Our thermal modelling and pressure testing services provide councils, housing associations, and social landlords with precise data on building performance, enabling informed decisions for retrofit programmes. By simulating heat flow and identifying air leakage, we ensure energy efficiency interventions are effective, safe, and cost-efficient, supporting funding programmes such as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), Off-Gas Retrofit Programme (ORP), Energy Company Obligation (ECO), and other grant-funded initiatives.
Thermal modelling and pressure testing are essential for maximising energy savings, improving EPC/SAP ratings, and achieving PAS 2035-compliant retrofit designs.
What Is Thermal Modelling?
Thermal modelling uses advanced software to simulate heat transfer through a building’s fabric, allowing us to:
- Identify heat loss through walls, roofs, floors, windows, and doors
- Predict the impact of insulation, heating upgrades, or renewable energy systems
- Optimise retrofit interventions to maximise energy efficiency and carbon reduction
This modelling is particularly valuable for non-traditional, PRC, or hard-to-treat properties, where standard approaches may be insufficient or risky.
What Is Pressure Testing?
Pressure testing, also known as air tightness testing or blower door testing, evaluates how much air leaks through the building envelope. It helps landlords to:
- Identify draughts, leaks, and uncontrolled ventilation
- Ensure retrofit measures like insulation and sealing are effective
- Improve energy efficiency, comfort, and fuel savings
- Validate retrofit design assumptions for funding compliance
When combined with thermal modelling, pressure testing provides a full picture of building performance, enabling targeted and effective retrofit interventions.
Why Thermal Modelling and Pressure Testing Are Needed
Effective retrofit programmes require accurate data to ensure measures deliver energy, cost, and carbon savings. Without thermal modelling and pressure testing:
- Retrofit interventions may underperform or be ineffective
- Energy savings, EPC/SAP improvements, and carbon reduction targets may not be met
- Non-traditional or complex buildings may experience condensation, damp, or structural issues
- Compliance with PAS 2035, SHDF, ORP, ECO, and other funding programmes could be compromised
Thermal modelling and pressure testing provide evidence-based assurance that retrofit works are designed and delivered to maximise performance and compliance.
What Our Service Provides
Our thermal modelling and pressure testing service includes:
Building Analysis
- Collection of property data, construction type, and current energy performance
- Integration with stock condition surveys and EPC/SAP assessments
Thermal Modelling
- Simulation of heat flow and energy performance under different retrofit scenarios
- Assessment of insulation, heating, ventilation, and renewable energy impacts
Pressure Testing
- On-site blower door testing to measure air leakage and building airtightness
- Identification of draughts, leakages, and areas for targeted improvements
Reporting and Recommendations
- Clear, actionable reports with thermal performance analysis, pressure test results, and retrofit guidance
- Compliance verification for PAS 2035 and grant funding programmes
Supporting Retrofit Programmes
Our services support:
- SHDF, ORP, and ECO grant-funded retrofit schemes
- PAS 2035-compliant design and delivery of energy efficiency measures
- EPC/SAP improvement and energy performance verification
- Decarbonisation and net zero strategies
- Optimisation of retrofit interventions for maximum energy, cost, and carbon savings
By combining thermal modelling with pressure testing, landlords gain robust evidence to plan and implement highly effective retrofit works.
Deliverables
Clients receive:
- Thermal modelling reports detailing heat loss and retrofit improvement options
- Pressure test results and analysis of air leakage points
- Recommendations for insulation, heating, ventilation, and airtightness measures
- Evidence and documentation suitable for boards, funders, regulators, and asset managers
- Clear, plain-English reporting linking technical data to energy, cost, and carbon outcomes
Why Work With MDA?
MDA has extensive experience delivering thermal modelling and pressure testing for social housing retrofit programmes, including non-traditional, PRC, and hard-to-treat properties.
Our expertise ensures:
- Accurate, evidence-based data to optimise retrofit design
- Compliance with PAS 2035, SHDF, ORP, ECO, and other funding programme requirements
- Cost-effective solutions that deliver measurable energy savings, carbon reduction, and resident comfort
- Confidence for landlords, contractors, and funders that retrofit works will perform as intended
With MDA, landlords gain a trusted partner for delivering safe, effective, and high-performing energy improvement interventions.