Energy Efficiency - Testing
Pierce Homes Energy Program

Pierce EFL homes are tested for air leakage into the entire home as well as the duct system for each air-conditioning zone. The photo below shows a "blower door" installed in a Pierce Home.  The blower fan is used to depressurize the home and measurements are made to determine the amount of air leaking into the home.   If the specifications are not met, diagnostic tests are performed and the air leaks are sealed



One of the major contributors to healthy home air quality and an energy efficient home is the amount of leakage from the ducting system of each HVAC zone.  The photo below shows how each register in the home is sealed before the testing is started by a third party energy consultant.



After each register is sealed as shown above, the ducts are pressurized as shown below.  Again measurements are made to determine the amount of leakage.  If specifications are not met, diagnostic tests are made to determe where the leaks are and they are sealed and the testing is repeated until specifications are met.



The results of these tests performed form the basis of the energy guarantee that each homeowner receives.