Blower Door Test in Coatesville, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

When blower door test in Coatesville, PA is conducted, every exterior door and window is closed, and interior doors are left open to achieve uniform air movement inside. A central exterior door is picked, where the technician fits an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel for airtight testing. 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.

When the fan starts pulling air out, external air enters through the smallest cracks and leakage points. A nanometer precisely gauges the pressure applied by the fan in relation to the home’s internal air pressure. The collected data converts to air changes per hour (ACH), demonstrating how tightly sealed and efficient the home remains in PA climates.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Homes in Coatesville, PA are typically required to follow the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the most recent version adopted locally. An efficient home in most regions will achieve 3 air changes per hour or less during a blower door test. Passing this threshold during your blower door test in Coatesville, PA ensures both energy savings and full compliance with local regulations.

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 routinely help home builders, contractors, and homeowners requiring blower door test in Coatesville, PA for energy code compliance and permit closure. If any part of the HVAC system or ductwork sits beyond the building’s thermal envelope, a duct leakage test may be required. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners who choose blower door test in Coatesville, PA can easily locate leaks. As the fan depressurizes the home, airflow through gaps becomes apparent, exposing areas needing improvement. 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.
• Install a quality air barrier like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and confirm that all joints and seams are completely taped.
• Install insulation that meets the required R-value and check that it’s evenly and securely placed throughout 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.
• Seal every transition point between conditioned and unconditioned environments, including attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
• Local permitting offices often offer official compliance checklists — review the Philadelphia sample here for reference.
• Equipped with thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam, Local Energy Audits can find and fix leaks directly at your property./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.