Blower Door Test in Dover, DE

Find and fix air leaks while improving performance through reliable blower door test in Dover, DE. Our certified experts assist homeowners, builders, and contractors in improving comfort, sealing leaks, and meeting DE energy code requirements.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test is performed to identify the rate of air changes per hour, confirming your home receives a healthy exchange of fresh air. Having too many air changes can waste energy because each new cycle demands the air be reheated or recooled, cutting overall efficiency. When too much air is exchanged, it can cause drafts, reduce comfort, and create conditions for moisture buildup and mold. A blower door test in Dover, DE assists in finding and sealing air leaks early to improve home comfort, energy efficiency, and overall durability.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

While performing blower door test in Dover, DE, technicians make sure exterior doors and windows are shut tight and interior doors are open for uniform pressure. A single central exterior door is designated, where the blower door’s aluminum frame and fabric panel are set up. 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 air is drawn out by the fan, it causes outdoor air to infiltrate through existing leaks and gaps in the structure. A sensitive nanometer helps us measure and compare the pressure created by the fan with the interior air pressure. The data is converted into air changes per hour (ACH), identifying how tightly sealed and energy-efficient the house is in DE.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Homes in Dover, DE are typically required to follow the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the most recent version adopted locally. Typically, blower door test compliance means maintaining 3 air changes per hour or less for energy-efficient performance. When your blower door test in Dover, DE meets this requirement, you ensure energy efficiency and maintain compliance with building codes.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Following the IECC guidelines, DE and many local jurisdictions require blower door test on newly built or renovated residential dwellings. Our team regularly helps home builders, contractors, and homeowners seeking blower door test in Dover, DE to satisfy energy code standards and close final inspections. 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.

With blower door test in Dover, DE, homeowners can pinpoint hidden air leaks. The depressurization process makes them obvious, enabling better sealing and lower energy costs. In only a few hours, a blower door test can deliver a long-lasting impact on energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor performance throughout DE’ changing seasons.

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.
  • Seal all joints and gaps that connect conditioned 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.
  • Using thermal imaging technology along with caulk and spray foam, Local Energy Audits identifies and seals leaks during the inspection./li>
  • More than 90% of the time, we deliver a passing score in under two hours and issue all documents needed for permit approval.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Dover, DE

To ensure accuracy during blower door test in Dover, DE, we begin by switching off the HVAC system and all exhaust fans in the home. Next, we do a complete walkthrough to ensure all exterior doors and windows are sealed — including those opening to garages, unfinished basements, or areas beyond the thermal envelope. With all openings sealed, we place the blower door frame and fan in a main exterior door and use it to depressurize the structure to 50 Pascals for precise testing results. After depressurization, air from outside rushes in through cracks and gaps, making leak detection much easier. A thermal imager helps us visualize temperature differences in walls, ceilings, and surfaces that separate conditioned and unconditioned spaces. We’re fully equipped with chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping to collaborate with homeowners or contractors in correcting visible air leakage issues immediately. After completing sealing improvements, we retest immediately to ensure the desired blower door score is met and the home complies with efficiency standards in Dover, DE.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Dover, DE

For contractors overseeing blower door test in Dover, DE, most properly insulated homes can manage small on-site repairs during testing. Using quick-application materials like chalk and spray foam, small leaks or openings are sealed right during testing. In more than 90% of cases, we achieve a passing blower door test score within two hours and deliver all documents needed to finalize the permit without any delay.

Schedule Your blower door test in Dover, DE

Trust our experienced team for quick, accurate, and certified blower door test in Dover, DE. Whether you’re a homeowner aiming to enhance comfort or a contractor needing to close out a permit, we make sure each test complies with energy codes accurately and efficiently.