📏 Blower door testing & airtightness verification for Ontario builders

Airtightness Testing: Know Your Number Before the Inspector Does

A failed blower door test on closing day is one of the most expensive problems in new home construction. AJEC tests, consults, and remediates — so your number is right the first time.

Book a Blower Door Test →

ACH 1.5

The National Building Code is targeting ACH 1.5 (air changes per hour at 50 Pa) as the net-zero ready standard by 2032. Ontario builders who aren’t measuring airtightness today are flying blind heading into mandatory testing. The performance path lets you leverage your airtightness score now — and position your builds ahead of every coming code change.

Airtightness testing is already required for Energy Star certification, the Enbridge builder incentive program, and Net Zero Ready designation. It’s increasingly expected by sophisticated buyers and lenders. AJEC conducts blower door tests across Ontario and provides the documentation each program requires.

When You Need Airtightness Testing

Energy Star Certification

Required for all Energy Star for New Homes certifications. The blower door test is filed with NRCan as part of the certification package.

Enbridge Builder Incentive

The Enbridge Gas program requires a verified blower door test alongside the energy model to confirm 15%+ efficiency. AJEC coordinates both as an authorized service provider.

Net Zero Ready Homes

Net Zero Ready designation requires ACH ≤ 1.5 verified by a blower door test. We build the energy model and conduct the test.

SB-12 Performance Path

If you’re using an airtightness credit in your HOT2000 performance model, it must be verified on-site. We do the test and update the model if needed.

Quality Assurance Testing

Some builders test every home — or a random sample — as a QA measure. Catching leaks early reduces callbacks and warranty claims on envelope performance.

Pre-Listing or Buyer Requests

Sophisticated buyers and real estate agents are increasingly asking for airtightness numbers. A verified test result is a credible, differentiating marketing asset.

How It Works

Book Your Test Date

Contact us with your project address, construction stage, and the program the test is for. We schedule the test around your closing or inspection timeline and confirm what you need to have ready on-site.

On-Site Blower Door Test

A calibrated blower door is installed in the main entry. We pressurize and depressurize the building and measure airflow at 50 pascals. The test takes 1–2 hours. We identify major leakage locations while on-site.

Results & Remediation Guidance

You get the ACH result immediately. If the number is higher than your target, we identify the primary leakage areas and provide specific remediation guidance before we leave the site.

Documentation Filed

We provide the official test report in the format required by your certification program (NRCan, Enbridge, etc.) — no additional paperwork on your end.

Pricing

Standalone blower door tests are priced per test. Tests conducted as part of an Energy Star or SB-12 performance path engagement are included in or discounted from the package price.

Single Test

Standalone Blower Door Test

One blower door test at any stage of construction. Includes on-site leakage identification and official test report.

$350 per test

Bundled

Included in Certification Packages

If you’re already working with AJEC on Energy Star, SB-12 performance, or Net Zero compliance, the blower door test is included or inscounted. Ask about package pricing.

Included or discounted — ask us

Volume

Production Builder Programs

Testing multiple units in a subdivision or MURB? Volume pricing is available. We coordinate scheduling to minimize site disruptions.

ℹ Re-test after remediation is $350/test | Additional consultation on air sealing strategy $200/hr. See our full pricing page →

Common Questions

What ACH result do I need for my program?

It depends on the program. Energy Star for New Homes typically requires ACH ≤ 2.5 (for most house types). The Enbridge incentive program requires that the blower door result matches or is better than what was modeled. Net Zero Ready requires ACH ≤ 1.5. SB-12 performance path — if using an airtightness credit — requires the test to match the modeled assumption. We’ll confirm the target for your specific project when we book.

When in construction should we test?

For Energy Star, testing happens after the home is substantially complete but before occupancy. For diagnostic purposes (to find and fix leaks), testing before drywall gives you more options to remediate. For SB-12 performance path credit verification, the final test happens post-construction. Tell us what program you’re testing for and we’ll confirm the optimal timing.

What happens if we fail?

We identify the primary leakage areas on-site during the test, so you leave with actionable remediation guidance. After remediation, we can re-test at $350/test. Most homes that fail do so at penetrations — electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins — that are straightforward to air-seal once you know where they are.

Do you test in our area?

We conduct testing across the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding Ontario municipalities. Contact us with your project address and we’ll confirm coverage and travel timing.

What do we need to prepare before the test?

The home should be substantially complete with all exterior doors and windows installed and operable. All intentional openings (bathroom fans, HRV ducts, etc.) should be temporarily sealed. We’ll send you a pre-test checklist when we book — it takes most crews less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Book Your Blower Door Test

Tell us your project address, construction stage, and which program the test is for. We’ll confirm availability and what you need to prepare.

Contact AJEC →