Blower Door Test in Glenolden, PA

Confirm your home’s energy performance and identify leaks through accurate blower door test in Glenolden, PA. Our certified professionals work with homeowners, builders, and contractors to uncover hidden air leaks and guarantee compliance with PA energy codes.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test is designed to measure air changes per hour inside homes, promoting a balance between airtightness and necessary ventilation. Too many air changes can negatively impact efficiency, as every replacement of indoor air demands additional heating or cooling energy. Excessive air circulation may cause drafts, discomfort from leaks, and indoor problems like condensation, mold, and moisture damage. A blower door test in Glenolden, PA enables early identification of air leaks, helping improve comfort, durability, and energy savings.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

During blower door test in Glenolden, PA, exterior openings are closed securely, and interior doors are left open to maintain even air circulation across the house. One main exterior door is identified, and an adjustable aluminum frame with a fabric panel is securely attached. 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 the fan starts pulling air out, external air enters through the smallest cracks and leakage points. Using a sensitive instrument known as a nanometer, we measure the fan’s pressure against the home’s internal pressure. From these readings, the number of air changes per hour (ACH) is determined, revealing the home’s airtightness and performance efficiency in PA.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Glenolden, PA, compliance with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or subsequent locally adopted versions is typically mandatory for residential properties. Typically, blower door test compliance means maintaining 3 air changes per hour or less for energy-efficient performance. Meeting this level during your blower door test in Glenolden, PA supports energy efficiency and verifies that your home meets local codes.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

In PA, both state and local jurisdictions follow the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), requiring blower door test for new and remodeled homes. We regularly provide blower door test in Glenolden, PA for home builders, contractors, and homeowners working to meet local code requirements and close permits. You may also need a duct leakage test if your ductwork or HVAC equipment lies outside the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners who choose blower door test in Glenolden, PA can easily locate leaks. As the fan depressurizes the home, airflow through gaps becomes apparent, exposing areas needing improvement. A blower door test usually takes just a few hours but delivers a long-lasting impact on your home’s comfort, performance, and efficiency—particularly during PA’ hot summers and cool winters.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Choose an appropriate air barrier, like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, and ensure all seams are accurately and securely 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.
  • Ensure all penetrations between conditioned and unconditioned areas—like attics, basements, and crawl spaces—are tightly sealed.
  • Many cities provide compliance checklists through their building departments — see the Philadelphia version here.
  • Our professionals at Local Energy Audits use caulk, spray foam, and thermal imaging to detect and seal leaks on-site for better efficiency./li>
  • In most situations—over 90% of the time—we get a passing score within two hours and finalize all required paperwork.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Glenolden, PA

Before conducting blower door test in Glenolden, PA, we make sure all heating, cooling, and ventilation fans are switched off. A brief walkthrough follows, during which we verify all exterior windows and doors — even those leading to unconditioned spaces — are closed tight to preserve the thermal envelope. After sealing the home, we install the blower door frame and fan in a central exterior doorway. The fan depressurizes the home to 50 Pascals to provide accurate airflow and leakage readings. Once the structure is depressurized, outside air penetrates more actively, exposing any leaks and weak points. A thermal imager allows us to pinpoint problem spots by highlighting temperature contrasts in walls, ceilings, and surfaces exposed to unconditioned spaces. We’re fully equipped with chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping to collaborate with homeowners or contractors in correcting visible air leakage issues immediately. After the sealing process, we can promptly retest to confirm if the desired blower door score has been reached, meeting Glenolden, PA energy code requirements.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Glenolden, PA

For contractors scheduling blower door test in Glenolden, PA, most professionally insulated homes can quickly fix minor issues on-site during the testing process. 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 Glenolden, PA

Rely on our expert team for accurate, efficient, and certified blower door test in Glenolden, PA. Whether you’re improving comfort as a homeowner or completing a project as a contractor, we guarantee every test is performed with accuracy and full energy code compliance.