Category Archives: Blower Doors

April 20, 2017 · 2:09 pm

Using Zone Pressure Diagnostics for House Leakage Analysis

DETAILS FOR THE TRUTECH TRAINING WEBINAR:

Using Zone Pressure Diagnostics for House Leakage Analysis

REGISTER FOR May 11, 2017 at 11 am Eastern: CLICK HERE

REGISTER FOR May 24, 2017 at 4 pm Eastern: CLICK HERE

How much leakage is through the attic, the basement, the attached garage? The only method for answering these questions This webinar addresses the ZPD basics to the advanced features. Learn about non-modifiable and modifiable zone analysis, the use of your digital manometer for ZPD testing, and the meaning of your results. The accurate and cutting-edge free Residential Energy Dynamics (RED) ZPD tool will be used for examples.

In this session we will:
* List the tools needed to perform ZPD
* Explain how to conduct a modifiable ZPD test to an attic, attached garage, or basement
* Discuss the results of modifiable zone analysis, including flow at CFM50 and area of leakage in each pressure boundary

 

Taught by Rick Karg

R Karg 2 2015Rick Karg is President at Residential Energy Dynamics (or RED) He received his M.A. in economics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1972. He taught economics at New Hampshire College and spent ten years as a building contractor before beginning his long career in the residential energy field.
He has worked with the DOE low-income weatherization program on national and state levels, is a frequent presenter at national energy conferences, has worked with gas and electric utilities, writes curricula, standards, and codes. Rick has been on the ASHRAE 62.2 committee since 2007, and serves as an editorial adviser for Home Energy magazine. He has been developing and marketing software for residential energy analysts since 1995.

He received the 2015 Phillip C. Hastings award from Efficiency Maine for “his outstanding leadership in the field of building science and energy efficiency”. In 2016 he was inducted into the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Hall of Fame.

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Filed under Blower Doors, Energy Audit, Home Performance

May 17, 2016 · 1:43 pm

A Compilation of Current Home Performance Standards

THIS ARTICLE WAS REVISED on 6-21-16 with more complete info on the table attached.

You may not be aware, but there are several Home Performance standards currently available to the public.

We have put together a table that compares the different diagnostics tests that each standard calls for.

Table comparing home performance diagnostic testing standards Rev 1

Further details on the following major categories of products may be found at the links below:

Combustion Analyzers

Ambient CO Meters

Gas Leak Detectors

Blower Doors

Duct Leakage Testers

AirFlow Meters

Thermal Imagers

Moisture Meters

Electrical Measurements

Here is a detailed listing of these standards:

ACCA Standard 12 (ANSI): Home Evaluation and Performance Improvement

Get a free copy here: www.bit.ly/ACCA-12

 

ACCA Standard 5 (ANSI): HVAC Quality Installation Verification Protocols

Get a free copy here: www. www.bit.ly/ACCA-5

 

BPI 1200 (ANSI): Standard Practice for Basic Analysis of Buildings

Get a free copy here: http://www.bit.ly/bpi1200

 

RESNET Advisory Standards: Chapter 8, Standard for Performance Testing and Work Scope

View here for free: www.bit.ly/RESNET-standards

(Will be updated by amendment with some reference to RESNET Standard 380, likely by Fall 2016.)

 

RESNET 380: Standard for Testing Air Tightness of Building Enclosures, Airtightness of Heating and Cooling Air Distribution Systems and Airflow of Mechanical Ventilation Systems

Get a free copy here: bit.ly/resnet380

Not yet in effect. This standard will likely supersede some parts of RESNET Chapter 8, likely by Fall 2016.)

 

 

 

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Filed under Airflow, Blower Doors, BPI Standards, Carbon Monoxide Testing, Combustion Analysis, Duct Leakage Testing, Energy Audit, RESNET

November 6, 2014 · 12:57 pm

Resources for IECC Infiltration and Duct Leakage Testing / BPI’s IDL Certification

THIS PAGE IS A WORK IN PROGRESS – CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES.

 

Energy code status: State by State: www.energycodesocean.org/

BPI’s NEW Infiltration and Duct Leakage Certification

SEE the video recording of the November 6, 2014 webinar HERE. (the video may have some synching issues that we are working on)

Deliver the tests that builders need to meet IECC codes for air infiltration and duct leakage.

Earning the IDL certification is a simple, comprehensive and affordable way for technicians of builders, remodelers, HVAC and insulation contractors to gain skills needed to offer duct leakage and blower door tests, in compliance with IECC codes for new home construction or existing home remodels.

Passing the exam (field exam only) verifies you can conduct duct leakage and blower door tests to the ASTM E1554-07 standard. Begin with this affordable, single measure credential and work your way up to BPI’s “house-as-a-system” certifications using real-time field experience.

Contact any BPI Test Center for the hands-on training you may need to prepare for BPI’s IDL field exam.

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Filed under Blower Doors, BPI Standards, Duct Leakage Testing, Energy Audit, Energy Codes, Training, Uncategorized

August 16, 2013 · 3:25 pm

Retrotec DM2A Systems On Sale Now, But Hurry!

