Blower Door Test in Folsom, PA

Achieve peak energy efficiency and verify airtight construction with professional blower door test in Folsom, PA. Our certified team partners with homeowners, builders, and contractors to uncover air leaks, enhance comfort, and ensure PA energy code adherence.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test is performed to record air changes per hour in buildings, confirming that fresh air regularly replaces stale indoor 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. Excessive air changes can also lead to drafts and discomfort caused by air leaks, along with moisture, condensation, and mold problems inside the home. A blower door test in Folsom, PA allows early detection of air leaks, helping homeowners and builders boost efficiency and maintain a comfortable, durable living environment.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To complete blower door test in Folsom, 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 placed within the frame and operated to depressurize the structure to 50 Pascals — nearly the same as a 20 mph wind hitting the building.

When the fan starts pulling air out, external air enters through the smallest cracks and leakage points. Using a nanometer, we accurately compare the pressure difference between the fan output and the home’s interior. The collected data converts to air changes per hour (ACH), demonstrating how tightly sealed and efficient the home remains in PA climates.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Residential buildings in Folsom, PA must adhere to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or newer versions adopted by city or county regulations. An efficient home in most regions will achieve 3 air changes per hour or less during a blower door test. Passing this threshold during your blower door test in Folsom, PA ensures both energy savings and full compliance with local regulations.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Following the IECC guidelines, PA and many local jurisdictions require blower door test on newly built or renovated residential dwellings. Our team frequently assists home builders, contractors, and homeowners performing blower door test in Folsom, PA to verify compliance and secure permit approval. You may also need a duct leakage test if your ductwork or HVAC equipment lies outside the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners experience real energy benefits from blower door test in Folsom, PA. The fan’s depressurization highlights air leaks, helping identify inefficiencies that can be sealed for savings. A blower door test requires minimal time but makes a long-lasting impact on home comfort and energy performance during PA’ extreme temperatures.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Apply an effective air barrier such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, ensuring every seam is tightly sealed with proper tape.
  • Use insulation with the right R-value and confirm it is properly installed 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.
  • Ensure complete sealing of all openings between conditioned rooms and unconditioned areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
  • Many building departments provide step-by-step compliance guides — you can find the Philadelphia example here.
  • With caulk, spray foam, and advanced thermal imaging, Local Energy Audits locates and seals leaks efficiently on-site./li>
  • In more than 90% of cases, we secure a passing score within two hours and deliver the paperwork needed to close the permit.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Folsom, PA

We begin blower door test in Folsom, PA by switching off the HVAC system and shutting down all exhaust fans throughout the home. 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 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. When the house is depressurized, outside air begins entering faster, exposing hidden leaks more effectively. By employing a thermal imager, we detect heat loss by identifying temperature variations in walls, ceilings, and other surfaces leading to unconditioned zones. 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 all leaks are sealed, we retest immediately to confirm the desired blower door score has been met and that your home satisfies efficiency requirements in Folsom, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Folsom, PA

Contractors booking blower door test in Folsom, PA can rest assured that most homes with professional insulation can easily handle small fixes during testing. Using materials like chalk and spray foam, small leaks or gaps can typically be sealed right away during the test. In over 90% of cases, we successfully achieve a passing blower door test score within just two hours and promptly deliver all required documentation to close out the building permit without any delay.

Schedule Your blower door test in Folsom, PA

Get dependable, efficient, and certified blower door test in Folsom, PA performed by our qualified and experienced experts. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking greater comfort or a contractor finalizing a permit, we ensure every test meets energy code requirements with precision and professionalism.