Blower Door Test in Drexel Hill, PA

Maintain compliance with energy codes and reduce energy loss using expert blower door test in Drexel Hill, PA. Our qualified specialists help homeowners, builders, and contractors locate hidden leaks, improve comfort, and fulfill PA energy code standards.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test measures the building’s air changes per hour, helping ensure indoor air is consistently refreshed. Frequent air replacement can harm energy performance, as each exchange requires reheating or recooling the air. Frequent air changes can cause drafts and discomfort from leaks, increasing the risk of indoor mold and condensation. A blower door test in Drexel Hill, PA helps spot air leaks before they worsen, improving efficiency, comfort, and long-term structural quality.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

For accurate blower door test in Drexel Hill, PA, technicians close all exterior openings and keep interior doors open to balance airflow throughout the house. 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. With the help of a nanometer, we determine the pressure difference between the fan’s airflow and the home’s internal conditions. These readings are then converted into the total number of air changes per hour (ACH), revealing how airtight the home is and how well it performs in the PA climate.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Drexel Hill, PA, all new homes must comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more current codes enforced by local jurisdictions. An acceptable blower door test result in most areas is 3 air changes per hour or less, demonstrating solid energy performance. Reaching the target during your blower door test in Drexel Hill, PA guarantees lower energy consumption and full code compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of PA and numerous local municipalities adhere to the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), which mandates blower door test for all newly built or renovated residential homes. Our team regularly helps home builders, contractors, and homeowners seeking blower door test in Drexel Hill, PA to satisfy energy code standards and close final inspections. A duct leakage test may also be necessary if any ducts or HVAC systems are positioned outside the building’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners benefit from blower door test in Drexel Hill, PA because depressurization exposes airflow through cracks, helping identify leaks and boost efficiency. Completing a blower door test takes just a few hours, yet its long-lasting impact enhances comfort and performance in every PAseason.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Choose Tyvek or Zip Sheathing as your air barrier and check that all seams are securely taped to maintain airtightness.
  • Use properly rated insulation with the right R-value and ensure consistent coverage 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 the transitions between conditioned and unconditioned zones, particularly around basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
  • Local building departments often supply a detailed checklist to ensure compliance — you can download the Philadelphia example here for guidance.
  • Local Energy Audits uses professional-grade thermal imaging, caulk, and spray foam to locate and close leaks during the visit./li>
  • We achieve a passing score within two hours in over 90% of cases and promptly issue the documents to finalize your permit.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Drexel Hill, PA

To ensure accuracy during blower door test in Drexel Hill, PA, we begin by switching off the HVAC system and all exhaust fans in the home. 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. After ensuring the home is fully sealed, we mount the blower door fan and frame on a central exterior door and depressurize the interior to 50 Pascals for accurate testing. When depressurization is complete, outside air flows in swiftly, allowing easy detection of leakage spots. By using a thermal imager, we can spot temperature variations in walls, ceilings, and other surfaces that indicate leaks into unconditioned areas. We carry all necessary materials, including chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping, to collaborate with homeowners or contractors on visible air leakage repairs during testing. After the sealing process, we can promptly retest to confirm if the desired blower door score has been reached, meeting Drexel Hill, PA energy code requirements.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Drexel Hill, PA

Contractors arranging blower door test in Drexel Hill, PA will find that homes with professional insulation can typically resolve small issues right on-site during testing. Using simple yet effective materials like chalk and spray foam, we can seal most small leaks or gaps right during testing. In over 90% of cases, we achieve a passing blower door test score within two hours and issue the full documentation needed to complete the building permit process on the same day.

Schedule Your blower door test in Drexel Hill, PA

Get professional-grade, efficient, and certified blower door test in Drexel Hill, PA handled by our experienced staff. Whether you’re improving comfort as a homeowner or completing a project as a contractor, we guarantee every test is performed with accuracy and full energy code compliance.