Blower Door Test in City of Orange, NJ

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To carry out blower door test in City of Orange, NJ, exterior doors and windows are fully closed, and interior doors are left open for even air distribution in the home. One chosen exterior door is equipped with an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel for test installation. 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 the fan depressurizes the home, outdoor air seeps in through leaks, crevices, and other air pathways. Using a nanometer device, we assess how the pressure from the fan differs from the home’s natural air pressure. These results are transformed into air changes per hour (ACH), an indicator of the home’s airtightness and its efficiency in NJ conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In City of Orange, NJ, 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. Meeting this benchmark in your blower door test in City of Orange, NJ reduces ongoing energy costs while ensuring local regulatory compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of NJ and its local governments follow the IECC standards, which require blower door test on newly built or remodeled residential dwellings. Our company assists home builders, contractors, and homeowners who rely on blower door test in City of Orange, NJ to fulfill energy code compliance and finalize construction 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.

Homeowners who choose blower door test in City of Orange, NJ can easily locate leaks. As the fan depressurizes the home, airflow through gaps becomes apparent, exposing areas needing improvement. Typically completed within a few hours, a blower door test provides a long-lasting impact on comfort, energy efficiency, and overall home performance in NJ’ varied climate.

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.
• 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 all openings between conditioned and unconditioned areas, including basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Building departments in many areas share checklists for verifying compliance — download the Philadelphia version here as a sample.
• Local Energy Audits is equipped with thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam to find and seal air leaks immediately on-site./li>
• More than 90% of the time, our team delivers a passing score in less than two hours and completes the necessary permit paperwork.