Blower Door Test in Merion Station, PA

Maintain compliance with energy codes and reduce energy loss using expert blower door test in Merion Station, PA. Our certified specialists support homeowners, builders, and contractors by locating hidden air leaks, improving efficiency, and achieving PA energy code compliance.

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. Having too many air changes can waste energy because each new cycle demands the air be reheated or recooled, cutting overall efficiency. Too much air movement from leaks can cause uncomfortable drafts, moisture accumulation, and mold or condensation issues indoors. A blower door test in Merion Station, PA locates leaks and inefficiencies quickly, allowing homeowners to enhance energy performance and create a cozier living space.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

When performing blower door test in Merion Station, PA, the technician ensures all exterior doors and windows are sealed and interior doors are open for steady air movement. One main exterior door is identified, and an adjustable aluminum frame with a fabric panel is securely attached. A calibrated fan is installed onto the frame, creating a pressure difference of 50 Pascals, comparable to a continuous 20 mph wind blowing on the home.

When the fan pulls air out, outdoor air enters the house through cracks, openings, and unsealed areas. With a nanometer, we record and compare the pressure produced by the fan to the pressure inside the house. The data collected is translated into air changes per hour (ACH), showing the home’s airtightness and overall energy efficiency in PA conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Construction in Merion Station, PA must comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or updated versions recognized by local authorities. Generally, a blower door test result of 3 air changes per hour or less is considered acceptable, ensuring proper energy performance. Passing this requirement during a blower door test in Merion Station, PA keeps your home efficient and aligned with local building code standards.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

PA, along with many city governments, enforces the IECC, which requires blower door test for residential projects after construction or renovation. We frequently assist home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Merion Station, PA to comply with energy codes and finalize building permits. A duct leakage test is often required whenever ducts or HVAC units are found outside the building’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Performing blower door test in Merion Station, PA allows homeowners to identify and fix leaks. The test makes air infiltration visible, uncovering opportunities to reduce energy loss. A blower door test is quick to perform but offers a long-lasting impact on comfort, energy savings, and home efficiency across all PAclimates.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Use high-quality air barrier materials like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and confirm all seams are perfectly taped.
  • Apply insulation of the correct R-value and make sure it fits snugly in all areas of the building envelope.
  • Seal all penetrations in exterior walls using caulk or spray foam.
  • Ensure doors and windows are properly installed, caulked, and weather-sealed.
  • Eliminate air leaks by sealing all openings between conditioned areas and unconditioned spaces, including basements and attics.
  • Many local municipalities issue code compliance checklists — the Philadelphia example is available here.
  • Local Energy Audits provides on-site leak detection and sealing using advanced thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam./li>
  • Over 90% of the time, we achieve a passing score in under two hours and provide all required documentation to finalize the building permit.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Merion Station, PA

To get ready for blower door test in Merion Station, PA, our team turns off the HVAC system and shuts down kitchen and bathroom fans. Next, a brief home walkthrough ensures every exterior door and window is closed — even those opening to unconditioned areas like garages or basements outside the thermal envelope. After all openings are closed, we choose a central exterior door, install the blower door frame and fan, and depressurize the house to 50 Pascals to gauge airflow. After the home is depressurized, incoming outdoor air becomes more intense, making leak points easy to locate. A thermal imager allows precise detection of problem areas by mapping temperature contrasts in walls, ceilings, and surfaces facing unconditioned areas. We’re equipped with chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials, so we can partner with homeowners or contractors to repair visible air leakage problems right on-site. After completing sealing improvements, we retest immediately to ensure the desired blower door score is met and the home complies with efficiency standards in Merion Station, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Merion Station, PA

Contractors booking blower door test in Merion Station, PA can rest assured that most homes with professional insulation can easily handle small fixes during testing. With materials such as chalk and spray foam on hand, minor leaks or gaps can usually be sealed immediately. In over 90% of cases, we are able to reach a passing blower door test score in under two hours and supply all necessary paperwork to finalize the building permit right away.

Schedule Your blower door test in Merion Station, PA

Count on our team for fast, professional, and certified blower door test in Merion Station, PA with dependable results. Whether you’re a homeowner focused on efficiency or a contractor working to close a permit, we ensure each test is conducted with precision and meets all energy code standards.