This is done to make sure there s no major flaws in the thermal envelope and to ensure the efficiency of the home.
Michigan blower door test code.
On page 447 michigan energy code n1102 4 1 2 of the 2015 michigan residential code book states that the building or dwelling unit shall be tested and verified as having an air leakage rate not exceeding 4 air changes per hour.
The new code requires homes to be at or below 4 00 ach50 air changers per hour with a blower door running at 50 pascals.
With the 2015 international energy conservation code iecc blower door testing is now a mandatory requirement on all new construction for residential homes.
So what is blower door testing.
The new code went into effect for all homes permitted after february 8 2016.
To pass the blower door test in the prescriptive path in the new michigan energy code requires a home to be equal to or less than 4 ach50 air changes per hour with the blower door depressurizing the home to 50 pa.
A blower door test determines how airtight a home is.
The code states that all houses built in michigan must have a blower test to prove the house has an infiltration rate of 4 ach air changes per hour at 50 pascals.
Icc digital codes is the largest provider of model codes custom codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe sustainable affordable and resilient structures.
The state of michigan recently passed a new version of the state energy code which is based on the 2015 iecc but with some state specific amendments.
How do you get your home to pass.
As of february 2016 all new homes alterations and additions are required to have a blower door test performed.
It is also required for additions and major renovations.
A blower door test is performed to measure the exact air tightness of a home.
Michigan energy code n1102 4 1 2 and n1101 3 1 additions alterations renovations or repairs.
With a new code on the horizon which will require all new construction homes to have a blower door test finding a certified professional to conduct the testing is a challenge many builders will face in 2016.
Testing shall be conducted with a blower door at a pressure of 0 2 inches w g.
Feel free to call text or email with questions.
For new homes constructed in michigan.