Written by HVAC Professionals for HVAC Professionals

TEC Minneapolis Blower Door

As an HVAC contractor, I care about making buildings work better. I want to discuss an important tool that I find very useful: The Energy Conservatory (TEC) blower door. This tool measures and locates home air leaks. Figuring this out is key to keeping homes comfortable, improving air quality, and saving money on energy bills.

Known as the Minneapolis Blower Door, this tool is easy to use and accurate. It comes with a unique gauge called the DG-1000 that gives precise readings and is simple to operate. I like the automated testing feature, which makes everything quicker and more consistent.

The blower door has a lightweight fan, and a frame makes setup a breeze, even for one person. I appreciate the cruise control, which maintains consistent building pressure and is ideal for extended testing. With this feature, I can focus on finding air leaks using tools like smoke pens or infrared cameras.

Many contractors might think the blower door is a bit pricey, though I found it pays for itself by allowing me to do better work and ultimately satisfy customers.

There is a bit of a learning curve to master all its features, though TEC has excellent training and support to help with that.
For High-Performance HVAC™ contractors, understanding building pressure is crucial. Air leak tests help us understand how a building’s systems affect its ventilation and equipment. This holistic approach leads to more comfortable, efficient, and durable buildings.

TEC blower doors are essential for top-quality HVAC work. In my opinion, their accuracy, flexibility, and strong build make them the best choice for testing building performance.

To learn more, go to ncilink.com/TEC-BlowerDoor.

— by Rob Minnick, National Comfort Institute Instructor