Blower Door Test in Montgomeryville, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

For blower door test in Montgomeryville, PA, all outside doors and windows are closed properly, and inside doors are kept open to balance air pressure throughout the space. A single central exterior door is designated, where the blower door’s aluminum frame and fabric panel are set up. The mounted calibrated fan depressurizes the building to 50 Pascals, a condition similar to the effect of a 20 mph wind.

When the fan pulls air out, outdoor air enters the house through cracks, openings, and unsealed areas. Using a nanometer, we accurately compare the pressure difference between the fan output and the home’s interior. 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 Montgomeryville, PA, homes are designed to meet or exceed the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the latest locally adopted standards. A result of 3 air changes per hour or less is generally required in most areas to confirm the home’s energy efficiency. When your blower door test in Montgomeryville, PAmeets this requirement, you benefit from reduced energy bills and code compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Across PA, the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) is adopted by the state and local jurisdictions, requiring blower door test on residential constructions and renovations. Our experts assist home builders, contractors, and homeowners needing blower door test in Montgomeryville, PA to ensure compliance with energy codes and complete final permits. 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.

Homeowners who choose blower door test in Montgomeryville, PA can easily locate leaks. As the fan depressurizes the home, airflow through gaps becomes apparent, exposing areas needing improvement. A blower door test, typically lasting only a few hours, offers a long-lasting impact on your home’s performance, efficiency, and comfort across PA’ seasons.

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.
• Ensure the insulation used meets the proper R-value and is well fitted throughout the structure’s building envelope.
• Seal all penetrations in exterior walls using caulk or spray foam.
• Ensure doors and windows are properly installed, caulked, and weather-sealed.
• Seal cracks and openings between conditioned interiors and unconditioned areas such as crawl spaces, attics, and basements.
• Building departments typically release step-by-step compliance lists — download the Philadelphia sample here as an example.
• Local Energy Audits uses professional-grade thermal imaging, caulk, and spray foam to locate and close leaks during the visit./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.