A client's home fails the required blower door test for energy compliance. The test shows 6.2 ACH50, but the Michigan Energy Code requires 3.0 ACH50. What is the most appropriate next step?
Correct Answer
B) Identify and seal air leakage paths to meet the requirement
When a home fails the blower door test, the most appropriate action is to identify air leakage sources and perform air sealing work to meet the required 3.0 ACH50 standard.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
When a blower door test reveals excessive air infiltration (6.2 ACH50 vs. required 3.0 ACH50), the correct response is to locate and seal the air leakage paths. The blower door pressurizes the house so the contractor can identify exactly where air is escaping (outlets, penetrations, framing gaps, etc.) and then perform targeted air sealing to bring the reading below the code threshold. This directly addresses the root cause of the failure.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Install additional mechanical ventilation to compensate
Installing additional mechanical ventilation does not reduce air infiltration — it compensates for poor air quality caused by leakage, but it does not fix the building envelope failure. Adding ventilation would actually increase energy use while leaving the compliance issue unresolved. The Michigan Energy Code requires the building to meet the air tightness standard, not work around it.
Option C: Request a variance from the local building department
Requesting a variance is not appropriate here because the code establishes a specific, measurable performance requirement (3.0 ACH50). Variances are for cases where compliance is physically impossible or creates extraordinary hardship — an air sealing failure does not meet that standard. The contractor must fix the work, not request permission to leave it deficient.
Option D: Document the test results and proceed with final inspection
Documenting the failure and proceeding with final inspection is not acceptable. The test failed; the home does not comply with the Michigan Energy Code. Proceeding to final inspection with a known code violation would result in a failed inspection and expose the contractor to liability.
Memory Technique
Remember: blower door test FINDS the holes, then you FILL the holes. Fail the test → Find leaks → Seal them → Retest. The solution to too much air leaking out is always to stop it from leaking — not to add a machine or ask for an exception.
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