Blower Door Test in Essington, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To complete blower door test in Essington, PA, all exterior openings are sealed, and interior doors are kept open to ensure equal airflow throughout the property. One central exterior entry is selected, and an aluminum frame with a flexible fabric panel is installed securely. A calibrated fan is used to depressurize the home through the frame to 50 Pascals, representing the same pressure as a 20 mph wind.

As the fan removes air, outside air naturally flows inside through leaks, joints, and other gaps. By employing a nanometer, we measure the variance between the fan’s pressure and the internal home 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?

In Essington, PA, compliance with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or subsequent locally adopted versions is typically mandatory for residential properties. In most locations, 3 air changes per hour or less is the standard blower door test result for efficient home performance. Meeting this level during your blower door test in Essington, PA supports energy efficiency and verifies that your home meets local codes.

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 specialize in helping home builders, contractors, and homeowners with blower door test in Essington, PA to achieve energy code compliance and finalize inspections. A duct leakage test may also be performed when ductwork or HVAC equipment extends beyond the thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

With blower door test in Essington, PA, homeowners can pinpoint hidden air leaks. The depressurization process makes them obvious, enabling better sealing and lower energy costs. A short blower door test can result in a long-lasting impact on your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and year-round performance in PA.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Use materials like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing as your air barrier and ensure every seam is well taped for best results.
• 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.
• Seal cracks and openings between conditioned interiors and unconditioned areas such as crawl spaces, attics, and basements.
• Most building departments provide detailed compliance resources — view the Philadelphia checklist example here.
• Local Energy Audits technicians carry thermal imaging devices, caulk, and spray foam to pinpoint and seal air leaks immediately./li>
• Typically, over 90% of the time we record a passing score in two hours and handle all permit-related documentation.