Blower Door Test in Bensalem, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

While performing blower door test in Bensalem, PA, technicians make sure exterior doors and windows are shut tight and interior doors are open for uniform pressure. A central exterior door is used as the setup point, where an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel are positioned. Technicians mount a calibrated fan onto the frame to achieve 50 Pascals of depressurization — similar to a constant 20 mph wind acting on the home.

As the fan removes air, outside air naturally flows inside through leaks, joints, and other gaps. A sensitive device called a nanometer measures how the fan’s pressure relates to the home’s internal air 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 Bensalem, PA, homes are designed to meet or exceed the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the latest locally adopted standards. In most jurisdictions, 3 air changes per hour or less is the benchmark for acceptable blower door test results and energy efficiency. Reaching this target in your blower door test in Bensalem, PA helps maintain lower energy bills and fulfills local code obligations.

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 provide support to home builders, contractors, and homeowners needing blower door test in Bensalem, PA for meeting energy efficiency standards and finalizing permits. A duct leakage test is often required whenever ducts or HVAC units are found outside the building’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

With blower door test in Bensalem, PA, homeowners can pinpoint hidden air leaks. The depressurization process makes them obvious, enabling better sealing and lower energy costs. 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.
• Fit insulation with the correct R-value and make sure it’s installed without voids across the entire 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 complete sealing of all openings between conditioned rooms and unconditioned areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Building departments typically release step-by-step compliance lists — download the Philadelphia sample here as an example.
• Local Energy Audits provides on-site leak detection and sealing using advanced thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam./li>
• Typically, over 90% of the time we record a passing score in two hours and handle all permit-related documentation.