Closed Building Conditions

Closed Building Conditions are required for any testing period shorter than 7 days.

A 48 hour test can only be done if the Closed Building Conditions are met and maintained for 12 hours prior to the start of the testing period. If the conditions have not been met prior to the testing period, the minimum 48 hour test will be extended to be a minimum of 60 hours.

Closed Building Conditions must be maintained until the test is over. A test is not over until the equipment is retrieved.

Closed Building Conditions - pdf

1. All windows (all the windows on all the floors) in the home must be kept closed.
   
   
2. All exterior doors must be kept closed except for normal entry and exit.
   
   
3. Heat and air conditioning systems may be used with the fan in the AUTO mode.
   
   
   • If a home is occupied the home should be kept at a comfortable temperature for the residents. This is assumed to be between 65-80 F.
   • If a home is unoccupied (whether vacant or the residents are out of town) the state has a stricter required temperature range from 67-77 F.
4. Whole house fans shall not be used.
   
   
5. Ceiling fans, portable dehumidifers, and air filters should not be used within 20 feet of a monitor.
   
   
6. Fireplaces shall not be used during the testing period and the flu damper should be kept closed.
   
   
7. Dryers, range hoods, and bathroom exhaust fans can be used in moderation.
   
8. If the home has a radon mitigation system, it must be functioning for at least 24 hours prior to and continously during the testing period.

New Construction Homes - pdf

At the end of the building process, everyone is ready to wrap up all the loose ends and get to closing. Testing during this time can be tricky; we can't test too early, and the later in the construction it gets, the more frenzied the pace around the house and the less likely the builder will be able to keep the site quiet enough for long enough to complete a test. We strongly recommend performing new construction tests after closing, either under the protection of the builder warranty or with specific funds held aside in escrow for mitigation pending the results of the post-closing test.

If that is not possible, here is what must be completed before a testing can be performed at the property:

• All insulation;
• All exterior doors with associated hardware must be installed;
• All windows;
• All fireplaces and fireplace dampers;
• All heating, air conditioning, and plumbing appliances;
• All ceiling covers;
• All interior trim and coverings for the exterior walls;
• All exterior siding, weatherproofing and caulking;
• All interior and exterior structural components; and
• Water, Gas, and Electric services are all functioning.