ilmavuototestaus

Ilmavuototestaus, also known as air leakage testing or blower door testing, is a method used to measure the airtightness of buildings. It involves depressurizing or over-pressurizing a building to quantify the amount of uncontrolled air infiltration. This is typically done using a specialized fan, often called a blower door, mounted in an exterior doorway. The fan creates a consistent pressure difference between the inside and outside of the building, forcing air to flow through any cracks, gaps, or openings in the building envelope.

The primary goal of ilmavuototestaus is to identify and quantify air leakage, which can have significant implications for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and building durability. Excessive air leakage leads to increased heating and cooling costs as conditioned air escapes and unconditioned air enters. It can also contribute to moisture problems, mold growth, and drafts, impacting occupant comfort and health.

During the test, a pressure gauge measures the pressure difference across the building envelope. This measurement, combined with the fan's flow rate, allows for the calculation of the building's overall air leakage rate. Results are often expressed in terms of air changes per hour at a specific pressure difference (e.g., ACH50). In many regions, ilmavuototestaus is a requirement for new construction or major renovations to ensure compliance with building codes and energy performance standards. The information gathered from the test helps builders and homeowners pinpoint areas of leakage for repair and improvement.