Blower Door Test in Ferndale, PA

Improve insulation performance and meet energy code requirements through thorough blower door test in Ferndale, PA. Our certified specialists support homeowners, builders, and contractors by locating hidden air leaks, improving efficiency, and achieving PA energy code compliance.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test helps calculate air changes per hour in your property. This natural air exchange process refreshes the indoor environment with new air. Frequent air replacement can harm energy performance, as each exchange requires reheating or recooling the air. Excessive air changes often cause drafts, discomfort, and humidity-related issues such as condensation and mold growth inside the home. A blower door test in Ferndale, PA helps pinpoint problem areas early, improving insulation performance, comfort, and home lifespan.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To complete blower door test in Ferndale, PA, all exterior openings are sealed, and interior doors are kept open to ensure equal airflow throughout the property. A central exterior door is used as the setup point, where an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel are positioned. A calibrated fan is then attached to the frame and used to depressurize the home to 50 Pascals, which is about the same as a steady 20 mph wind pushing against the structure.

As the fan removes air from inside, exterior air flows in through leaks and gaps in the building envelope. By employing a nanometer, we measure the variance between the fan’s pressure and the internal home 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?

In Ferndale, PA, compliance with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or subsequent locally adopted versions is typically mandatory for residential properties. In many locations, a result of 3 air changes per hour or less is required to verify the home’s energy efficiency level. Passing this requirement during a blower door test in Ferndale, PA keeps your home efficient and aligned with local building code standards.

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 certified technicians assist home builders, contractors, and homeowners with blower door test in Ferndale, PA to meet energy requirements and wrap up permit approvals. A duct leakage test is sometimes required if any HVAC components or duct lines are found beyond the building’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Using blower door test in Ferndale, PA, homeowners can detect unwanted airflow. The depressurization process reveals leaks, helping them seal gaps and increase comfort. Though a blower door test lasts just a few hours, it offers a long-lasting impact on your home’s comfort, durability, and performance year-round in PA.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Apply an appropriate air barrier, such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, making sure every seam is correctly taped for maximum performance.
  • Use insulation that has the designated R-value and confirm it’s properly applied throughout the building envelope for maximum efficiency.
  • Seal all penetrations in exterior walls using caulk or spray foam.
  • Ensure doors and windows are properly installed, caulked, and weather-sealed.
  • Seal off any access points or gaps between conditioned and unconditioned spaces like attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
  • Local construction departments often include compliance guides — you can download the Philadelphia checklist 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 the time, we deliver a passing score in under two hours and issue all documents needed for permit approval.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Ferndale, PA

We begin blower door test in Ferndale, PA by switching off the HVAC system and shutting down all exhaust fans throughout the home. After that, we check the entire home to confirm all exterior doors and windows are tightly secured — even those leading to garages, unfinished basements, or other spaces outside the thermal envelope. Once everything is sealed, we choose a centrally located exterior door and set up the blower door frame and fan. The fan then depressurizes the home to 50 Pascals, allowing us to measure airflow and leakage precisely. After depressurization, air from outside rushes in through cracks and gaps, making leak detection much easier. A thermal imager helps highlight problem zones by detecting temperature variations in walls, ceilings, and areas connected to unconditioned spaces. 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 sealing, we can immediately retest to confirm whether the desired blower door score has been reached, ensuring your home complies with local energy efficiency standards in Ferndale, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Ferndale, PA

Contractors planning blower door test in Ferndale, PA can expect most professionally insulated homes to address small issues easily during the testing phase. Using quick-application materials like chalk and spray foam, small leaks or openings are sealed right during testing. In more than 90% of cases, we achieve a passing blower door test score within two hours and deliver all documents needed to finalize the permit without any delay.

Schedule Your blower door test in Ferndale, PA

Experience prompt, professional, and certified blower door test in Ferndale, PA from our knowledgeable team. Whether you’re a homeowner improving comfort or a contractor completing inspection requirements, our tests meet energy codes with careful attention to detail.