The residential code requirements for blower door testing in Georgia have evolved significantly over the years. As of 2020, the state follows the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with 2020 Georgia Supplements and Amendments. This has introduced several changes and new requirements for new constructions:

1. Blower Door Testing: All new homes in Georgia are required to undergo a blower door test. This test is aimed at measuring the air tightness of the building. The requirement is that the building envelope must not exceed more than 5 air changes per hour at a pressure difference of 50 Pascals (ACH50). This standard indicates a significant emphasis on energy efficiency and air leakage control.
2. Duct Leakage Testing: Alongside the blower door test, there's also a requirement for a duct blaster test, especially for ducts located outside the building's thermal envelope. This test is designed to ensure the tightness of the ductwork system. The allowable leakage for post-construction testing is up to 6 cubic feet per minute per 100 square feet of conditioned floor area served by the duct system, but this only applies if any portion of the ductwork is outside the building envelope. If your home has a sealed attic with spray foam or similar installed in the roof deck, then no duct testing is required.
3. Who Can Perform the Tests: The testing can be performed by various certified professionals, including an accredited HERS Rater, ICC Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner, EarthCraft House Technical Advisor, or a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified technician. It's important to note that while builders or HVAC contractors can conduct the pressure testing, they cannot verify the entire house's compliance with the energy code. The responsibility for third-party verification and overall compliance with the energy code generally falls to local building inspectors or other qualified third-party verifiers. All field inspectors at Green South Energy Solutions are BPI certified.

These requirements reflect Georgia's commitment to enhancing energy efficiency in residential buildings. Compliance with these standards not only contributes to energy savings but also ensures that homes are constructed to modern energy performance standards.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the resources provided by Energy Vanguard here and Energy Conservation Solutions here.