Blower Door Test in Clifton Heights, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

When blower door test in Clifton Heights, PA is conducted, every exterior door and window is closed, and interior doors are left open to achieve uniform air movement inside. One chosen exterior door is equipped with an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel for test installation. After setup, a calibrated fan is attached to the frame to lower the air pressure inside the house to 50 Pascals, equivalent to a 20 mph wind.

As the fan exhausts indoor air, outside air starts seeping into the home through small leaks and gaps. 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 PA climate.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Clifton Heights, PA, homes are designed to meet or exceed the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the latest locally adopted standards. A result of 3 air changes per hour or less is generally required in most areas to confirm the home’s energy efficiency. Passing this requirement during a blower door test in Clifton Heights, PA keeps your home efficient and aligned with local building code standards.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of PA, together with many cities and counties, enforces the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), which calls for blower door test on new or renovated residential properties. We often collaborate with home builders, contractors, and homeowners who require blower door test in Clifton Heights, PA to meet energy efficiency standards and close permits. A duct leakage test can be required when ducts or HVAC components are installed outside the structure’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Using blower door test in Clifton Heights, PA, homeowners can detect unwanted airflow. The depressurization process reveals leaks, helping them seal gaps and increase comfort. This simple test, completed in a few hours, creates a long-lasting impact on your home’s efficiency and comfort during PA’ hot and cold months.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Select a proper air barrier such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and ensure every seam is thoroughly taped for airtight sealing.
• 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.
• Ensure all penetrations between conditioned and unconditioned areas—like attics, basements, and crawl spaces—are tightly sealed.
• Building departments typically release step-by-step compliance lists — download the Philadelphia sample here as an example.
• With caulk, spray foam, and advanced thermal imaging, Local Energy Audits locates and seals leaks efficiently on-site./li>
• In over 90% of tests, we obtain a passing score within two hours and issue all paperwork required for permit closure.