For those seeking to improve the performance of buildings and air conditioning, Blower Door systems are an indispensable tool. They measure and expose air leakage in buildings, one of the most important factors for high building quality and correct sizing of HVAC equipment.
With this test, much of the guesswork for builders, HVAC contractors and insulators is eliminated. It is also mandatory for HERS (Home Energy Score) raters, energy auditors and building science consultants. If you use a Blower Door, it's clear that you care about the quality of your work. Therefore, you're going to want the best product available to allow you to work smarter, not harder.
When buying such equipment, here are some things to consider to ensure you get the best value for your money.
1. Durability: Will it last long?
Not all Blower Doors are the same. Remember, you're going to be transporting this piece of equipment to job sites and loading and unloading it over and over again. This tool is an investment, so it must stand the test of constant work over time.
The durable fan housings are made of high-impact automotive plastic. Makroblend® resins have a property profile that includes high toughness (even at low temperatures), good chemical resistance to many lubricants, solvents and cleaning agents, along with reduced susceptibility to stress cracking. The more durable Blower Doors also have more fasteners that hold the fan casings together.
2. Accuracy: Can I trust the measurements I am making?
Ultimately, system reliability comes down to the accuracy and repeatability of your measurements. The most reliable equipment is calibrated by an ISO 17025/ILAC accredited laboratory, which is mandatory in many countries. This applies to both Blower Doors and digital pressure gauges used for leak testing.
The Blower Door and its pressure gauge should come with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate. Look for the accreditation stamp on their certificates to ensure that the tool has been calibrated with NIST traceability and with the uncertainties listed. Just as our buildings need third-party testing and verification to be healthy and efficient, the tools that perform the tests must also have rigorous third-party evaluations to help ensure the highest quality.
State-of-the-art 14-bit digital pressure sensors give you precision and accuracy, so this is something to look for in a high-resolution digital pressure gauge. Auto-zeroing manifolds minimize sensor drift, which affects accuracy over time.
3. Intelligent design: Is it easy to use and intuitive?
Retrotec continually invests in innovation and technological advances. Retrotec SmartCloth is an excellent example of this, as the reference tube is sewn into the fabric. This feature also helps stabilize readings during windy days and helps keep your reference tube out of the wind, rain and debris.
Ergonomic design is also essential to consider. Some gauges allow the user to quickly operate it with one hand, while others require two hands if it is not attached to the frame. Retrotec's 5000 model has a built-in USB port that will allow you to keep your digital pressure gauge always charged. This prevents users from running out of power once the test is ready to be performed.
4. Quick setup and teardown: Will it save me time?
Make sure you select a system that allows you to set up the equipment, run the tests and pick it up as soon as possible so you can move on to the next task. One thing to look for is color cod ing for tubing and pressure taps. This allows for quick setup and reduces user error. Other manufacturers do not have a color coding protocol and can be more confusing to set up. These types of configurations can be difficult to remember, especially if testing is not done frequently.
Frame design is also a critical time-saving component. Retrotec has the only frame on the market that can be disassembled in one quick motion by snapping it apart. Others must be disassembled piece by piece, which adds time. Another thing to consider is the time it takes for the gauge to start. Retrotec has the only digital pressure gauge that starts instantly.
5. Customization and versatility: What options do I have?
It's always good to have options, and not all applicants have the same needs. Look for a Blower Door system that will work for all types of scenarios. Retrotec offers the 5000with standard features, and the 6000 high performance model. Both read the same low flow readings for tighter buildings. However, the 6000 model provides more power when needed for larger, leakier buildings.
Retotec offers several options for door panels; the SmartCloth with wind dampening fabric, the rigid modular panel for super-fast setup, and stackable panels to customize testing with multiple fans or allow you to make your own panel.
The Retrotec pressure gauge also works with competitive products. So if you already have another brand, the DM32 gauge can handle it.
Hopefully this article has shed some light as you continue your search to find the right Blower Door system for your needs. As you can see, they are not all the same. Buildings continue to improve with new technology, the same goes for our testing equipment. Retrotec is constantly researching new technologies to make testing more accurate, faster and easier, while undergoing the most rigorous third-party accreditation processes on the planet. This ensures that you have the best possible product.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact apliter@apliter.com or call us at
91 159 39 78 / 93 706 36 79.
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