Blower Door Test in Downingtown, PA

Make sure your home meets airtightness and efficiency goals with certified blower door test in Downingtown, 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 determines the air changes per hour of a house or building, ensuring proper ventilation as old air cycles out and fresh air flows in. Having too many air changes can waste energy because each new cycle demands the air be reheated or recooled, cutting overall efficiency. 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 Downingtown, PA 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?

Before blower door test in Downingtown, PA, every exterior door and window is closed securely, while interior doors stay open to let air move evenly around the home. One central exterior entry is selected, and an aluminum frame with a flexible fabric panel is installed securely. Once the frame is in place, a calibrated fan is used to bring the home’s pressure down to 50 Pascals — about the same as a 20 mph wind on the structure.

As the fan expels air, the resulting pressure draws outdoor air in through hidden leaks and unsealed joints. Using a sensitive instrument known as a nanometer, we measure the fan’s pressure against the home’s internal pressure. 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 built in Downingtown, PA are expected to comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or any newer local versions in effect. In most regions, homes must achieve 3 air changes per hour or less on a blower door test to meet energy efficiency standards. Achieving this goal during your blower door test in Downingtown, PA promotes energy savings and demonstrates adherence to local building rules.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

PA, along with many city governments, enforces the IECC, which requires blower door test for residential projects after construction or renovation. We frequently assist home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Downingtown, PA to comply with energy codes and finalize building permits. A duct leakage test is sometimes required if any HVAC components or duct lines are found beyond the building’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

A blower door test in Downingtown, PA helps homeowners discover inefficiencies. Depressurizing the home makes leaks more noticeable and highlights where energy can be conserved. A blower door test takes only a short time to complete but can have a lasting effect on your home’s comfort and energy efficiency through PA’ hot and cool 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.
Install insulation with the appropriate R-value and ensure it is correctly fitted 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.
Seal all openings between conditioned and unconditioned areas, including basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
Many building departments provide step-by-step compliance guides — you can find the Philadelphia example here.
Local Energy Audits brings thermal cameras, caulk, and spray foam to locate and seal leaks while performing on-site testing./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.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Downingtown, PA

To prepare a home for blower door test in Downingtown, PA, we shut off the HVAC system and disable all 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 all openings are sealed, we place the blower door frame and fan in a central exterior door. The fan then lowers the pressure to 50 Pascals for precise leakage measurement. After the home is depressurized, incoming outdoor air becomes more intense, making leak points easy to locate. A thermal imager allows precise detection of problem areas by mapping temperature contrasts in walls, ceilings, and surfaces facing unconditioned areas. We’re equipped with chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials, so we can partner with homeowners or contractors to repair visible air leakage problems right on-site. After all leaks are sealed, we retest immediately to confirm the desired blower door score has been met and that your home satisfies efficiency requirements in Downingtown, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Downingtown, PA

Most professionally insulated homes undergoing blower door test in Downingtown, PA can resolve small issues on-site during the contractor’s visit. Using materials like chalk and spray foam during the inspection, small leaks or gaps can be sealed right away. In over 90% of cases, we complete a passing blower door test score within two hours and provide the required paperwork to close out the building permit promptly.

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Schedule Your blower door test in Downingtown, PA

Get dependable, efficient, and certified blower door test in Downingtown, PA performed by our qualified and experienced experts. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking better efficiency or a contractor finalizing a build, we ensure every test aligns perfectly with energy code standards.

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