Building Energy Efficient Homes in collaboration with Building Compliance Testing Limited spent some time up in Cambridgeshire this morning carrying out diagnostic air permeability testing of early 2000’s traditional built homes.
Cambridge Air Testing Existing Homes
The great benefits of carrying our air permeability testing of existing homes include:
✅ Energy Efficiency Improvement: Air leaks in a home can significantly impact its energy efficiency and can account for up to 15% of heat losses (or unwanted gains in the summer leading to overheating).
✅ Health and Comfort Improvement: Air leaks not only waste energy but can also result in discomfort due to draughts and temperature inconsistencies within the home.
✅ Moisture Control: Air leaks can also facilitate the entry of moisture into a home, leading to issues such as mould growth and structural damage over time.
✅ Improved Indoor Air Quality: Air leaks can allow pollutants from outdoors, such as dust, pollen, and other contaminants, to enter the home, contributing to poor indoor air quality.
✅ Improved Acoustics: Where unwanted air travels through party elements such as walls, so does sound.
Learn more about the What, When and How of Air Testing Existing Homes by visiting: https://beehomes.co.uk/2024/02/26/the-what-when-and-how-air-tightness-testing/
Building Compliance is in a great position to offer this service as we can integrate our skills from Acoustics, Air Quality, and Ventilation to ensure a balanced approach is taken to a retrofit. Here’s an expanded list of the benefits of air testing existing homes with links to our relevant services:
- Identification of Energy Efficiency Opportunities: Air testing existing homes allows for the identification of areas where air leaks are occurring. By pinpointing these leaks, homeowners can take targeted measures to improve energy efficiency, such as sealing gaps and cracks in the building envelope. Learn more about Air Permeability Testing and diagnostic techniques by clicking here.
- Customised Energy Retrofitting: Once air leaks are identified through testing, homeowners can prioritize energy retrofitting efforts based on the severity and location of the leaks. This targeted approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, maximising the impact on energy savings. Learn more about Energy Performance Certificates by clicking here.
- Optimised Ventilation Performance: Air leaks can cause ventilation systems to work harder to maintain desired indoor temperatures, leading to increased energy consumption and wear and tear on equipment. By sealing air leaks identified through testing, MVHR systems can operate more efficiently, resulting in lower energy bills and extended equipment lifespan. You can learn more about Ventilation Testing by clicking here.
- Enhanced Comfort and Indoor Air Quality: Air leaks can result in uncomfortable drafts and temperature inconsistencies within the home. By sealing these leaks, homeowners can improve thermal comfort and create a more consistent indoor environment. Additionally, reducing air infiltration can help prevent the entry of outdoor pollutants, allergens, and moisture, thereby improving indoor air quality. You can learn more about Air Quality by clicking here.
- Prevention of Moisture-Related Issues: Air leaks can allow moisture to enter the home, leading to issues such as mould growth, rot, and structural damage. By identifying and sealing these leaks through air testing, homeowners can mitigate the risk of moisture-related problems, preserving the integrity of their home’s structure and indoor air quality.
- Cost Savings: Improving the energy efficiency of an existing home through air testing and sealing air leaks can result in significant cost savings over time. By reducing energy consumption, homeowners can lower their utility bills and potentially recoup the investment in air testing and retrofitting through long-term energy savings.
- Increased Property Value: Homes that have undergone air testing and energy retrofitting may be more attractive to potential buyers, as they offer improved energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality. Investing in energy upgrades can enhance the resale value of a home and make it more competitive in the real estate market.
- Environmental Benefits: By reducing energy consumption through air testing and retrofitting, homeowners can lower their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental sustainability efforts. Decreasing the demand for energy also reduces the need for fossil fuel combustion, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.
Overall, air testing existing homes offers a range of benefits, including improved energy efficiency, comfort, indoor air quality, and property value, while also contributing to environmental sustainability goals.