Blower Door Test in Folcroft, PA

Achieve peak energy efficiency and verify airtight construction with professional blower door test in Folcroft, PA. Our professional technicians help homeowners, builders, and contractors identify air leaks, improve home comfort, and satisfy PA energy code regulations.

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. Too frequent air exchanges lead to energy waste, as every replacement requires reheating or recooling, decreasing your system’s efficiency. Excessive air changes can also lead to drafts and discomfort caused by air leaks, along with moisture, condensation, and mold problems inside the home. A blower door test in Folcroft, PA helps spot air leaks before they worsen, improving efficiency, comfort, and long-term structural quality.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

In blower door test in Folcroft, PA, every exterior door and window is shut, while interior doors stay open to allow uniform airflow inside the building. A single central exterior door is designated, where the blower door’s aluminum frame and fabric panel are set up. 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.

As the fan removes air from inside, exterior air flows in through leaks and gaps in the building envelope. Using a highly accurate nanometer, we compare the fan-induced pressure to the natural air pressure inside the home. The pressure data is turned into air changes per hour (ACH), a measure of how efficiently and tightly the home is sealed in PA.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Folcroft, PA, energy efficiency standards for homes are based on the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more recent updates approved by the jurisdiction. In many locations, a result of 3 air changes per hour or less is required to verify the home’s energy efficiency level. Meeting this requirement during your blower door test in Folcroft, PA helps reduce energy costs while keeping your home compliant with local building codes.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

In accordance with the IECC, the State of PA and various local authorities require blower door test for new or remodeled residential properties. Our team frequently assists home builders, contractors, and homeowners performing blower door test in Folcroft, PA to verify compliance and secure permit approval. A duct leakage test requirement applies if ducts or HVAC units are positioned outside the structure’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners who choose blower door test in Folcroft, 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.
  • Use a reliable air barrier like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and make sure all seams are securely 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.
  • Seal every transition point between conditioned and unconditioned environments, including attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
  • Local building departments often supply a detailed checklist to ensure compliance — you can download the Philadelphia example here for guidance.
  • Using thermal imaging technology along with caulk and spray foam, Local Energy Audits identifies and seals leaks during the inspection./li>
  • In more than 90% of cases, we secure a passing score within two hours and deliver the paperwork needed to close the permit.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Folcroft, PA

We start the process of blower door test in Folcroft, PA by ensuring all heating, air conditioning, and exhaust systems are turned off. Next, we check the home thoroughly to ensure all exterior openings — even those leading to garages or unfinished basements — are securely closed and within the thermal envelope. Once preparation is complete, the blower door fan and frame are installed in a centrally located exterior door. The fan then reduces pressure to 50 Pascals, allowing accurate leakage assessment. 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 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 the sealing process, we can retest right away to check if the desired blower door score has been obtained, confirming compliance with Folcroft, PA efficiency standards.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Folcroft, PA

For contractors overseeing blower door test in Folcroft, PA, most properly insulated homes can manage small on-site repairs during testing. With tools such as chalk and spray foam, we can address small leaks or gaps without delay. In more than 90% of cases, we deliver a passing blower door test score within two hours and finalize all permit documentation immediately afterward.

Schedule Your blower door test in Folcroft, PA

Experience prompt, professional, and certified blower door test in Folcroft, PA from our knowledgeable team. Whether you’re focused on comfort improvements or completing compliance checks, we ensure every test meets energy codes with precision and care.