, and uneven heating or cooling throughout a building. Once leaks are identified, they can be sealed to improve energy efficiency and comfort, as well as to ensure proper indoor air quality by preventing the infiltration of dust, pollutants, and contaminants into the ductwork system.