Why is Air Testing Necessary for ALL New Buildings?

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Air Testing Solutions

In order to reduce the air leakage rate and heat loss of a building, it is necessary to make buildings air tight. The latest buildings are designed in such a way that they have fewer places in the building where air can escape. Generally, gaps in the building might occur at different places such as:

• Joints around the windows and doors
• Corners of the ceilings
• End points of the foundations

Air testing helps you to know where these areas are.

To know the air leakage or air permeability rate of the building, the building can be tested by the latest blower door air testing. This equipment helps to indicate the drop in air pressure in the building.

The Importance of Blower Door Equipment in Air Pressure Testing

The blower door is a variable speed fan which is mounted on any exterior door opening of the home. With the help of this equipment, professionals can measure the air flow rate of the building. By knowing the air flow through the building, the energy efficiency can be calculated. Other than this, thermal imaging can be used with an infrared camera to know the places or spots where air leakages take place.

Once you know these places, it is recommended to repair the structure of the building as soon as possible. Thus, to comply with Part L of the building regulations, it is necessary to opt for air testing.

Air Testing Blower from Air Testing Solutions

Posted in Air Leakage, Air Permeability Testing, Air Pressure Testing, Air Test, air testing, Commercial Air Testing, Domestic Air Testing, Part L | Leave a comment

Simple Steps to Seal Air Leaks in Your Home

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Air Testing Solutions

Air leakages can prove to be a major problem as they can affect your indoor air quality and increase your electricity expenditure as well. You can check for some of these leaks on your own using some simple steps.

How to Seal Air Leaks?

Light a smoke pencil and hold it near the air path to the outdoors. Some of the paths near which you should hold the smoke pencil are as follows:

• Plumbing fixtures
• Windows
• Doors
• Attic Hatches

You should try to choose a windy day as thus will help you to detect smaller leaks as well.

Smoke direction

If you observe smoke from the smoke pencil moving in a horizontal direction then it is an indication that you have a large air leakage to fix. On the other hand, nearly vertical smoke means that you have a smaller air leak to seal. Irrespective of the size of the leak, it is necessary that you seal the leak to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Caulking

Caulking areas where air leaks are present is a good solution. Some of the places that should be caulked are as follows:

• Ducting
• Plumbing
• Electrical wiring
• Joints between floors

If you are uncomfortable with the do it yourself approach, air testing professionals, such as Air Testing Solutions can do the job for you.

Sealing Air Leaks in Your Home by Professionals such as Air Testing Solutions

Sealing Air Leaks in Your Home by Professionals such as Air Testing Solutions

Posted in Air Leakage, Domestic Air Testing | Leave a comment

Measure the Air Flow in your Building with Air Tightness Testing

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Air Testing Solutions

According to the latest building regulations, it is necessary for all new buildings to undergo air tightness testing. This test is a procedure which helps to know the air leakage rate of the building.

Air leakage means uncontrolled air flow from the building through the unnoticed gaps and cracks in the structure of the building. By knowing the amount of air leaking out of the building, the builders or occupants can know the standard and quality of the building. The main aim of an air tightness test is to point out the areas from where unnecessary heat and air loss can take place.

If you are planning to know how air tight your building is, air tightness testing professionals such as Air Testing Solutions can help you out. Most professionals use blower door test equipment which imparts a positive pressure inside the building. However, before the test, you need to make sure that all the ventilation points such as doors and windows are sealed. The whole process of air tightness testing takes about 1-2 hours.

What to do after air tightness testing is completed

Once the test is over and you have the results you need to take appropriate action to remedy any issues. If the results show that there are gaps and cracks in the fabric of the building from where air leaks then you need to fill the gaps to stop the leak. By sealing the gaps, you will reduce the amount of heat loss from the building and hence make your building more environmentally efficient.

Air Tightness Testing from Air Testing Solutions

Air Tightness Testing from Air Testing Solutions

 

Posted in Air Pressure Testing, Air Test, air testing | Leave a comment