May 2011

The FIRST Blower Door Test ~ May 8, 2011

so – i was guessing/hoping to be around 500 CFM. I ended up at 640 CFM… which is 1.0 ACH50. Passive House requires no more than 0.6… FYI.. Not too bad – but not there yet. Of course we found some drain holes and intentional holes.. plugged those. At this level of air tight- it seems there are a multitude (godzillian) of small holes. I think the major issue is my window installation. The tape I used around the perimeter was not sticking in all places.. and with infrared – we found leaks. I will be doubling my sealing efforts on the outside, and inside of the windows. And after that, and the drywall – i should have it. My ceiling install seemed to work. sigh…!

Tight ? ~ December 19, 2011

John Semmelhack of Think Little was driving through town… and stopped to spend the night in my passive house. He happened to have blower door equipment..! I’m NOT quite there… From 1 ACH50 – last test, I am now at 0.8… still a few holes. Spent the weekend with a caulk and foam gun! Down from 640 CFM to 480… ACH50- 3200 sq ft.

Ventilation ~ May 27, 2011

The long anticipated ventilation install!! For start – i am putting in one of the two units (i’ll have two ERV’s). For convenience – i am using one earth tube for supply.. and one for exhaust. Later – both earth tubes for supply, and exhaust through the roof. My ducting was fairly easy… I’ll try to put up pdf’s of the layout… But here are pics. The ducting to the ERV is temporary… EARTH tube data soon! Words to the wise – duct mastic is really sticky! A centrally located mechanical room is Awesome!