Question 1

What is an Energy Final test?

Accepted Answer

An Energy Final test is required by the City of Austin (and most surrounding counties) before issuing a Certificate of Occupancy. It usually includes a blower door test and a duct leakage test to verify IECC code compliance — and most importantly, to make sure your home is comfortable, efficient, and ready to move into without surprises.

Question 2

Do I really need an Energy Final test?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Without an Energy Final, the City of Austin won’t issue your Certificate of Occupancy — which means you legally can’t move in or close out your project. Skipping or rushing through this test can also mask serious problems: poor duct installs, high leakage, or inadequate ventilation. These issues can lead to failed inspections, costly re-tests, warranty headaches, higher utility bills, and even long-term problems like mold or poor indoor air quality.
An Energy Final isn’t just red tape — it’s your protection against expensive surprises down the road.

Question 3

How long does an Energy Final take?

Accepted Answer

Most Energy Finals take about 60–90 minutes, depending on the size of the home and number of HVAC systems. We deliver same-day results, so you’re not stuck waiting around or holding up a move-in or inspection schedule.

Question 4

Who schedules the Energy Final?

Accepted Answer

Typically the builder, GC, or HVAC contractor books the Energy Final with us. But if you’re a homeowner or owner-builder, you can schedule directly too — we just need full access to all rooms and the HVAC system. Our goal is to make the process easy no matter who’s responsible.

Question 5

Can I schedule same-day testing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In most cases, Energy Finals booked before 10:00 AM can be completed the same day. Later requests are scheduled for the next available slot. That way you still get fast, certified results without risking delays or re-scheduling headaches.

Question 6

What happens if my project doesn’t pass?

Accepted Answer

If your project doesn’t meet IECC code limits, don’t worry — our certified technicians will walk you through the results and pinpoint problem areas like duct leakage or air barrier issues. We’ll give you clear steps to get it fixed quickly so you can pass without wasting time or money on repeated tests.  If you do fail your initial test, though it may be gut wrenching- you'll be glad that you caught the problem sooner rather than later!

Question 7

Do all projects require mechanical ventilation and air balancing tests?

Accepted Answer

Not always, however in Austin we've seen that the city officials have been requiring mechanical ventilation testing and air distribution balancing verification. If that applies to your project, we can handle those tests during the same visit — so everything is covered at once and you’re not juggling multiple contractors.

Question 8

How can I help in preparation for testing day?

Accepted Answer

Your home is your sanctuary and privacy is our number one priority. We will need access to all areas of the home in order to ensure the test's outcome is accurate. Ways you can help are:

Make sure all interior doors to the home in it's natural state are open (bathrooms, hallways, & closets)
All exterior doors must be closed and windows latched shut
If you have a wood burning fireplace, the damper must be closed (please remove residual wood ash)
Heating and cooling systems must be turned off during the test
Any combustion appliances need to be turned off or set to "pilot" so they cannot start during the test. This includes space heaters and water heaters. A negative-pressure blower door test can easily pull carbon monoxide into the home

Question 9

What does the process look like? And how long does it take?

Accepted Answer

What to Expect During Your Blower Door Test
Visual Inspection of Your Home
We begin with a thorough visual inspection to assess your home’s condition and prepare for testing.
Preparation for Testing
This includes a walkthrough of your home, safety checks, and a consultation to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Blower Door Hardware Setup
We install the blower door system to start the testing process.
Conduct Multiple Test Cycles
To ensure accurate results, we perform several test cycles to measure air leakage and identify areas needing improvement.
Air Infiltration Inspection
Using the blower door, we inspect your home for areas where air infiltration is occurring.
Breakdown and Cleanup
Once testing is complete, we carefully remove the equipment and dispose of any testing materials, such as vent tape.
Same-Day Test Results
We provide you with your test results the same day. Upon request, we can also include a list of air infiltration areas identified using an infrared (I/R) camera.
How Long Does the Test Take?
The entire process typically takes about an hour, ensuring both efficiency and accuracy.

Question 10

What is the average cost for a blower door test?

Accepted Answer

Feeling chilly is one thing, but reduced energy efficiency or structural damage to a home is all the reason it may be a good decision to invest in a blower door test. Please contact info@austinenergytesting.com for pricing and scheduling.

Question 11

When should I consider doing a blower door test?

Accepted Answer

Many clients simply want to know how their home is performing in order to help save money. If this is the case, a blower door test is the optimal way to help you pin point your air leakage.

Building?
According to the IECC, a blower door test is mandatory on ALL new builds. So the best time is essentially when you're ready for a final inspection and construction is done. *If you are utilizing spray foam, doing a test early is certainly something worth considering along with a follow up upon completion.

Question 12

What should I expect after a test is performed?

Accepted Answer

After the test is completed, our certified technician will send you a "report card" of your homes performance by the end of the day. There will be a pass/fail grade at the top of your report along with all of the diagnostics captured during testing that day. But don't worry, we won't leave you hanging with all these numbers you may not know how to interpret. Our technicians will take the time to go over your report and offer complimentary suggestions on ways to help increase your homes performance.

Question 13

Do you do IECC blower door & duct leakage testing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Austin Energy Testing is a fully certified and licensed third-party testing company serving Austin and the surrounding areas! We conduct tests in compliance with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standards, ensuring accuracy and reliability for your energy assessments.

Permit expiring soon? Get your Energy Final today – Same-day results guaranteed.

CLIENT RESOURCES

Welcome to AET's resource page. Here you’ll find FAQ's and educational videos for your homes performance.