The healthier, more efficient, and more comfortable a new home or commercial building is, the better it is for occupants! Working with both builders and homeowners, Preferred Builder Resources offers blower door testing and duct testing for new homes and commercial buildings looking to meet code throughout Florida’s Emerald Coast and Alabama and Mississippi’s Gulf Coast regions, as well as ENERGY STAR certification for single-family and multi-family homes.
Blower Door Testing Services
A blower door test measures the airtightness of a building’s thermal envelope. It uses a powerful fan to depressurize the home, revealing areas where air is escaping or entering.
How It Works:
- A blower door unit, consisting of a fan and pressure gauges, is installed in an exterior doorway.
- When turned on, the fan pulls air out of the house, creating a difference in air pressure between the inside and outside.
- Specialized equipment measures how quickly air infiltrates the home, identifying the severity of leaks in walls, ceilings, windows, and doors.
What We Learn from Blower Door Testing
Blower door testing reveals areas where energy is being wasted. The results provide a comprehensive picture of your home’s overall airtightness.
Duct Testing Services
Duct testing evaluates the air tightness of your HVAC system’s ductwork. Leaky ducts allow conditioned air to escape before it reaches your living spaces, reducing system efficiency and indoor comfort.
How It Works:
- A diagnostic tool, such as a duct blower, is attached to the duct system.
- Air pressure is applied, and gauges measure how much air escapes through leaks or gaps.
- The results pinpoint the areas where duct sealing is needed.
Pre-Drywall and Post-Drywall Testing Available:
We offer multiple duct testing options, including both before and after drywall installation. Pre-drywall duct testing can sometimes provide a most accurate assessment of duct tightness, since fewer construction factors are present to affect results.
Benefits of Duct Testing:
The subsequent duct sealing completed after duct testing ensures that conditioned air stays inside your ducts, improving HVAC performance. This reduces energy waste and utility bills while improving air distribution and temperature consistency throughout your home.
What Happens After Testing?
Once blower door and duct testing are complete, our team will review the findings with you in detail. We’ll explain how the leaks are affecting your home and provide a customized plan for addressing them.
Our recommendations may include:
- Insulation: Improving your home’s thermal barrier to reduce heat transfer.
- Air Sealing: Sealing gaps and cracks in your home’s envelope to minimize drafts and energy loss.
- Duct Sealing: Ensuring your ductwork is leak-free for optimal HVAC performance.
With these targeted upgrades, you’ll enjoy a home that’s more comfortable, healthier, and more energy efficient.
ENERGY STAR Certification
We provide ENERGY STAR certification services for single-family and multi-family homes throughout Mobile, Baldwin County, the Emerald Coast, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
ENERGY STAR certification is a prestigious mark of energy efficiency, awarded only to homes that meet strict guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To earn this certification, a home must:
- Feature effective insulation that reduces energy waste and a tightly air-sealed thermal envelope to minimize air leaks and indoor drafts.
- Include high-performance windows and doors that minimize heat loss and heat gain.
- Utilize high-efficiency heating, cooling, and ventilation systems for optimized comfort and performance.
- Pass rigorous testing and third-party verification to ensure compliance with ENERGY STAR standards.
When your home is ENERGY STAR certified, you can trust it’s built to perform better, save energy, and lower your carbon footprint.
The Benefits of ENERGY STAR Certification
ENERGY STAR certification is more than just a label—it’s a testament to the quality of your home.
For Homeowners
- Energy Savings: Certified homes are at least 10% more energy efficient than standard homes, reducing heating and cooling bills.
- Improved Comfort: Enhanced insulation, air sealing, and HVAC systems create a more consistent and comfortable indoor environment.
- Better Indoor Air Quality: Advanced ventilation systems reduce allergens and pollutants, promoting healthier living.
- Better Resale Value: ENERGY STAR certified homes sell for as much as 8% more.
For Builders
- Third-Party Validation: Certification demonstrates that your work meets or exceeds industry standards for energy efficiency and quality.
- Market Differentiation: ENERGY STAR homes appeal to eco-conscious buyers looking for a reliable and efficient home.
Why Choose Preferred Builder Resources?
Experienced Professionals
Comprehensive Services
Local Expertise
Customer-Focused Approach
Preferred Builder Resources is your preferred testing and certification services provider!
Call (251) 361-9571 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with our team.
