We had worked with the client on several projects before but was approached to help with a new, long-running project. Southwark Council had been in touch with him with the goal of improving EPCs on their commercial units across the borough. Initial conversations began and a plan was formulated. ATSPACE would receive a spreadsheet full of addresses of commercial units and tenant contact details and make contact to arrange a commercial air pressure test.

Air pressure testing, also known air permeability testing or an air tightness test consists of an engineer attending site, fitting an adjustable door frame with a fan into the main entrance and either pressurising or depressurising the building whilst taking several measurements. During the test, an engineer can identify areas of leakage often just by feeling around the common leakage areas. It’s important to note, we are testing the uncontrolled air leakage.

At the time of booking, we explained to tenants the process of an air pressure test and the main restriction being that during the duration of the test, windows and doors must remain closed to avoid losing pressure. Whilst on site, the engineer performed the test, took pictures of leakage areas and then compiled a report.

The report was sent on to our client to then carry out remedial works. The most common leakage areas were around shutters, windows (especially single glazed) and skirting boards. Once remedial works had been completed, ATSPACE were then instructed to carry out another commercial air pressure test with formal certification. From this, our client and Southwark Council could see the initial test results and the post test results which showed an improvement – often a reduction of between 2-5m3 of air leakage (which feels considerable!).

With the ever-increasing cost of energy bills, an air pressure test with an air leakage report can be a fantastic tool to assist with remedial works to keep properties tighter and therefore need less energy to heat and keep warm.