Blower Door Test in Cheyney, PA

Improve insulation performance and meet energy code requirements through thorough blower door test in Cheyney, PA. Our qualified specialists help homeowners, builders, and contractors locate hidden leaks, improve comfort, and fulfill PA energy code standards.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test provides accurate data on air changes per hour, showing how efficiently fresh air circulates through your space. Excessive air changes can cause problems since each exchange requires reheating or recooling, resulting in greater energy consumption and reduced efficiency. Excessive air changes can bring drafts and air leakage discomfort while promoting moisture buildup, mold, and condensation. A blower door test in Cheyney, PA helps uncover these issues early, enabling homeowners and builders to detect air leaks, enhance energy efficiency, and ensure a more comfortable, long-lasting home.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

During blower door test in Cheyney, PA, exterior openings are closed securely, and interior doors are left open to maintain even air circulation across the house. One chosen exterior door is equipped with an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel for test installation. A calibrated fan is fitted into the frame and depressurizes the home to 50 Pascals, mimicking the pressure caused by a 20 mph wind.

When the fan depressurizes the home, outdoor air seeps in through leaks, crevices, and other air pathways. Using a highly accurate nanometer, we compare the fan-induced pressure to the natural air pressure inside the home. These figures are calculated into air changes per hour (ACH), reflecting how well the home prevents air loss and maintains efficiency in PA conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Homes in Cheyney, PA are typically required to follow the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the most recent version adopted locally. An acceptable blower door test result in most areas is 3 air changes per hour or less, demonstrating solid energy performance. Satisfying this requirement in your blower door test in Cheyney, PA helps optimize energy use and ensures you meet local building standards.

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. Our company assists home builders, contractors, and homeowners who rely on blower door test in Cheyney, PA to fulfill energy code compliance and finalize construction permits. You may be required to perform a duct leakage test if HVAC components are situated outside the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Through blower door test in Cheyney, PA, homeowners can easily find leaks. When the fan reduces internal pressure, air movement through problem areas becomes noticeable, offering chances to save energy. Completing a blower door test takes just a few hours, yet its long-lasting impact enhances comfort and performance in every PAseason.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Apply an appropriate air barrier, such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, making sure every seam is correctly taped for maximum performance.
  • Install correctly rated insulation with the proper R-value and confirm it’s well positioned in every part 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.
  • Eliminate air leaks by sealing all openings between conditioned areas and unconditioned spaces, including basements and attics.
  • Many building departments provide step-by-step compliance guides — you can find 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>
  • In most situations—over 90% of the time—we get a passing score within two hours and finalize all required paperwork.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Cheyney, PA

To get ready for blower door test in Cheyney, PA, our team turns off the HVAC system and shuts down kitchen and bathroom fans. After that, we check the entire home to confirm all exterior doors and windows are tightly secured — even those leading to garages, unfinished basements, or other spaces outside 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. With a thermal imager, we identify cold or warm spots in walls, ceilings, and other surfaces that reveal air leakage into unconditioned spaces. We come prepared with chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping, allowing us to assist homeowners or contractors in sealing visible air leakage points on the spot. We can retest right after sealing to check whether the desired blower door score has been met, ensuring full compliance with Cheyney, PA energy standards.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Cheyney, PA

For contractors overseeing blower door test in Cheyney, PA, most properly insulated homes can manage small on-site repairs during testing. Using materials like chalk and spray foam during the inspection, small leaks or gaps can be sealed right away. In over 90% of cases, we complete a passing blower door test score within two hours and provide the required paperwork to close out the building permit promptly.

Schedule Your blower door test in Cheyney, PA

Get dependable, efficient, and certified blower door test in Cheyney, PA performed by our qualified and experienced experts. Whether you’re a homeowner aiming to enhance comfort or a contractor needing to close out a permit, we make sure each test complies with energy codes accurately and efficiently.