EPC Improvement Air Tightness Testing
Carrying out an draught-proofing air test as part of your Energy Performance Certificate‘s Domestic Energy Assessment can improve your Energy Rating by up 2 SAP points and leave your home more thermally efficiency, lower your heating bills and improving your home’s comfort.
We learn more about Air Tightness Testing below.
What is Air Tightness Testing?
Air Tightness Testing or air leakage testing, is a mandatory procedure under Part L of the Building Regulations, forming an integral part of the new building’s overall energy performance assessment; it quantifies air leakage in terms of cubic meters per hour per square meter at 50 Pascals (or 4Pa for Pulse Testing), which, if excessive, can result from gaps and cracks in the building envelope, causing energy loss and potential carbon dioxide emissions.
The test is conducted by an ATTMA accredited engineer using a UKAS calibrated blower door system, typically taking between twenty minutes to a few hours, with Building Compliance Testing offering comprehensive services including site inspections, and smoke diagnostics to support various building requirements.
The Importance of Draught-proofing
Draughtproofing is important for improving energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs, enhancing occupant comfort, and minimizing the environmental impact of a building by sealing gaps and air leaks. Blower door air tests are instrumental in identifying and quantifying these leaks, allowing for targeted draughtproofing measures to be implemented, ultimately leading to a more efficient and environmentally friendly building.
Smoke Testing and Diagnostic Air Testing
Smoke testing has been effectively employed to identify missing air barriers and detect air pathways within building structures, facilitating the assessment of heat loss and the potential for fire spread.
One of the key advantages of an air tightness test lies in its capacity to pinpoint areas of air leakage. However, in some dwellings and commercial buildings, certain inaccessible areas necessitate the use of a smoke machine.
By keeping the fan operational and introducing smoke into suspected leakage areas, the smoke is compelled to exit the building through these leakage points. This outward flow is visible from the outside, providing a clear illustration of how air escapes through the building gaps.
An appealing aspect of this method is its efficiency, speed, and the absence of lingering smoke residue within the building. Although typically beneficial for larger commercial buildings, even larger houses may require smoke testing, contingent upon their size and specific issues.
The smoke testing procedure generally requires a similar timeframe to complete as an air tightness test. However, in more intricate structures like schools with numerous rooms of varying sizes, it may take longer to identify and isolate leaks. Our experienced testers ensure the appropriate amount of smoke is used to effectively diagnose the building’s leakage points and provide recommendations for rectification.
Along with your Air Testing we can provide a full suite of diagnostics. Thermal imagery and smoke testing coupled with a depressurisation test can help massively identify problem areas.
Contact Us Today
If your project requires Draught-proofing Air Test to meet a design air permeability for SAP and EPC Compliance, Building Control request, New-Build or Retrofit, feel free to reach out to us at 01621 493594 or visiting our contact page. Building Compliance Testing commits to providing a quote within 24 hours. Upon acceptance we can dispatch a tester to your site within 48 hours for Air Testing in London and Home Counties. Secure Expert Professional Air Testing services today by booking with us.