Blower Door Test in Elkins Park, PA

Protect your energy investment and verify airtightness with advanced blower door test in Elkins Park, PA. Our certified technicians provide homeowners, builders, and contractors with expert air leak detection, better comfort, and complete PA energy code compliance.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test measures the air changes per hour within a home or building. Air exchange is a normal and healthy process that allows stale indoor air to be replaced with fresh air. Too many air changes, however, can be detrimental because every time the air is replaced, it must be reheated or recooled, leading to higher energy use and lower efficiency. Too frequent air changes can produce drafts and discomfort from leaks, while also increasing the risk of condensation, moisture, and mold. A blower door test in Elkins Park, PA enables early identification of air leaks, helping improve comfort, durability, and energy savings.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To conduct blower door test in Elkins Park, PA, exterior doors and windows are closed properly, while interior doors remain open to help maintain even air movement. An adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel are placed within a central exterior doorway to conduct the test. After setup, a calibrated fan is attached to the frame to lower the air pressure inside the house to 50 Pascals, equivalent to a 20 mph wind.

As the fan removes air, outside air naturally flows inside through leaks, joints, and other gaps. A sensitive device called a nanometer measures how the fan’s pressure relates to the home’s internal air pressure. These measurements yield air changes per hour (ACH), showing how airtight and energy-efficient the property is in PA.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Residential buildings in Elkins Park, PA must adhere to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or newer versions adopted by city or county regulations. A result of 3 air changes per hour or less is generally required in most areas to confirm the home’s energy efficiency. Achieving this goal during your blower door test in Elkins Park, PA promotes energy savings and demonstrates adherence to local building rules.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Across PA, the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) is adopted by the state and local jurisdictions, requiring blower door test on residential constructions and renovations. We provide support to home builders, contractors, and homeowners needing blower door test in Elkins Park, PA for meeting energy efficiency standards and finalizing permits. 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.

There are many benefits of blower door test in Elkins Park, PA for homeowners. When the fan lowers indoor pressure, leaks become visible, allowing for easy identification of inefficiencies and energy-saving opportunities. In only a few hours, a blower door test can deliver a long-lasting impact on energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor performance throughout PA’ changing seasons.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
Install an effective air barrier, for example Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, and make certain all seams are sealed with durable tape.
Use insulation featuring the proper R-value and verify complete, gap-free coverage across 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.
Eliminate air leaks by sealing all openings between conditioned areas and unconditioned spaces, including basements and attics.
Local construction departments often include compliance guides — you can download the Philadelphia checklist here.
Local Energy Audits uses professional-grade thermal imaging, caulk, and spray foam to locate and close leaks during the visit./li>
Over 90% of our projects pass within two hours, with all required paperwork issued immediately to close the permit.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Elkins Park, PA

Before conducting blower door test in Elkins Park, PA, we make sure all heating, cooling, and ventilation fans are switched off. 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. Once the home is prepared, we mount the blower door fan and frame in a central exterior doorway and depressurize the building to 50 Pascals to measure air leakage precisely. After the pressure drops, outdoor air enters through gaps more noticeably, making leaks easier to identify. By using a thermal imager, we can spot temperature variations in walls, ceilings, and other surfaces that indicate leaks into unconditioned areas. Our team provides on-site repair using chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping, working with homeowners or contractors to fix visible air leakage problems. Once sealing is finished, we conduct an instant retest to ensure the desired blower door score is reached, confirming compliance with Elkins Park, PA building codes.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Elkins Park, PA

Contractors scheduling blower door test in Elkins Park, PA often see that homes with proper insulation can correct minor air leaks while testing is underway. With materials such as chalk and spray foam on hand, minor leaks or gaps can usually be sealed immediately. In over 90% of cases, we are able to reach a passing blower door test score in under two hours and supply all necessary paperwork to finalize the building permit right away.

888 213-3975

Schedule Your blower door test in Elkins Park, PA

Get accurate, efficient, and certified blower door test in Elkins Park, PA performed by our knowledgeable experts. Whether you’re a homeowner improving energy performance or a contractor completing certification, we make sure each test fulfills all energy code requirements.

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