How much is blower door equipment?

To keep up with market demands, HVAC contractors have been adding blower door and duct leakage testing to their service offerings. Most states now require independent third party verification of HVAC installations in new construction. That alone could warrant purchasing the equipment, but coupled with increased homeowner demand for lower energy costs - this presents an unique opportunity to differentiate yourself from other HVAC contractors.

HOW?

The two certification programs that address blower door and duct leakage testing are:

BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage
RESNET HERS Rater

You'll need to take all the required coursework and pass a field exam for each. The BPI IDL program is a shorter hurdle for an HVAC tech looking to add blower door or duct leakage testing services, while the RESNET HERS Rater is a more intensive program. It covers the science behind the blower door and duct leakage testing, but the also the rest of the "home as a system" as well. (eg. insulation, etc)

WHAT?

At a minimum, you will need:

Blower door
Duct blaster
Digital gauge, or manometer

WHICH?

Although there have been a few new entries vying for market attention, there are two manufactures of these products that dominate the market for blower doors and duct leakage testing equipment. Their prices vary little more than their abilities. Both typically include their gauges and their prices are below.

The Energy Conservatory

Minneapolis Blower Door - with DG-1000 Digital Gauge: $3,460.
Minneapolis Duct Blaster - with DG-1000 Digital Gauge: $2,730.

Retrotec

US5100 Blower Door - Model 5100 with DM32 Digital Gauge: $3,495.
US340 DucTester - Model 340 with DM32 Digital Gauge: $2,295.00

NOTE: These prices typically do not include shipping fees however Vent Cap Systems always sells them with free shipping and typically with some additional incentive.

HOW MUCH?

At the end of the day, you'll spend between $5,000 and $6,000 on new blower door and duct testing equipment.