Blower Door Test in Darby, PA

Detect hidden air leaks and improve efficiency with professional blower door test in Darby, PA. Our certified technicians provide homeowners, builders, and contractors with expert air leak detection, better comfort, and complete PA energy code compliance.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test checks the number of air changes per hour in your home, ensuring old air is replaced with new, clean air for a healthier environment. An excessive rate of air changes can be inefficient because each time the air is replaced, it must be reheated or recooled, raising energy costs. Excessive air leakage can cause drafts, reduce comfort, and contribute to issues like condensation, moisture, and mold inside the home. A blower door test in Darby, PA identifies potential air leakage problems early so homeowners and builders can improve comfort, energy performance, and home durability.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

In preparation for blower door test in Darby, PA, all exterior entry points are sealed, and interior doors are left open to allow consistent air circulation. A single main exterior door is fitted with an adjustable aluminum frame and attached fabric panel to begin the setup. 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 air is drawn out by the fan, it causes outdoor air to infiltrate through existing leaks and gaps in the structure. Using a nanometer, we accurately compare the pressure difference between the fan output and the home’s interior. The pressure data is turned into air changes per hour (ACH), a measure of how efficiently and tightly the home is sealed in PA.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Homes in Darby, PA are typically required to follow the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the most recent version adopted locally. In most locations, 3 air changes per hour or less is the standard blower door test result for efficient home performance. Reaching the target during your blower door test in Darby, PA guarantees lower energy consumption and full code compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Throughout PA, the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) is followed, making blower door test compulsory for new and renovated homes. Our team frequently assists home builders, contractors, and homeowners performing blower door test in Darby, PA to verify compliance and secure permit approval. 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 experience real energy benefits from blower door test in Darby, PA. The fan’s depressurization highlights air leaks, helping identify inefficiencies that can be sealed for savings. A blower door test, typically lasting only a few hours, offers a long-lasting impact on your home’s performance, efficiency, and comfort across PA’ seasons.

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.
  • Fit insulation with the correct R-value and make sure it’s installed without voids across the entire 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.
  • Local building authorities commonly offer checklists to verify code compliance — review 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 Darby, PA

As part of preparing for blower door test in Darby, PA, we power down the HVAC system along with kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans. Next, we inspect each room to confirm all exterior doors and windows are properly closed — including any leading to garages, basements, or other spaces beyond the thermal envelope. After sealing the home, we install the blower door frame and fan in a central exterior doorway. The fan depressurizes the home to 50 Pascals to provide accurate airflow and leakage readings. When the home reaches negative pressure, outside air infiltrates through openings, making leaks visible. Using a thermal imager, we detect problem areas by observing temperature variations in walls, ceilings, and other surfaces that connect to unconditioned spaces. Our team brings chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping supplies to every job, enabling us to collaborate with homeowners or contractors to seal visible air leakage areas immediately. We can retest right after sealing to check whether the desired blower door score has been met, ensuring full compliance with Darby, PA energy standards.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Darby, PA

Contractors arranging blower door test in Darby, PA will find that homes with professional insulation can typically resolve small issues right on-site during testing. Using readily available materials like chalk and spray foam, our team can seal small leaks and gaps on-site in minutes. In more than 90% of cases, we achieve a passing blower door test score within two hours and provide complete documentation to finalize the building permit without delay.

Schedule Your blower door test in Darby, PA

Choose our professional team for quick, accurate, and certified blower door test in Darby, PA. Whether you’re focused on comfort improvements or completing compliance checks, we ensure every test meets energy codes with precision and care.