I’ve been in the air tightness testing business for 14 years and I was humbled today, I lost the bet! We were very fortunate to air tightness test a new Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) home being built in Oakville this morning and the performance consultant on the job was none other than Passive Home builder Ed Marion of Passive House Ontario (PHõ).
From the outside it looks pretty standard, but the insulation levels are double OBC’s requirements. When finished, this home will be one of the most efficient homes in Ontario.
High performance ICF+ home.
We put our bets on who could guess the air tightness range for this build and Ed “The Blowerdoor Whisperer” guessed it. I won’t steal his thunder, but suffice it to say, it was the 2nd most air tight home we’ve had the chance to test.
Why so tight you ask? Because building scientists know homeowners like efficient homes with lots of fresh air! The more air tight you make a house, the greater the value in investing in a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV). With a fully ducted system, Ed can precisely deliver an accurate dose of fresh air to each room. Try doing that efficiently, consistently and quietly with your open window strategy!
The Blowerdoor Whisperer having a little ‘alone time’ with the testing apparatus. Yes, that’s a C ring!
The truth is builders can find it very stressful to have their work tested by a 3rd party like BGG, but I have to say, Mr. Marion and his crew bested their goal by a significant margin and the house if tested again, could be as airtight as a certified PH.
Normally when testing to this level of super air tightness, it might take a few tests where at each test leaks are identified and sealed. This can be repeated a few times if the builder is inexperienced, but clearly Mr. Marion proves it pays to have experience on board.
Shervin congratulates Ed Marion (grinning) on shattering his air tightness target for the build.