Blower Door Test in Lafayette Hill, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To conduct blower door test in Lafayette Hill, PA, exterior doors and windows are closed properly, while interior doors remain open to help maintain even air movement. A central exterior door is picked, where the technician fits an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel for airtight testing. A calibrated fan is placed within the frame and operated to depressurize the structure to 50 Pascals — nearly the same as a 20 mph wind hitting the building.

As the fan extracts air, exterior air begins entering the house through any unsealed spaces or cracks. With a nanometer, we record and compare the pressure produced by the fan to the pressure inside the house. These readings are then converted into the total number of air changes per hour (ACH), revealing how airtight the home is and how well it performs in the PA climate.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Lafayette Hill, PA, compliance with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or subsequent locally adopted versions is typically mandatory for residential properties. In most jurisdictions, 3 air changes per hour or less is the benchmark for acceptable blower door test results and energy efficiency. When your blower door test in Lafayette Hill, PA meets this requirement, you ensure energy efficiency and maintain compliance with building codes.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Both PA and local jurisdictions adopt the IECC energy code, making blower door test mandatory for new and renovated residential structures. Our team regularly helps home builders, contractors, and homeowners seeking blower door test in Lafayette Hill, PA to satisfy energy code standards and close final inspections. A duct leakage test can be required when ducts or HVAC components are installed outside the structure’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

With blower door test in Lafayette Hill, PA, homeowners can detect where energy is being wasted. As the fan depressurizes the house, leaks are revealed, highlighting areas for sealing and savings. blower door test in Lafayette Hill, PA provides homeowners with clear insights into energy loss. When the fan creates pressure differences, leaks are exposed, allowing for easy detection and repair. A blower door test requires minimal time but makes a long-lasting impact on home comfort and energy performance during PA’ extreme temperatures.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Use a trusted air barrier like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, ensuring all joints and seams are properly taped and sealed.
• Apply the correct R-value insulation and verify that it’s properly fitted to seal the whole building envelope.
• Seal all penetrations in exterior walls using caulk or spray foam.
• Ensure doors and windows are properly installed, caulked, and weather-sealed.
• Ensure complete sealing of all openings between conditioned rooms and unconditioned areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Local code offices often issue compliance checklists — access the Philadelphia example here for reference.
• With the help of thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam, Local Energy Audits efficiently detects and seals leaks on-site./li>
• We achieve a passing score within two hours in over 90% of cases and promptly issue the documents to finalize your permit.