The following detailed FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS should help answer any outstanding questions you may have:

1. What is air leakage in buildings?

2. Why is it important to build air tight dwellings?

3. What is air pressure testing?

4. Why do I need to test the air tightness of a building?

5. When are air tightness tests carried out?

6. What is the cost of the Air Pressure Testing training course?

1. What is air leakage in buildings?
   Air leakage (also known as air permeability or air infiltration) is the air tightness of a dwelling through uncontrolled means such as cracks and gaps in the building envelope. Any ventilation system installed in a building is seen as a source of controlled air flow and is therefore not considered as air leakage. At a very basic level, air leakage may be seen as unwanted draughts.
   

2. Why is it important to build air tight dwellings?
   The energy that we use to heat our homes is primarily created by burning fossil fuels that produces carbon dioxide. If we reduce the air leakage of a building we also reduce the amount of energy required to maintain comfort levels and in turn reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
   

3. What is air pressure testing?
   Air pressure testing is a method of measuring and quantifying the air leakage of a building.
   

4. Why do I need to test the air tightness of a building?
   Air pressure testing of a proportion of all new domestic housing is a legal requirement in accordance with the guidance given in the revised building regulations which were published in January 2008. Testing the air tightness of existing dwellings can highlight areas of problems that can be treated cost effectively to improve the energy efficiency of the dwelling as a whole.
   

5. When are air tightness tests carried out?
   Air tightness tests are usually carried out during the construction and commissioning process of a building when the external envelope is fully complete, with windows and external doors in place. A full list to determine the readiness of dwelling to be tested can be provided on request.
   

6. What is the cost of the Air Pressure Testing training course?
   Course cost is €1,495 and course duration is 3 consecutive days, Monday to Wednesday inclusive, unless otherwise stated.