This Promotional Offer Expires on August 31

While Supplies Last

For this very limited time, order the:

A1Retrotec US-1000 Blower Door w/ DM2A Manometer                

For just $2295

With flat rate shipping 

($45 to any of the lower 48 United States)!

Finally, the quality and features you want at a price you can afford. With a .75 horsepower Model US-1000 Fan, capable of up to 6300 CFM, the 1000 system is more than capable of testing both air leakages in both residential and small commercial structures. The brand new shell design includes a 10 year warranty.

OR

A2Retrotec DU-200 Duct Tightness Tester w/ DM2A Manometer

                 For just $1595

 With flat rate shipping                                                 ($25 to any of the lower 48 United States)!

The Retrotec DucTester is designed specifically to measure residential duct leakage. It is used to locate duct leaks and to measure the results of duct sealing. Use this model to verify duct leakage for compliance with codes such as Title 24 in California. The DucTester can also be used in conjunction with a blower door to neutralize duct leaks to indoors so that only duct leakage to outdoors is measured.

CHECK OUT OUR DROP TEST VIDEO TO SEE

JUST HOW DURABLE IS THE US1000!

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Filed under Blower Doors, Duct Leakage Testing, Energy Audit, Home Performance, HVAC

August 9, 2013 · 11:51 am

If You Missed Us in June “Building Multifamily the Right Way: A Case Study”

20th Anniversary Banner

For Immediate Release

If you missed this FREE Webinar in June, now is chance:

Building Multifamily the Right Way: A Case Study
Tuesday, August 13 @ 11:00AM EDT
Earn up to 1 BPI CEU
      
A multifamily building project costs tens of millions of dollars and dozens of professionals- and it can still be a very messy process!  Learn about the typical mistakes in large residential buildings, and how they are solved, through a case study of an 80-unit building project in Illinois- the first in the state to go through ENERGY STAR Multifamily High Rise Certification!
  • Take a tour of the building of an ENERGY STAR Multifamily High Rise, from beginning to end.
  • Learn to avoid the pitfalls of a huge, expensive, richly staffed project.
  • Understand the ESTAR process and its impact to comfort, air quality, durability, and energy efficiency.

Presenter: Corbett Lunsford, Executive Director, Green Dream Group, LLC

Corbett founded the Green Dream Group’s Building Performance Workshop (a BPI Testing Center) and hosts the Building Performance Podcast. He authored Home Performance Diagnostics: the Guide to Advanced Testing, developed the curriculum for the Chicago Southland EPA Brownfields Job Training Program and performed hundreds of comprehensive home performance analyses. Corbett is Executive Director of the Illinois Association of Energy Raters and Home Performance Professionals.

 

________________________________________________________________

BPI is forwarding the information above as a courtesy to industry contacts who may find the event to be of interest.

Looking for a job in the home performance industry?
Visit BPI’s Green Jobs Connection Page!
See green collar job opportunities available with:

– Jobs with Accredited Contracting Companies

– Jobs with Industry Partners

– Companies Seeking Certified Professionals

– Jobs with BPI
Looking for qualified workers?
Check out our list of BPI certified professionals seeking employment.
__________________________________________________________________________

For more information on BPI, visit www.bpi.org.
Building Performance Institute, Inc.
107 Hermes Road, Suite 110
Malta, NY 12020
Phone: (877) 274-1274
Fax: (866) 777-1274
info@bpi.org

www.bpi.org

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Filed under Blower Doors, BPI CEUs, Education, MultiFamily Buildings

June 21, 2013 · 4:55 pm

FREE BPI CEU WEBINAR: Building Multifamily the Right Way: A Case Study

20th Anniversary Banner

For Immediate Release

Building Multifamily the Right Way: A Case Study
Wednesday, June 26, 2013 @ 11:00AM EDT
Earn up to 1 BPI CEU
      
A multifamily building project costs tens of millions of dollars and dozens of professionals- and it can still be a very messy process!  Learn about the typical mistakes in large residential buildings, and how they are solved, through a case study of an 80-unit building project in Illinois- the first in the state to go through ENERGY STAR Multifamily High Rise Certification!
  • Take a tour of the building of an ENERGY STAR Multifamily High Rise, from beginning to end.
  • Learn to avoid the pitfalls of a huge, expensive, richly staffed project.
  • Understand the ESTAR process and its impact to comfort, air quality, durability, and energy efficiency.

Presenter: Corbett Lunsford, Executive Director, Green Dream Group, LLC

Corbett founded the Green Dream Group’s Building Performance Workshop (a BPI Testing Center) and hosts the Building Performance Podcast. He authored Home Performance Diagnostics: the Guide to Advanced Testing, developed the curriculum for the Chicago Southland EPA Brownfields Job Training Program and performed hundreds of comprehensive home performance analyses. Corbett is Executive Director of the Illinois Association of Energy Raters and Home Performance Professionals.

 

________________________________________________________________

BPI is forwarding the information above as a courtesy to industry contacts who may find the event to be of interest.

