Results of a Pre-Field Measurement Program Fan Pressurization Comparative Test

The Northwest Residential Infiltration Survey (NORIS) was a field study conducted in the Pacific Northwest to determine air leakage rates and infiltration characteristics of electrically heated, single-family, detached residences. Air leakage rates were measured using fan pressurization (blower door) techniques. The results of the blower door tests were used to estimate the natural building air infiltration rates.

A detailed set of measurement protocols based on the ASTM Standard Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization Test (E 779-87) was developed prior to implementing the field testing. The measurement protocols were tested on two residences during a training workshop by five independent blower door testing technicians. The objectives of this workshop were: (1) to instruct the technicians on the specifics of the NORIS protocols in order to develop consistency in measurement among the technicians; (2) to evaluate the ability of the technicians and their respective blower doors to measure the leakage area of an orifice plate; and (3) to compare the results of depressurization and pressurization tests.

This paper will review briefly the field protocols used during the full field measurement program and present a detailed comparison of the results of the blower door tests conducted during the workshop.