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Pulse Test vs Blower Door Test: Which Do You Need?

Two methods, one goal - replacing a worst-case air tightness default with your property's real performance.

Quick answer

Both methods produce a measured air permeability value that can replace the worst-case default on your EPC. A pulse test is quieter and quicker, making it the more practical choice for occupied rental properties. A blower door test suits larger or more complex buildings. Neither requires building work.

Pulse Test vs Blower Door Test

Pulse Test Blower Door Test
Method Short, quiet burst of air; measures pressure equalisation Large fan depressurises the whole building
Noise / disruption Low - suitable for occupied homes Louder, takes longer to set up
Best suited to Occupied rental properties, quick assessments Larger or more complex buildings
Building work required None None

Which Should You Choose?

For most tenanted rental properties, a pulse test's speed and low disruption make it the more practical option. Whichever method you choose, the outcome is the same: a measured air permeability value that can replace the worst-case default on your EPC certificate, potentially improving your score without any building work. Not sure if your EPC is currently using a default? Learn more about air tightness testing and your EPC score.

Frequently Asked Questions

A blower door test uses a large fan fitted to a doorway to depressurise the whole building and measure air leakage. A pulse test instead releases a short, quiet burst of air and measures how quickly the pressure equalises - a gentler method that's well suited to occupied homes.

Costs vary by provider and property size, but both methods are generally inexpensive relative to the EPC points they can unlock, since neither requires any building work - only the test itself.

Both methods can be used to establish a measured air permeability value that replaces the default assumption on an EPC certificate, provided the test is carried out by an accredited tester and the result is submitted correctly.

A pulse test is quiet and quick, making it practical for occupied properties. A blower door test is louder and takes a little longer, but tenants typically do not need to vacate for either method.

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  1. Pulse test vs blower door test
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  3. FAQs

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