What is Residential Energy Code Testing?
According to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, also known as the IECC, energy code testing is mandatory for all residential single-family construction in Texas. This went into effect on September 1, 2016. ACT Home Energy Specialists is certified to give you proven results. Our staff can conduct your duct blaster and blower door tests. This will keep your project compliant with energy standards and keep you on schedule. If you are interested in residential energy code testing, please give us a call at 817-781-8781.
Services We Provide To Home Builders, Remodelers, and Home Buyers:
- Blower Door Testing for new construction and remodels
- Duct Blaster Testing for new construction and retrofitting HVAC Systems
- House Air Leakage Testing, Duct Tightness Testing, Duct Integrity Testing, and Duct Leakage Testing for Home Buyers
Duct Leak Test Preparation
If you are at the stage in your construction where you require duct leak testing, there are some steps you can take to ensure a favorable outcome.
- Talk to your HVAC contractor and make sure he is aware there will be an air leakage test after the system is installed to comply with the city code. This usually ensures that they use an adequate amount of sealing products during the installation
- Flexible ducts tend to leak around the zip ties. Minimizing these junctions, especially in attics, can be very helpful.
- Extra grey duct sealer should be used around the edges of chase boxes and corners.
- Heavily seal around the air handler. The back of the furnace usually has poorly sealed ducts.
- Have an airtight system for the filter slot. There will need to be some type of weather-stripped door that will make a tight seal when the door is closed.
- Plan to do the test during the rough-in so any problem areas can still be accessed.
Our Specialty is Blower Door and Duct Testing
As required by state energy codes, ACT Home Energy Specialists will perform your blower door testing and/or your duct blasting testing as necessary. Duct leakage testing has become a requirement in many counties and jurisdictions throughout Texas. Energy loss due to duct system leaks can be substantial. Our team of professionals can accurately perform a pressure test on your duct system to determine if the duct system is meeting today’s building code standards.
Blower Door Testing Tips
Currently, thirty-six states use a version of the residential energy code equivalent to the 2009 IECC specification or lower. Inevitably, many states will increase their residential energy code specifications. In order to ensure that residential homes meet energy needs, there needs to be forethought at the architectural blueprints stage. For your blower door testing, make sure to follow the following protocol:
- Tight air construction needs to be a maximized priority.
- Test the home before the walls are erected.
- Bath fans, sprinkler heads, and fireplace inserts can lose a tremendous amount of energy and should be closely watched.
- Basic building science education is a must. Key construction tradespeople should understand such basics very well
If you think you need residential energy testing in Fort Worth, TX, call ACT Home Energy Specialists at 817-781-8781 to speak with our staff about making an appointment today!