Looking for a job in the home performance industry?
Visit BPI’s Green Jobs Connection Page!
See green collar job opportunities available with:

– Jobs with Accredited Contracting Companies

– Jobs with Industry Partners

– Companies Seeking Certified Professionals

– Jobs with BPI
Looking for qualified workers?
Check out our list of BPI certified professionals seeking employment.
__________________________________________________________________________

For more information on BPI, visit www.bpi.org.
Building Performance Institute, Inc.
107 Hermes Road, Suite 110
Malta, NY 12020
Phone: (877) 274-1274
Fax: (866) 777-1274
info@bpi.org

www.bpi.org

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Filed under Blower Doors, BPI CEUs, MultiFamily Buildings

May 15, 2013 · 9:32 pm

NEW SPEC on RETROTEC US-1000 Blower door featuring a Touchscreen Digital Manometer

US1000 with DM32

 

get the details: Spec-Blower Door US 1000

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Filed under Blower Doors, BPI Standards, Energy Audit, Home Performance, New Product Release

May 15, 2013 · 9:08 pm

INTRODUCING the all new RETROTEC DM32 TOUCH-SCREEN DIGITAL MANOMETER

dm32

 

With touchscreen Controls, Wi-FI Capability and pre-programmed functions, set your parameters and test at the tap of a button.

The visual/graphic on screen cues make set up errors a thing of the past!

DOWNLOAD the new QuickGuide for the DM32 for more details.

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Filed under Blower Doors, Duct Leakage Testing, Energy Audit, Home Performance, New Product Release

April 9, 2013 · 3:45 pm

Introducing SnuggPro: A new sales tool for contractors and Energy Auditors

laptop-ipad-hero-shot
SnuggPro is a cloud-based laptop and iPad sales tool for residential contractors and energy auditors.

Save time & create compelling homeowner reports to engage with your customers like never before.  

Here are 10 reasons you’ll love SnuggPro
1. It’s Windows, Mac & iPad ready so you can use SnuggPro on your preferred device.
2. Simple data entry helps you learn SnuggPro ridiculously fast.
3. An intuitive interface will save time on every audit.
4. Highly accurate results will boost your credibility with homeowners.
5. 17 types of energy-saving calculations let you suggest the optimal upgrade package.
6. Templates for boilerplate text means you don’t have to re-invent the wheel with every report.
7. Photo manager lets you easily edit and upload images on the fly.
8. Beautiful customized reports help homeowners understand your findings and solutions.
9. Effective sales & proposal tool means you can convert more audits into ugpgrades.
10. Energy Analysis Engine from OptiMiser provides a robust foundation for all your energy modeling needs.

Discover more reasons to love SnuggPro
Visit the SnuggPro website to learn more


Test-drive SnuggPro for free:

Sign up for a 14-day trial.

There are no upfront costs. To cancel the free trial, simply stop using SnuggPro within 14 days and you won’t be charged a dime.
Visit SnuggPro for more details

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Filed under Blower Doors, Energy Audit, Home Performance, HVAC, Insulation, The Business of Home Performance Contracting, The Future

November 7, 2012 · 12:08 pm

Get FREE OnLine Training from RETROTEC-$300 value – Limited time offer – BPI CEUs

That’s right, RETROTEC is offering a special promotion that nets you FREE OnLINE Blower Door and DucTester training worth $300! Also earn BPI CEUs!

This offer is only good for qualifying purchases* from TruTech Tools made by December 31, 21012.

See course descriptions, below.

* A qualifying purchase includes a COMPLETE RETROTEC blower door or COMPLETE DucTester system. (Systems sold without digital manometers do not qualify.)

COMPLETE SYSTEMS INCLUDE:

BLOWER DOOR MODELS: US-1000, Q4E QMG

DUCTESTERS: DU-200

Level 1 – The Science of Air Leakage in Buildings – BPI Recognized for 3.5 CEU Credits
Acquire a solid understanding of the role that air leakage plays in buildings. The principles we will discuss apply to residential houses, the duct systems in those houses, apartment buildings, office buildings, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, and other large buildings and/or structures covering a multiplicity of uses.Since air leakage simultaneously affects energy conservation, air quality, building integrity and even safety, it is the goal of this Level 1 training to provide a basic understanding of the building science that affects that interplay, what measurements can be made, and how the results are of value.Level 2 goes on to teach how to make measurements on residential houses while Level 3 does the same for large buildings.

Level 2 – Using Residential Air Leakage Measurement Equipment – BPI Recognized for 3.0 CEU Credits
Grasp the basic functionality of the DM-2 digital gauge, blower door system, and smoke puffer accessories. Learn and completely understand the sensitive differential pressure gauges used in measuring and diagnosing air leakage in residential buildings. Learn how door fans (blower doors) work and how to use them effectively. Quantify duct leakage and locate problems.

HOW IT WORKS:

1. Purchase a qualifying product. (See above*)

2. Within 24 hours, TruTech will send you a link to the training site plus your username and password.

3. You will see Air Tightness Testing Level 1 and Level 2 as available courses.You can now begin the coursework. Take the quizzes when you are ready. An average grade of 85% is required to pass. Certificates will be issued upon course completion to students who received an average of 85% in both a Level 1 and a Level 2 course.

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Filed under Blower Doors, BPI CEUs, Duct Leakage Testing, Training

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