Blower Door Test in Avondale, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

For accurate blower door test in Avondale, PA, technicians close all exterior openings and keep interior doors open to balance airflow throughout the house. A single main exterior door is fitted with an adjustable aluminum frame and attached fabric panel to begin the setup. A calibrated fan is placed within the frame and operated to depressurize the structure to 50 Pascals — nearly the same as a 20 mph wind hitting the building.

When air is drawn out by the fan, outdoor air seeps in through unsealed joints and hidden cracks. Using a nanometer device, we assess how the pressure from the fan differs from the home’s natural air pressure. 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 Avondale, PA, residential buildings must meet the benchmarks set by the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or any newer codes adopted locally. For most regions, achieving 3 air changes per hour or less on a blower door test ensures that the home is properly energy efficient. Achieving this standard in your blower door test in Avondale, PA lowers utility bills and guarantees adherence to local code requirements.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Throughout PA, the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) is followed, making blower door test compulsory for new and renovated homes. We routinely help home builders, contractors, and homeowners requiring blower door test in Avondale, PA for energy code compliance and permit closure. A duct leakage test could be required when air ducts or HVAC units extend outside the structure’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

With blower door test in Avondale, PA, homeowners can pinpoint hidden air leaks. The depressurization process makes them obvious, enabling better sealing and lower energy costs. Typically completed within a few hours, a blower door test provides a long-lasting impact on comfort, energy efficiency, and overall home performance in PA’ varied climate.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Use high-quality air barrier materials like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and confirm all seams are perfectly 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 all openings between conditioned and unconditioned areas, including basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Local authorities often publish checklists to confirm compliance — get the Philadelphia example here.
• Our professionals at Local Energy Audits use caulk, spray foam, and thermal imaging to detect and seal leaks on-site for better efficiency./li>
• We achieve a passing score within two hours in more than 90% of tests and issue the documents to close the building permit.