Blower Door Test in Colmar, PA

Achieve peak energy efficiency and verify airtight construction with professional blower door test in Colmar, PA. Our skilled technicians help homeowners, builders, and contractors find air leaks, increase comfort, and comply with PA energy standards.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test is performed to record air changes per hour in buildings, confirming that fresh air regularly replaces stale indoor air. When the air changes too often, energy efficiency drops since the system must continuously reheat or recool the air inside. When there are too many air leaks, drafts and discomfort can occur, along with moisture problems such as mold and condensation. A blower door test in Colmar, PA makes it easier to locate leaks and inefficiencies early, ensuring lasting comfort and reduced energy waste.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

For blower door test in Colmar, PA, all outside doors and windows are closed properly, and inside doors are kept open to balance air pressure throughout the space. 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.

As the fan removes air, outside air naturally flows inside through leaks, joints, and other gaps. 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 PA conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Colmar, PA, homes are designed to meet or exceed the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the latest locally adopted standards. In many locations, a result of 3 air changes per hour or less is required to verify the home’s energy efficiency level. Achieving compliance in your blower door test in Colmar, PA helps improve energy efficiency and meet all local code mandates.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

PA and several of its municipalities comply with the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), mandating blower door test for new or updated homes. We proudly serve home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Colmar, PA to pass inspections and fulfill energy code obligations. A duct leakage test might be required when HVAC units or ductwork are installed beyond the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners benefit from blower door test in Colmar, PA because depressurization exposes airflow through cracks, helping identify leaks and boost efficiency. Typically completed within a few hours, a blower door test provides a long-lasting impact on comfort, energy efficiency, and overall home performance in PA’ varied climate.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Use Tyvek or Zip Sheathing as your air barrier and carefully tape all seams to prevent air leakage.
  • Use insulation that has the designated R-value and confirm it’s properly applied throughout the building envelope for maximum efficiency.
  • Seal all penetrations in exterior walls using caulk or spray foam.
  • Ensure doors and windows are properly installed, caulked, and weather-sealed.
  • Close and seal every opening between heated or cooled spaces and unconditioned areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
  • Building departments in many areas share checklists for verifying compliance — download the Philadelphia version here as a sample.
  • With caulk, spray foam, and advanced thermal imaging, Local Energy Audits locates and seals leaks efficiently on-site./li>
  • In more than 90% of cases, we secure a passing score within two hours and deliver the paperwork needed to close the permit.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Colmar, PA

For blower door test in Colmar, PA, preparation includes turning off all heating and air conditioning units, plus bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans. Next, we check the home thoroughly to ensure all exterior openings — even those leading to garages or unfinished basements — are securely closed and within the thermal envelope. Once preparation is complete, the blower door fan and frame are installed in a centrally located exterior door. The fan then reduces pressure to 50 Pascals, allowing accurate leakage assessment. Once depressurization is achieved, the inflow of outside air intensifies, making air leaks easier to find and fix. Using a thermal imager, we locate inefficiencies by observing temperature differences in walls, ceilings, and surfaces separating conditioned and unconditioned areas. Carrying chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials, we work directly with homeowners or contractors to resolve visible air leakage issues during the visit. After sealing the leaks, we can immediately run another test to verify that the desired blower door score meets the local efficiency standards for homes in Colmar, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Colmar, PA

Contractors booking blower door test in Colmar, PA can rest assured that most homes with professional insulation can easily handle small fixes during testing. 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 Colmar, PA

Experience prompt, professional, and certified blower door test in Colmar, PA from our knowledgeable team. Whether you’re enhancing indoor comfort or finalizing a construction permit, we conduct every test with accuracy, care, and full compliance with energy standards.