How much does a blower door test cost?
How much does a blower door test cost?
$200 – $250 basic blower door test cost
$350 – $450 blower door test with thermal imaging cost
Average blower door test cost
A basic blower door test costs $200 to $250, while a high-tech test with thermal imaging ranges from $350 to $450. Blower door testing costs depend on the home size and age and any additional services included. Multi-unit testing prices can vary based on the number of units.
| Service type | Average cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic blower door test | $200 – $250 | A standard test to measure air leakage in a home without additional services |
| Test with thermal imaging | $350 – $450 | Includes thermal imaging to visually identify air leaks and insulation issues |
| Duplex testing | $400 – $800 | Testing for both units in a duplex, often at a slightly discounted combined rate |
| Multi-unit testing | $200 – $250 (1st test) $200 (additional tests) |
Testing for buildings with three or more units (price per unit decreases with larger numbers of units tested) |
What is a blower door test?
A blower door test is a diagnostic tool used to measure how airtight a home is. It helps determine how much air is leaking out, which can lead to higher heating and cooling costs.
By identifying specific areas of air leakage, the test provides valuable information that can guide you in making improvements to enhance your home's energy efficiency and overall comfort. A blower door test not only assesses energy efficiency but also reveals crucial information about your home's overall health and safety:
Indoor air quality: Identifies excessive air leakage that allows pollutants to enter your home, potentially affecting health.
Combustion safety: Ensures proper ventilation for gas appliances, reducing the risk of harmful gas buildup.
Moisture problems: Uncovers issues that may lead to mold growth, impacting both your home's integrity and your health.
What is a good blower door test score?
A good blower door test score for modern, energy-efficient homes falls between 3 and 5 ACH50, which measures how many times the air inside the home could be replaced in one hour under test conditions. Lower scores indicate a more airtight home, meaning less air leakage and improved energy efficiency.
| ACH50 Score | Home tightness |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 | Very tight, energy-efficient home |
| 3 – 5 | Tight, good energy performance |
| 5 – 7 | Moderately leaky, could benefit from air sealing |
| 7 – 10 | Leaky, significant air sealing needed |
| 10+ | Very leaky home, major air sealing required |
Current building codes often require new construction homes to achieve 3 ACH50 or less, depending on the climate zone.
Common add-on service costs
A basic blower door test costs $200 to $250 and offers valuable insights into your home's air tightness. Additional services can enhance the assessment, providing a more comprehensive understanding of your home's energy efficiency. While these add-ons increase the overall cost, they deliver deeper insights into potential energy-saving opportunities.
| Add-on service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Thermal imaging | $150 – $200 |
| Air duct inspection | $80 – $180 |
| Duct sealing | $500 – $2,500 |
| Written report with recommendations | $50 – $100 |
| Home energy audit | $200 – $600 |
Thermal imaging: A test with thermal imaging costs an additional $150 to $200 and uses infrared cameras to detect temperature differences, helping identify areas of heat loss or air leakage that may not be visible during a standard blower door test.
Air duct inspection: A full air duct inspection costs $80 to $180 and confirms the need for duct cleaning or repairs.
Duct sealing: Sealing leaks and gaps in your ductwork costs $500 to $2,500, depending on the size of the system and the sealing method used.
Written report with recommendations: A detailed written report of the test results may cost $50 to $100 more to offer more in-depth analysis and specific recommendations for improvements.
Home energy audit: A comprehensive home energy audit costs $200 to $600 and goes beyond air leakage testing, examining all aspects of your home's energy use, including insulation, appliances, and lighting.
Blower door testing cost factors
Several factors can influence the price of a blower door test:
Home size: A blower door test for a larger home costs more due to increased time and complexity.
Home age: Older homes are likely to have air leakage issues, which can affect testing time to identify leakage points.
Additional services: Tests that include thermal imaging or detailed reports typically cost more.
Accessibility: The equipment may require more setup time in homes with difficult access points.
Complexity: Testing a home with multiple stories or an unusual layout may require more time and effort.
Location: Prices vary depending on your geographical area and local market rates.
Season: Some companies charge more during peak seasons due to higher demand.
Repeat testing: If a home fails the initial test, contractors may offer subsequent tests at a reduced rate.
Blower door test FAQs
How does a blower door test work?
A blower door test works by placing a strong fan in an outside door frame to measure how much air leaks out of a home. The fan pulls air out, creating a vacuum that lets outside air flow in through any gaps. This helps identify areas where the home isn’t airtight and shows how much air is escaping.
How long does a blower door test take?
A blower door test typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours in total, although the actual testing phase only lasts around 5 to 15 minutes. The preparation process, which includes sealing doors and windows, and setting up equipment, takes up the bulk of the total time. Post-test activities may include analyzing results and discussing findings.
When is a blower door test performed?
Energy auditors usually perform a blower door test at the end of a building's construction process for new residential buildings, but you can also test during major renovations, retrofitting an HVAC system, or as part of an energy audit.
Who performs a blower door test?
Certified energy auditors use blower door tests as part of a comprehensive energy audit to pinpoint air leaks and recommend solutions. They are trained to assess a home's energy efficiency and identify areas for improvement. Other professionals who perform blower door tests include:
HVAC technicians evaluate HVAC system performance and duct sealing.
Home inspectors often include blower door testing, particularly for older homes or renovations.
Building inspectors assess air leakage and code compliance, especially for new construction.
Many utility companies and energy providers offer testing through certified professionals as part of their efficiency programs.
Getting estimates from energy audit companies
Follow these suggestions when getting estimates from energy audit companies:
Get at least 3 estimates from different companies to compare prices and services.
Ensure the auditors have certifications from organizations like Building Performance Institute (BPI) or RESNET.
Determine if you need a basic walkthrough (Level 1), a more detailed assessment (Level 2), or a comprehensive analysis (Level 3).
Ask what specific tests and assessments they will include (e.g., blower door test, infrared scanning, duct leakage testing).
Ask if there are any extra charges beyond the base price.
Ask what information they will include in the final report and how they will prioritize recommendations.
Confirm the company is properly insured and licensed to operate in your area.
Look for customer feedback and ask the company for references from past clients.
Questions to ask a home energy auditor
Ask the home energy auditor these questions before a blower door test:
What equipment and methods will you use for the blower door test?
Will you use additional tools like smoke pens or infrared cameras to locate air leaks?
How long will the blower door test take?
What preparations do I need to make before the test?
What metrics will you measure (e.g., ACH50, CFM50) and what do they mean?
How do you interpret the results? What's considered good or bad for my type of home?
Will you provide a detailed report of air leakage locations and recommendations?
Can you estimate potential energy savings from sealing air leaks found?
Do you offer air sealing services to address issues found during the test?
How does this test fit into the overall energy audit process?
Are there any risks or concerns I should be aware of during the test?
Will you test ductwork for leaks as well?
How often should blower door tests be repeated?
Can you explain how the results relate to my home's ventilation needs?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.