Blower Door & Duct Testing Is More Than That Energy Efficiency Thing!!

Metro Atlanta D.E.T. Verifying, Blower Door Testing & Duct Leakage Testing

New Construction & Code Compliance Testing

Georgia's Energy Code, based on the 2015 IECC with Georgia Supplements and Amendments, requires performance testing for new construction and certain qualifying projects. As a certified D.E.T. Verifier, TruResults Home Services provides the testing, documentation, and verification needed to demonstrate compliance with applicable energy code requirements.

We recommend testing before drywall and insulation are completed whenever possible. Identifying air leakage and duct leakage issues early allows corrections to be made before finishes are installed, helping reduce costs and avoid delays during final inspections.

D.E.T. Verifying is a pass-or-fail process. If a project does not meet required standards, we provide clear test results and work with homeowners, builders, and contractors to identify corrective actions before retesting.

Blower Door Testing (Envelope Leakage)

A blower door test measures the airtightness of the building envelope by identifying uncontrolled air leakage through walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, and other building assemblies. The test helps verify compliance with Georgia energy code requirements and confirms that the home's air barrier system is performing as intended.

Georgia Target:

• Less than 5 ACH50 for building envelope leakage
• Mechanical ventilation is required when the home tests below 3 ACH50

Duct Leakage Testing

A duct leakage test measures the amount of conditioned air escaping from the duct system. Excessive duct leakage can reduce HVAC efficiency, increase operating costs, and negatively impact overall system performance.

Duct leakage testing is typically required for new construction unless the entire duct system and air handler are located within the conditioned space of the home. When required, testing verifies that leakage rates meet applicable code requirements.

Georgia Target:

• Less than 6 CFM per 100 square feet of conditioned floor area

Existing Homes, Additions & Renovation Projects

Testing requirements for existing homes depend on the scope of work being performed. While blower door and duct leakage testing are most commonly associated with new construction, additions, renovations, and HVAC system upgrades may also be subject to energy code requirements.

When new heating, cooling, or duct systems are installed as part of an addition or renovation project, those systems may be required to comply with applicable energy code requirements. Existing duct systems are generally exempt from duct leakage testing unless more than 50% of the duct system is modified.

Even when testing is not required for code compliance, blower door testing and duct leakage testing can provide valuable information about comfort issues, energy efficiency, airflow problems, indoor air quality concerns, and overall home performance.

Building Envelope Inspection

The building envelope is the boundary that separates the conditioned living space from the outdoors. This includes walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, insulation, and the air barrier system.

Building envelope inspections help evaluate how effectively a home resists unwanted air leakage, heat transfer, moisture intrusion, and outdoor pollutants. Understanding the performance of the building envelope is an important step toward improving comfort, durability, energy efficiency, and overall building performance.