Before the Performance Period

Blower-door testing can be expensive and time-consuming depending on the number of units that require measurement.

For buildings that allow smoking, common problem areas that may require sealing to prevent room-to-room transfer of environmental tobacco smoke (

If you choose to allow smoking in designated interior areas, determine areas where possible air leaks may need to be sealed in preparation for blower-door testing. Perform blower-door testing to measure air leakage rates throughout the building.

If smoking is currently allowed indoors, owners or facility managers should switch to a policy that prohibits smoking wherever possible.

Case 1–Option 2 and Case 2: Prohibit Smoking Except in Designated Areas

Moving more elaborate smoking areas, such as shelters or benches, may come with some added costs.

If smoking is prohibited across the entire building and grounds, there should be zero or minimal costs associated with developing the policy and subsequent communication plans.

Smokers may object to the decision to relocate smoking areas. Collaborating with occupants who smoke at the outset of this effort to hear their concerns and meet their needs as best as possible may ease this resistance.

Communicate the policy to occupants through signage, email communications, and incorporating it into employee or occupant handbooks.

Remove butt receptacles from entryways.