According to Michigan Energy Code, what is the maximum allowable air leakage rate for residential buildings when tested with a blower door?
Correct Answer
B) 5 ACH50
Michigan Energy Code requires residential buildings to achieve no more than 5 air changes per hour at 50 pascals (5 ACH50).
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Michigan Energy Code, aligned with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for Climate Zone 5, requires residential buildings to achieve an air leakage rate no greater than 5 air changes per hour at 50 pascals of pressure differential (5 ACH50). This threshold balances energy efficiency with indoor air quality.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 10 ACH50
10 ACH50 is the older, more lenient standard from earlier code cycles. Michigan's current Energy Code tightened this to 5 ACH50. A building at 10 ACH50 would fail a modern blower door test.
Option C: 7 ACH50
7 ACH50 is not a recognized Michigan Energy Code threshold. It falls between outdated and current standards and may confuse candidates who recall older requirements.
Option D: 3 ACH50
3 ACH50 is a more stringent standard used in high-performance building programs (like ENERGY STAR or Passive House at even lower rates). It is more restrictive than Michigan's current code requirement, making it incorrect as the code maximum.
Memory Technique
5 ACH50 = 'Five is Alive' in Michigan energy code. Five air changes at 50 pascals — the number 5 appears twice, making it easy to remember: 5 ACH at 50 Pa.
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