How Saint John is built
- Before 1961 34%
- 1961–1990 44%
- 1991–2000 9%
- 2001 or later 13%
Why air leakage matters in Saint John
Saint John gets about 4,580 heating degree-days a year and has a winter design temperature of −22.5°C, according to NRCan's HOT2000 climate data for Saint John. That's about 16% more heating demand than the middle of the 70 cities we cover.
Of Saint John's 19,705 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 34% were built before 1961 and 78% before 1991, according to the 2021 Census. Older houses usually test leakier than newer ones, and an EnerGuide report compares your result with homes of the same era, so you can see whether your house is typical or a problem.
After you seal: two checks
- Radon. Sealing shifts the pressure balance between the house and the soil. Health Canada's 2012 survey found 10.9% of 101 homes tested in the Region 2 health region above the guideline. The larger 2024 Cross-Canada survey reports 18.4% (1 in 5) of houses at or above the guideline for the Saint John, NB (Saint John CMA) metro area. Test before and after big air-sealing jobs. Radon testing in Saint John
What it costs in Saint John
A blower door test is part of every EnerGuide evaluation rather than a separate purchase. Through the Total Home Energy Savings Program, a Certified Energy Advisor charges $99 + HST, covering both the initial and final evaluations.
How the test works
- A calibrated fan is fitted into an exterior door and pulls air out until the house is at 50 pascals, the standard test pressure.
- The result is air changes per hour at 50 Pa (ACH50): how many times an hour the whole volume of air would leak out and be replaced at that pressure.
- While the fan runs, you and the advisor walk the house and feel for leaks at the attic hatch, rim joists, pot lights, trim and plumbing and wiring penetrations.
- A second test after the work shows what changed, and it is what most rebates pay on.
NRCan-licensed service organizations serving Saint John
A blower door test is part of every EnerGuide evaluation, so any organization below can do one in Saint John. Ask to walk the house with the advisor while the fan runs.
- Enercheck Solutions
- Homesol Building Solutions
- RU-Green Energy Solutions
- ThermalWise Green Building Cooperative
Programs that include a blower door test in Saint John
Blower door test in Saint John: common questions
Where can I get a blower door test in Saint John?
Book an EnerGuide evaluation with any of the 4 NRCan-licensed organizations serving Saint John; the blower door test is part of every evaluation.
How much does a blower door test cost in Saint John?
It is included in an EnerGuide evaluation. Through the Total Home Energy Savings Program, a Certified Energy Advisor charges $99 + HST, covering both the initial and final evaluations.
What is a good blower door result?
Lower is better. Your EnerGuide report compares your air changes per hour at 50 Pa with homes of the same era, which is more useful than a single target number.
Does air sealing affect radon?
It can. Tightening a house changes the pressure difference with the soil, so test for radon before and after major air sealing.