Meet the latest Energy Code Requirements
As an increasing number of jurisdictions begin to move to the more stringent energy code (ECCCNY) that was adopted on 12/3/2016. BPTC LLC will help you to make energy code compliance a painless transition by utilizing our comprehensive, objective approach to overall energy efficiency. We offer the required testing such as the blower door (also known as the envelope leakage test or house infiltration test) and/or duct leakage tests, as well as in depth training to help your homes achieve the required results. We strictly follow ASTM E779 standard procedures to ensure your building is fully compliant with the new codes.
Our building and energy science experts utilize a proven, synergistic process that produces cost- effective, beneficial results to both you and the building owner.
Don’t Wait Days for Results!
Our sophisticated technology inputs the results into the required documentation form as the testing is conducted, making the results along with a report available to the building official and yourself shortly after testing is completed. If a building should not meet the requirements of the applicable energy code, we will immediately notify you and offer suggestions on what needs to be done in order to achieve passing results.
The Blower Door Test
A blower door is a powerful fan that mounts into the frame of an exterior door. The fan pulls air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks and openings. The auditors may use a smoke pencil to detect air leaks. These tests determine the air infiltration rate of a building.
Blower doors consist of a frame and flexible panel that fit in a doorway, a variable-speed fan, a pressure gauge to measure the pressure differences inside and outside the home, and an airflow manometer and hoses for measuring airflow.
Duct Test
A duct leakage tester is a diagnostic tool designed to measure the airtightness of forced air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) ductwork. A duct leakage tester consists of a calibrated fan for measuring an air flow rate and a pressure sensing device to measure the pressure created by the fan flow. The combination of pressure and fan flow measurements are used to determine the ductwork airtightness. The airtightness of ductwork is useful knowledge when trying to improve energy conservation.
Infrared Scan
A thermographic inspection aka Infrared Scan consists of either an interior or exterior survey. The energy auditor decides which method would give the best results under certain weather conditions. Interior scans are more common, because warm air escaping from a building does not always move through the walls in a straight line. Heat loss detected in one area of the outside wall might originate at some other location on the inside of the wall. Also, it is harder to detect temperature differences on the outside surface of the building during windy weather. Because of this difficulty, interior surveys are generally more accurate because they benefit from reduced air movement.
Thermographic scans are also commonly used with a blower door test running. The blower door helps exaggerate air leaking through defects in the building shell. Such air leaks appear as black streaks in the infrared camera’s viewfinder.
Thermography uses specially designed infrared video or still cameras to make images (called thermograms) that show surface heat variations. This technology has a number of applications. Thermograms of electrical systems can detect abnormally hot electrical connections or components. Thermograms of mechanical systems can detect the heat created by excessive friction. Energy auditors use thermography as a tool to help detect heat losses and air leakage in building envelopes.
Infrared scanning allows energy auditors to check the effectiveness of insulation in a building’s construction. The resulting thermograms help auditors determine whether a building needs insulation and where in the building it should go. Because wet insulation conducts heat faster than dry insulation, thermographic scans of roofs can often detect roof leaks.
In addition to using thermography during an energy assessment, you should have a scan done before purchasing a house; even new houses can have defects in their thermal envelopes.
The video below from Urban Green Council does a great job of explaining some of the aspects of the new codes.
Whether you are purchasing a new or existing home, BPTC has the experience and know-how to assist you in finding potential weaknesses in terms of energy consumption and mechanical equipment efficiencies of any size residential building. We can pinpoint shortcomings and recommend upgrades to transform your building into a healthy and comfortable home.