Energy code requirements have been a large driver for the increase in blower door testing. Blower door testing became a compliance option for residential buildings in Illinois starting in 2010 with the state-wide adoption of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The IECC first required pressure testing of residential buildings in 2012, combining visual inspection and pressure testing for compliance and mandating testing by an approved party, rather than making pressure testing optional.

Current residential pressure testing has a requirement of 3 ACH50 based on research by the Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings and others that identified diminishing returns on energy savings for exponentially higher cost at about this leakage level. Higher costs are primarily associated with the addition of mechanical ventilation and advanced air sealing systems (spray or aerosolized air sealants).

Read our Blower Door Testing Energy Smart Tip.