Air Permeability Test for new-build dwellings in England
Air Permeability Testing (also known as Air Tightness Testing or Air Leakage Testing) measures the total area of air gaps in a building’s external fabric.
The larger the gaps, the more heated air escapes and the more cold air enters, creating draughts. Minimising heat loss improves energy efficiency, reducing the amount of heating required to maintain a comfortable temperature.
All new dwellings in England are required to have an Air Permeability Test result. This result is used to calculate the Dwelling Emission Rate (DER), DFEE and DPER in the SAP Calculation, which in turn determines the As Built Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
The test is usually carried out on-site just before practical completion. The measured air tightness is then included in the SAP Calculation to establish the building’s final EPC rating.
As part of building regulation compliance, all residential new builds must achieve a minimum air permeability of 10 m³/(h.m²). Meeting this standard is essential to ensure energy efficiency and regulatory compliance.
The larger the gaps, the more heated air escapes and the more cold air enters, creating draughts. Minimising heat loss improves energy efficiency, reducing the amount of heating required to maintain a comfortable temperature.
All new dwellings in England are required to have an Air Permeability Test result. This result is used to calculate the Dwelling Emission Rate (DER), DFEE and DPER in the SAP Calculation, which in turn determines the As Built Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
The test is usually carried out on-site just before practical completion. The measured air tightness is then included in the SAP Calculation to establish the building’s final EPC rating.
As part of building regulation compliance, all residential new builds must achieve a minimum air permeability of 10 m³/(h.m²). Meeting this standard is essential to ensure energy efficiency and regulatory compliance.
