Blower Door Test in Claymont, DE

Protect your energy investment and verify airtightness with advanced blower door test in Claymont, DE. Our experts help homeowners, builders, and contractors pinpoint air leaks, improve efficiency, and comply with DE building energy standards.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test calculates the rate of air changes per hour in a property, verifying that proper ventilation keeps air fresh and clean. When a home experiences excessive air changes, the HVAC system must reheat or recool more frequently, increasing energy use and reducing efficiency. When air changes occur too often, they can result in drafts, air leakage discomfort, and moisture-related problems such as condensation and mold. A blower door test in Claymont, DE detects early-stage air leaks, enabling effective energy use and a more durable, comfortable living environment.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

When conducting blower door test in Claymont, DE, technicians close all exterior doors and windows and keep interior doors open for consistent air movement. 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.

As the fan expels air, the resulting pressure draws outdoor air in through hidden leaks and unsealed joints. With a nanometer, we record and compare the pressure produced by the fan to the pressure inside the house. These readings are then converted into the total number of air changes per hour (ACH), revealing how airtight the home is and how well it performs in the DE climate.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Residential buildings in Claymont, DE must adhere to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or newer versions adopted by city or county regulations. An acceptable blower door test result in most areas is 3 air changes per hour or less, demonstrating solid energy performance. When your blower door test in Claymont, DEmeets this requirement, you benefit from reduced energy bills and code compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Both DE and local jurisdictions adopt the IECC energy code, making blower door test mandatory for new and renovated residential structures. We frequently assist home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Claymont, DE to comply with energy codes and finalize building permits. A duct leakage test may also be necessary if any ducts or HVAC systems are positioned outside the building’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

There are many benefits of blower door test in Claymont, DE for homeowners. When the fan lowers indoor pressure, leaks become visible, allowing for easy identification of inefficiencies and energy-saving opportunities. Typically completed within a few hours, a blower door test provides a long-lasting impact on comfort, energy efficiency, and overall home performance in DE’ varied climate.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Use an air barrier system such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and verify that each seam is properly sealed with tape.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Local Energy Audits uses professional-grade thermal imaging, caulk, and spray foam to locate and close leaks during the visit./li>
  • In over 90% of tests, we obtain a passing score within two hours and issue all paperwork required for permit closure.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Claymont, DE

Getting ready for blower door test in Claymont, DE involves turning off all heating, cooling, and exhaust ventilation systems. 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. Once all doors and windows are sealed, we set up the blower door system in a centrally located exterior door and reduce air pressure to 50 Pascals to evaluate leakage. Once depressurization is achieved, the inflow of outside air intensifies, making air leaks easier to find and fix. A thermal imager helps us identify air leakage points by revealing temperature shifts in walls, ceilings, and surfaces adjoining unconditioned areas. Our technicians arrive with chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials, ready to work with homeowners or contractors to fix visible air leakage problems right away. After completing the sealing process, we can retest right away to check if the desired blower door score has been obtained, confirming compliance with Claymont, DE efficiency standards.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Claymont, DE

When contractors perform blower door test in Claymont, DE, minor issues in professionally insulated homes can usually be resolved during the inspection. With efficient sealing products such as chalk and spray foam, minor air leaks can often be fixed immediately. In over 90% of cases, our team achieves a passing blower door test score within just two hours and provides the documentation required to close the permit promptly.

Schedule Your blower door test in Claymont, DE

Trust our experienced team for quick, accurate, and certified blower door test in Claymont, DE. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking better efficiency or a contractor finalizing a build, we ensure every test aligns perfectly with energy code standards.