Blower Door Test in Huntingdon Valley, PA

Detect hidden air leaks and improve efficiency with professional blower door test in Huntingdon Valley, PA. Our trained team assists homeowners, builders, and contractors by detecting hidden air leaks, boosting comfort, and meeting PA energy regulations.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test is performed to identify the rate of air changes per hour, confirming your home receives a healthy exchange of fresh air. Too many air changes, however, can be detrimental because every time the air is replaced, it must be reheated or recooled, leading to higher energy use and lower efficiency. Too frequent air changes can produce drafts and discomfort from leaks, while also increasing the risk of condensation, moisture, and mold. A blower door test in Huntingdon Valley, PA helps pinpoint problem areas early, improving insulation performance, comfort, and home lifespan.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To conduct blower door test in Huntingdon Valley, PA, exterior doors and windows are closed properly, while interior doors remain open to help maintain even air movement. One main exterior door is identified, and an adjustable aluminum frame with a fabric panel is securely attached. A calibrated fan is then attached to the frame and used to depressurize the home to 50 Pascals, which is about the same as a steady 20 mph wind pushing against the structure.

When the fan depressurizes the home, outdoor air seeps in through leaks, crevices, and other air pathways. Using a sensitive instrument known as a nanometer, we measure the fan’s pressure against the home’s internal pressure. 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 Huntingdon Valley, PA, all new homes must comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more current codes enforced by local jurisdictions. Most areas recognize 3 air changes per hour or less as the target blower door test value to ensure energy efficiency. By meeting this standard in your blower door test in Huntingdon Valley, PA, you can enjoy lower utility bills and peace of mind with 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. We provide support to home builders, contractors, and homeowners needing blower door test in Huntingdon Valley, PA for meeting energy efficiency standards and finalizing permits. If any part of the HVAC system or ductwork sits beyond the building’s thermal envelope, a duct leakage test may be required. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners who choose blower door test in Huntingdon Valley, PA can easily locate leaks. As the fan depressurizes the home, airflow through gaps becomes apparent, exposing areas needing improvement. A blower door test may take just a few hours, yet its long-lasting impact can greatly improve your home’s comfort and energy use across PA’ hot summers and cool winters.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Employ an appropriate air barrier system such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and verify that each seam has been correctly taped.
  • Use insulation of the correct R-value and confirm that it’s tightly installed throughout every section 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.
  • Local building authorities commonly offer checklists to verify code compliance — review the Philadelphia example here.
  • At Local Energy Audits, we utilize thermal imaging equipment, caulk, and spray foam to identify and fix air leaks during testing./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 Huntingdon Valley, PA

As part of preparing for blower door test in Huntingdon Valley, PA, we power down the HVAC system along with kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans. 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. 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. Once the home is under depressurization, exterior air infiltrates faster through cracks, helping pinpoint leaks. Using a thermal imager, we locate inefficient areas by tracking temperature changes in walls, ceilings, and surfaces bordering unconditioned spaces. We carry chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials, allowing us to work directly with homeowners or contractors to fix visible air leakage issues 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 Huntingdon Valley, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Huntingdon Valley, PA

Professionally insulated homes tested by contractors during blower door test in Huntingdon Valley, PA can often address minor issues right on the spot. With efficient sealing products such as chalk and spray foam, minor air leaks can often be fixed immediately. In over 90% of cases, our team achieves a passing blower door test score within just two hours and provides the documentation required to close the permit promptly.

Schedule Your blower door test in Huntingdon Valley, PA

Count on our skilled technicians for fast, precise, and certified blower door test in Huntingdon Valley, PA. Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, we guarantee each blower door test is executed with accuracy and meets all local energy code requirements.