Blower Door Test in West Point, PA

Achieve peak energy efficiency and verify airtight construction with professional blower door test in West Point, PA. Our experts help homeowners, builders, and contractors pinpoint air leaks, improve efficiency, and comply with PA building energy standards.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test determines the air changes per hour of a house or building, ensuring proper ventilation as old air cycles out and fresh air flows in. Excessive air changes force constant reheating or recooling, driving up energy use and reducing overall home efficiency. Excessive ventilation can lead to unwanted drafts, air leakage discomfort, and potential mold, condensation, or moisture problems indoors. A blower door test in West Point, PA helps discover hidden leaks early so homeowners can save energy, enhance comfort, and improve home resilience.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To carry out blower door test in West Point, PA, exterior doors and windows are fully closed, and interior doors are left open for even air distribution in the home. One primary exterior doorway is used, where a flexible aluminum frame and fabric panel are mounted tightly. Next, a calibrated fan is mounted on the frame to reduce indoor pressure to 50 Pascals — similar to the force of a 20 mph wind on the building.

When air is pulled from the home, outside air finds its way in through cracks and unsealed openings. With the help of a nanometer, we determine the pressure difference between the fan’s airflow and the home’s internal conditions. These measurements are used to calculate air changes per hour (ACH), which reflects the home’s airtightness and performance under PA weather.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Properties in West Point, PA must meet the efficiency guidelines of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the latest version adopted locally. In most areas, an acceptable blower door test result is 3 air changes per hour or less, confirming that the home achieves optimal energy efficiency. Achieving this standard in your blower door test in West Point, PA lowers utility bills and guarantees adherence to local code requirements.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Following the IECC guidelines, PA and many local jurisdictions require blower door test on newly built or renovated residential dwellings. Our team regularly helps home builders, contractors, and homeowners seeking blower door test in West Point, PA to satisfy energy code standards and close final inspections. A duct leakage test may also be performed when ductwork or HVAC equipment extends beyond the thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

With blower door test in West Point, PA, homeowners can pinpoint hidden air leaks. The depressurization process makes them obvious, enabling better sealing and lower energy costs. It only takes a few hours to perform a blower door test, but the long-lasting impact on comfort and efficiency is felt through PA’ hot summers and cool winters.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Apply an effective air barrier such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, ensuring every seam is tightly sealed with proper tape.
  • Install insulation of the appropriate R-value and inspect to confirm it’s correctly fitted in all envelope areas.
  • Seal all penetrations in exterior walls using caulk or spray foam.
  • Ensure doors and windows are properly installed, caulked, and weather-sealed.
  • Seal gaps and openings separating conditioned spaces from unconditioned areas, including crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
  • Local code departments usually provide a checklist to assist with compliance — see the Philadelphia example here.
  • Local Energy Audits is equipped with thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam to find and seal air leaks immediately on-site./li>
  • Over 90% of projects pass within two hours, and we immediately provide the required paperwork to close out the building permit.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in West Point, PA

To properly prepare for blower door test in West Point, PA, the HVAC system and all bathroom and kitchen fans are turned off. Next, we conduct a quick walkthrough of the home, confirming that all exterior doors and windows are securely closed — including those to unfinished basements, garages, or any area outside the thermal envelope. Once everything is sealed, we choose a centrally located exterior door and set up the blower door frame and fan. The fan then depressurizes the home to 50 Pascals, allowing us to measure airflow and leakage precisely. When the house is depressurized, outside air begins entering faster, exposing hidden leaks more effectively. Using a thermal imager, we locate inefficiencies by observing temperature differences in walls, ceilings, and surfaces separating conditioned and unconditioned areas. Equipped with chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping, we can directly assist homeowners or contractors in resolving visible air leakage problems on-site. After sealing the leaks, we can immediately run another test to verify that the desired blower door score meets the local efficiency standards for homes in West Point, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in West Point, PA

When contractors perform blower door test in West Point, PA, minor issues in professionally insulated homes can usually be resolved during the inspection. With materials such as chalk and spray foam, most small leaks or gaps can be sealed immediately on-site. In more than 90% of cases, we achieve a passing blower door test score within two hours and provide complete documentation to close out the building permit the same day.

Schedule Your blower door test in West Point, PA

Count on our team for fast, professional, and certified blower door test in West Point, PA with dependable results. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking greater comfort or a contractor finalizing a permit, we ensure every test meets energy code requirements with precision and professionalism.