Blower Door Test in Chester Heights, PA

Ensure your property meets energy codes and maintains efficiency through expert blower door test in Chester Heights, PA. Our certified technicians support homeowners, builders, and contractors in finding hidden leaks, improving comfort, and ensuring 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. An excessive rate of air changes can be inefficient because each time the air is replaced, it must be reheated or recooled, raising energy costs. Too much air movement from leaks can cause uncomfortable drafts, moisture accumulation, and mold or condensation issues indoors. A blower door test in Chester Heights, PA detects air leaks early on, helping builders and homeowners boost efficiency and strengthen overall home comfort.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To carry out blower door test in Chester Heights, PA, exterior doors and windows are fully closed, and interior doors are left open for even air distribution in the home. One main exterior door is identified, and an adjustable aluminum frame with a fabric panel is securely attached. The mounted calibrated fan depressurizes the building to 50 Pascals, a condition similar to the effect of a 20 mph wind.

As air is drawn out by the fan, it causes outdoor air to infiltrate through existing leaks and gaps in the structure. With the help of a nanometer, we determine the pressure difference between the fan’s airflow and the home’s internal conditions. The collected data converts to air changes per hour (ACH), demonstrating how tightly sealed and efficient the home remains in PA climates.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Properties in Chester Heights, PA must meet the efficiency guidelines of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the latest version adopted locally. In many locations, a result of 3 air changes per hour or less is required to verify the home’s energy efficiency level. Passing this threshold during your blower door test in Chester Heights, PA ensures both energy savings and full compliance with local regulations.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of PA and its local governments follow the IECC standards, which require blower door test on newly built or remodeled residential dwellings. We regularly provide blower door test in Chester Heights, PA for home builders, contractors, and homeowners working to meet local code requirements and close permits. You might also need a duct leakage test if HVAC systems or ducts are positioned outside the property’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners experience real energy benefits from blower door test in Chester Heights, PA. The fan’s depressurization highlights air leaks, helping identify inefficiencies that can be sealed for savings. Completing a blower door test takes just a few hours, yet its long-lasting impact enhances comfort and performance in every PAseason.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Use a trusted air barrier like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, ensuring all joints and seams are properly taped and sealed.
  • Use properly rated insulation with the right R-value and ensure consistent coverage throughout 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.
  • Make sure to seal all separations between conditioned and unconditioned areas, including crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
  • Many local municipalities issue code compliance checklists — the Philadelphia example is available here.
  • Local Energy Audits brings thermal cameras, caulk, and spray foam to locate and seal leaks while performing on-site testing./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 Chester Heights, PA

To ensure accuracy during blower door test in Chester Heights, PA, we begin by switching off the HVAC system and all exhaust fans in the home. We proceed with a quick home walkthrough, checking that every exterior door and window is tightly shut — including ones that lead to unfinished or unconditioned spaces 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. Carrying chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials, we work directly with homeowners or contractors to resolve visible air leakage issues during the visit. After sealing, we perform a follow-up test to determine if the desired blower door score meets the efficiency standards required in Chester Heights, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Chester Heights, PA

Most professionally insulated homes undergoing blower door test in Chester Heights, PA can resolve small issues on-site during the contractor’s visit. Using quick-application materials like chalk and spray foam, small leaks or openings are sealed right during testing. In more than 90% of cases, we achieve a passing blower door test score within two hours and deliver all documents needed to finalize the permit without any delay.

Schedule Your blower door test in Chester Heights, PA

Get fast, reliable, and certified blower door test in Chester Heights, PA from our experienced and trusted team. Whether you’re focused on comfort improvements or completing compliance checks, we ensure every test meets energy codes with precision and care.