Blower Door Test in Ardmore, PA

Enhance comfort and confirm compliance with detailed blower door test in Ardmore, PA. Our qualified technicians assist homeowners, builders, and contractors in detecting air leaks, optimizing comfort, and maintaining compliance with PA energy codes.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test checks the number of air changes per hour in your home, ensuring old air is replaced with new, clean air for a healthier environment. Too frequent air replacement can reduce efficiency since every exchange requires your system to use more energy for heating or cooling. Excessive air changes can bring drafts and air leakage discomfort while promoting moisture buildup, mold, and condensation. A blower door test in Ardmore, 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 preparation for blower door test in Ardmore, PA, all exterior entry points are sealed, and interior doors are left open to allow consistent air circulation. One central exterior entry is selected, and an aluminum frame with a flexible fabric panel is installed securely. Technicians use a calibrated fan mounted on the frame to bring the home’s interior to 50 Pascals, approximating a 20 mph wind on the walls.

When air is pulled from the home, outside air finds its way in through cracks and unsealed openings. A precise tool called a nanometer is used to compare the pressure generated by the fan with that inside the home. 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 Ardmore, PA, all new homes must comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more current codes enforced by local jurisdictions. In most cases, passing the blower door test means reaching 3 air changes per hour or less, proving efficient home sealing. When your blower door test in Ardmore, PA meets this requirement, you ensure energy efficiency and maintain compliance with building codes.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of PA, along with its municipalities, observes the IECC requirements, mandating blower door test for newly constructed or updated homes. We frequently assist home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Ardmore, PA to comply with energy codes and finalize building 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 benefit from blower door test in Ardmore, PA because depressurization exposes airflow through cracks, helping identify leaks and boost efficiency. Although it’s a short process, a blower door test produces a long-lasting impact by improving comfort and lowering energy costs throughout PA’ climate extremes.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Use materials like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing as your air barrier and ensure every seam is well taped for best results.
  • Ensure the insulation used meets the proper R-value and is well fitted throughout the structure’s 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 off any access points or gaps between conditioned and unconditioned spaces like attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
  • Local construction departments often include compliance guides — you can download the Philadelphia checklist here.
  • With caulk, spray foam, and advanced thermal imaging, Local Energy Audits locates and seals leaks efficiently on-site./li>
  • More than 90% of the time, we deliver a passing score in under two hours and issue all documents needed for permit approval.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Ardmore, PA

Preparation for blower door test in Ardmore, PA includes turning off the air conditioning, heating, and all exhaust fans to ensure accurate results. Next, we do a complete walkthrough to ensure all exterior doors and windows are sealed — including those opening to garages, unfinished basements, or areas beyond the thermal envelope. After sealing the home, we install the blower door frame and fan in a central exterior doorway. The fan depressurizes the home to 50 Pascals to provide accurate airflow and leakage readings. After depressurization, air from outside rushes in through cracks and gaps, making leak detection much easier. Through the use of a thermal imager, we find problem zones by detecting uneven temperatures in walls, ceilings, and surfaces connected to unconditioned spaces. Our team provides on-site repair using chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping, working with homeowners or contractors to fix visible air leakage problems. After the sealing process, we can promptly retest to confirm if the desired blower door score has been reached, meeting Ardmore, PA energy code requirements.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Ardmore, PA

For contractors booking blower door test in Ardmore, PA, homes with quality insulation usually require only quick, on-site fixes during testing. With readily available sealing materials like chalk and spray foam, we can repair minor leaks or gaps on the spot. In more than 90% of cases, our team secures a passing blower door test score within two hours and provides full documentation to complete the permit without any delay.

Schedule Your blower door test in Ardmore, PA

Get reliable, timely, and certified blower door test in Ardmore, PA from our trained and experienced specialists. Whether you’re a homeowner improving comfort or a contractor completing inspection requirements, our tests meet energy codes with careful attention to detail.