Blower Door Test in Berwyn, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

While performing blower door test in Berwyn, PA, technicians make sure exterior doors and windows are shut tight and interior doors are open for uniform pressure. An adjustable aluminum frame and sturdy fabric panel are installed in one central exterior door to prepare for testing. Once the frame is in place, a calibrated fan is used to bring the home’s pressure down to 50 Pascals — about the same as a 20 mph wind on the structure.

As the fan operates, it forces outside air to penetrate the home through gaps, leaks, and openings. A nanometer is used to detect and compare the pressure created by the fan with the air pressure inside the structure. These readings produce the air changes per hour (ACH) value, indicating both the home’s airtightness and efficiency within the PA climate.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Berwyn, PA, homes are designed to meet or exceed the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the latest locally adopted standards. Generally, a blower door test result of 3 air changes per hour or less is considered acceptable, ensuring proper energy performance. When your blower door test in Berwyn, PAmeets this requirement, you benefit from reduced energy bills and code compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of PA and numerous local municipalities adhere to the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), which mandates blower door test for all newly built or renovated residential homes. We regularly provide blower door test in Berwyn, 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.

Performing blower door test in Berwyn, PA allows homeowners to identify and fix leaks. The test makes air infiltration visible, uncovering opportunities to reduce energy loss. A blower door test, typically lasting only a few hours, offers a long-lasting impact on your home’s performance, efficiency, and comfort across PA’ seasons.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Choose Tyvek or Zip Sheathing as your air barrier and check that all seams are securely taped to maintain airtightness.
• Apply the correct R-value insulation and verify that it’s properly fitted to seal the whole 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 gaps and openings separating conditioned spaces from unconditioned areas, including crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
• Local permitting offices often offer official compliance checklists — review the Philadelphia sample here for reference.
• Local Energy Audits arrives fully equipped with thermal imaging, caulk, and spray foam to detect and seal leaks in one visit./li>
• Over 90% of the time, we achieve a passing score in under two hours and provide all required documentation to finalize the building permit.