Blower Door Test in Edgemoor, DE

Test your home’s air barriers and meet energy regulations through dependable blower door test in Edgemoor, DE. Our certified specialists support homeowners, builders, and contractors by locating hidden air leaks, improving efficiency, and achieving DE energy code compliance.

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. Excessive air changes force constant reheating or recooling, driving up energy use and reducing overall home 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 Edgemoor, DE finds air leakage problems early, allowing better energy efficiency and enhanced indoor comfort for homeowners.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

During blower door test in Edgemoor, DE, exterior openings are closed securely, and interior doors are left open to maintain even air circulation across the house. An adjustable aluminum frame and sturdy fabric panel are installed in one central exterior door to prepare for testing. Technicians mount a calibrated fan onto the frame to achieve 50 Pascals of depressurization — similar to a constant 20 mph wind acting on the home.

As air is drawn out by the fan, it causes outdoor air to infiltrate through existing leaks and gaps in the structure. A precise tool called a nanometer is used to compare the pressure generated by the fan with that inside the home. The gathered results are converted into air changes per hour (ACH) to determine how well-sealed and efficient the home is in the DE climate.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Edgemoor, DE, compliance with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or subsequent locally adopted versions is typically mandatory for residential properties. Typically, blower door test compliance means maintaining 3 air changes per hour or less for energy-efficient performance. Meeting this requirement during your blower door test in Edgemoor, DE helps reduce energy costs while keeping your home compliant with local building codes.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

In accordance with the IECC, the State of DE and various local authorities require blower door test for new or remodeled residential properties. We often collaborate with home builders, contractors, and homeowners who require blower door test in Edgemoor, DE to meet energy efficiency standards and close permits. In some cases, a duct leakage test is needed if ducts or HVAC systems lie outside the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

A blower door test in Edgemoor, DE helps homeowners discover inefficiencies. Depressurizing the home makes leaks more noticeable and highlights where energy can be conserved. This simple test, completed in a few hours, creates a long-lasting impact on your home’s efficiency and comfort during DE’ hot and cold months.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Use a reliable air barrier like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and make sure all seams are securely taped.
  • Install insulation of the appropriate R-value and inspect to confirm it’s correctly fitted in all envelope areas.
  • 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 authorities commonly offer checklists to verify code compliance — review the Philadelphia example here.
  • 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 our tests result in a passing score within two hours, along with immediate permit documentation.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Edgemoor, DE

When preparing for blower door test in Edgemoor, DE, we first switch off the home’s heating, cooling, and exhaust systems. 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 everything is closed off, we set up the blower door fan on a centrally located exterior door and depressurize the interior to 50 Pascals to assess air leakage accurately. Once depressurization occurs, outdoor air enters the home more aggressively, revealing leaks more clearly. With a thermal imager, we identify cold or warm spots in walls, ceilings, and other surfaces that reveal air leakage into unconditioned spaces. We carry chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials, allowing us to work directly with homeowners or contractors to fix visible air leakage issues on-site. After sealing the leaks, we can immediately run another test to verify that the desired blower door score meets the local efficiency standards for homes in Edgemoor, DE.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Edgemoor, DE

For contractors arranging blower door test in Edgemoor, DE, most homes with professional insulation can handle small air leakage issues during the test itself. 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 Edgemoor, DE

Experience prompt, professional, and certified blower door test in Edgemoor, DE from our knowledgeable team. Whether you’re focused on comfort improvements or completing compliance checks, we ensure every test meets energy codes with precision and care.