Blower Door Test in Lewes, DE

Evaluate your home’s air leakage and achieve energy compliance with precise blower door test in Lewes, DE. Our certified technicians assist homeowners, builders, and contractors in detecting hidden air leaks, boosting comfort, and ensuring full compliance with DE energy codes.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test is conducted to assess air changes per hour inside a home or structure, ensuring the right balance between air leakage and fresh airflow. Excessive air changes force constant reheating or recooling, driving up energy use and reducing overall home efficiency. Excessive ventilation can lead to unwanted drafts, air leakage discomfort, and potential mold, condensation, or moisture problems indoors. A blower door test in Lewes, DE allows early detection of air leaks, helping homeowners and builders boost efficiency and maintain a comfortable, durable living environment.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

While performing blower door test in Lewes, DE, technicians make sure exterior doors and windows are shut tight and interior doors are open for uniform pressure. Technicians select one central exterior door and install an adjustable aluminum frame along with a fabric panel for testing. A calibrated fan is fitted into the frame and depressurizes the home to 50 Pascals, mimicking the pressure caused by a 20 mph wind.

As the fan creates negative pressure, outside air infiltrates the home through gaps and small openings. Using a sensitive instrument known as a nanometer, we measure the fan’s pressure against the home’s internal pressure. These readings produce the air changes per hour (ACH) value, indicating both the home’s airtightness and efficiency within the DE climate.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Lewes, DE, residential properties must meet the energy efficiency criteria outlined in the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or updated local versions. In most areas, an acceptable blower door test result is 3 air changes per hour or less, confirming that the home achieves optimal energy efficiency. Passing this requirement during a blower door test in Lewes, DE keeps your home efficient and aligned with local building code standards.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

In DE, both state and local jurisdictions follow the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), requiring blower door test for new and remodeled homes. Our experts assist home builders, contractors, and homeowners needing blower door test in Lewes, DE to ensure compliance with energy codes and complete final permits. In some cases, a duct leakage test is needed if ducts or HVAC systems lie outside the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

By performing blower door test in Lewes, DE, homeowners can identify where conditioned air escapes. Depressurization makes leaks visible, uncovering ways to enhance comfort and efficiency. In only a few hours, a blower door test can deliver a long-lasting impact on energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor performance throughout DE’ changing seasons.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Install a quality air barrier like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and confirm that all joints and seams are completely taped.
  • Use insulation with the right R-value and confirm it is properly installed 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.
  • Properly seal all connections between conditioned and unconditioned zones, including basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
  • Local construction departments often include compliance guides — you can download the Philadelphia checklist here.
  • 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 Lewes, DE

Getting ready for blower door test in Lewes, DE involves turning off all heating, cooling, and exhaust ventilation systems. We then perform a brief inspection throughout the home to make sure all exterior doors and windows are tightly shut — even those opening to garages, basements, or spaces outside the thermal envelope. After sealing everything, we install the blower door frame and fan in a central exterior door and use it to depressurize the home to 50 Pascals for accurate airflow data. When the home reaches negative pressure, outside air infiltrates through openings, making leaks visible. A thermal imager allows us to pinpoint problem spots by highlighting temperature contrasts in walls, ceilings, and surfaces exposed to unconditioned spaces. We carry all necessary materials, including chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping, to collaborate with homeowners or contractors on visible air leakage repairs during testing. After sealing, we perform a follow-up test to determine if the desired blower door score meets the efficiency standards required in Lewes, DE.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Lewes, DE

During blower door test in Lewes, DE, contractors will find that well-insulated homes can manage minor issues directly on-site. 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 Lewes, DE

Rely on our expert team for accurate, efficient, and certified blower door test in Lewes, DE. Whether you’re enhancing indoor comfort or finalizing a construction permit, we conduct every test with accuracy, care, and full compliance with energy standards.