EQ 4.1, part (e) in the Mid-rise Pilot Guidelines requires that projects conduct a blower door test on individual units, include leakage from both the envelope and the adjoining units, and achieve a maximum leakage of 7.0 ACH50. Several questions related to testing: a) should any intentional penetrations (e.g. trickle vents) be sealed? b) where there is centralized ventilation or HVAC, should supplies and returns be sealed? c) should adjacent units have windows and doors open?
RESNET allows dampers to be closed but not sealed during the test, but supplies and registers must remain open. The TASC would recommend using the RESNET guidelines, because it will be familiar to raters and the protocol has been vetted. If LEED for Homes does deviate, there should be a good reason. Having a central system may be a good reason.
This is for original Midrise v2008 pilot projects only.
Updated 10/1/13 for rating system applicability.