Air Pressure Testing

Please note that any installations must adhere to the relevant regulations in place at the time of install. These regulations are subject to change.

Air Pressure Testing (APT) checks how much air leaks from your home. This helps ensure your property is energy efficient and properly ventilated. It may be required before and after installing energy-saving improvements.

Key Things to Know

• Someone must be present during the test — you or someone you trust.
• APT may be required depending on the type and number of improvements being installed.
• The test involves loud bursts of air — please keep pets, children, and anyone sensitive to loud noises away during test

What Is Air Pressure Testing?

APT checks how much air escapes from your home. This helps reduce heat loss and ensures your property has enough ventilation.

It helps the coordination team decide if your home’s ventilation system is good enough or needs improvement.

Ventilation | YES Energy Solutions

Common places where air leaks occur:

• Poorly fitted windows or doors
• Open fireplaces or flues
• Gaps around recessed lighting
• Electrical sockets

APT may be required depending on the number and type of improvements being installed. Even if not strictly necessary, your retrofit coordinator might still recommend it if they believe it would be helpful—they’ll explain why at the time.

What Happens During the Test?

Duration: 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

Location: Inside your property

Who: A qualified domestic energy assessor

Step-by-Step:

• Setup

• Two large air canisters are placed centrally (usually on the ground floor).
• Mains power is needed for the equipment.

• Preparation (20 mins)

• Canisters are filled with air.
• Assessor takes photos and measurements.
• Vents, drains, fireplaces, etc., are sealed with special tape (safe for surfaces).

• Testing (Approx. 10 seconds)

• Two loud bursts of air are released.
• Everyone must stay still during this time.
• Avoid having pets, children, or noise-sensitive individuals present.

• Additional Bedroom Testing (if needed)

• Same process, but with bedroom doors closed to test individual rooms.

Before and After Installations

If APT is done before installation, it will also be repeated after to confirm everything meets regulations.

Typically, the first APT will take longer because the assessor will need to take photos documenting the assessment (including the outside of the property, any vents, fans or drains that have been taped up, and the testing equipment) and document a floor plan of the property with measurements.

Questions or Concerns?

If you’re unsure or have concerns (especially about noise or access), please speak with your assessor or contact YES directly.