Blower Door Test in Earlington, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

In blower door test in Earlington, PA, every exterior door and window is shut, while interior doors stay open to allow uniform airflow inside the building. A single central exterior door is designated, where the blower door’s aluminum frame and fabric panel are set up. 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 operates, it forces outside air to penetrate the home through gaps, leaks, and openings. A sensitive device called a nanometer measures how the fan’s pressure relates to the home’s internal air pressure. These values are expressed as air changes per hour (ACH), a key measure of the home’s airtightness and its energy performance under PA conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Earlington, PA, homes are designed to meet or exceed the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the latest locally adopted standards. An acceptable blower door test result in most areas is 3 air changes per hour or less, demonstrating solid energy performance. When your blower door test in Earlington, PAmeets this requirement, you benefit from reduced energy bills and code compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

In accordance with the IECC, the State of PA and various local authorities require blower door test for new or remodeled residential properties. We work closely with home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Earlington, PA to ensure compliance and successful project completion. A duct leakage test may also be performed when ductwork or HVAC equipment extends beyond the thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners benefit from blower door test in Earlington, PA because depressurization exposes airflow through cracks, helping identify leaks and boost efficiency. Although it’s a short process, a blower door test produces a long-lasting impact by improving comfort and lowering energy costs throughout PA’ climate extremes.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Use high-quality air barrier materials like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and confirm all seams are perfectly taped.
• Install insulation that meets the required R-value and check that it’s evenly and securely placed 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.
• Close any gaps connecting conditioned and unconditioned spaces, such as those leading to basements, attics, or crawl spaces.
• Local permitting offices often offer official compliance checklists — review the Philadelphia sample here for reference.
• Local Energy Audits uses thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam to detect and seal leaks directly on-site./li>
• Over 90% of cases result in a passing score within two hours, along with complete permit documentation.