Blower Door Test in Franklin Lakes, NJ

Evaluate your home’s air leakage and achieve energy compliance with precise blower door test in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Our certified specialists support homeowners, builders, and contractors by locating hidden air leaks, improving efficiency, and achieving NJ energy code compliance.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test determines the air changes per hour of a house or building, ensuring proper ventilation as old air cycles out and fresh air flows in. When the air changes too often, energy efficiency drops since the system must continuously reheat or recool the air inside. Frequent air changes can cause drafts and discomfort from leaks, increasing the risk of indoor mold and condensation. A blower door test in Franklin Lakes, NJ enables early identification of air leaks, helping improve comfort, durability, and energy savings.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

In preparation for blower door test in Franklin Lakes, NJ, all exterior entry points are sealed, and interior doors are left open to allow consistent air circulation. 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.

As the fan operates, it forces outside air to penetrate the home through gaps, leaks, and openings. Using an advanced nanometer, we evaluate the pressure difference between the fan system and the home’s interior environment. These measurements are used to calculate air changes per hour (ACH), which reflects the home’s airtightness and performance under NJ weather.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Homes in Franklin Lakes, NJ are typically required to follow the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the most recent version adopted locally. In most regions, homes must achieve 3 air changes per hour or less on a blower door test to meet energy efficiency standards. Reaching this target in your blower door test in Franklin Lakes, NJ helps maintain lower energy bills and fulfills local code obligations.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of NJ and its local governments follow the IECC standards, which require blower door test on newly built or remodeled residential dwellings. Our team frequently assists home builders, contractors, and homeowners performing blower door test in Franklin Lakes, NJ to verify compliance and secure permit approval. 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.

By performing blower door test in Franklin Lakes, NJ, homeowners can identify where conditioned air escapes. Depressurization makes leaks visible, uncovering ways to enhance comfort and efficiency. A blower door test, typically lasting only a few hours, offers a long-lasting impact on your home’s performance, efficiency, and comfort across NJ’ seasons.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Install a quality air barrier like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and confirm that all joints and seams are completely taped.
  • Apply insulation of the correct R-value and make sure it fits snugly in all areas of 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 gaps and openings separating conditioned spaces from unconditioned areas, including crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
  • Local jurisdictions frequently publish compliance checklists — the Philadelphia version can be downloaded here.
  • At Local Energy Audits, we utilize thermal imaging equipment, caulk, and spray foam to identify and fix air leaks during testing./li>
  • Over 90% of cases result in a passing score within two hours, along with complete permit documentation.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Franklin Lakes, NJ

To get ready for blower door test in Franklin Lakes, NJ, our team turns off the HVAC system and shuts down kitchen and bathroom fans. Next, we conduct a quick walkthrough of the home, confirming that all exterior doors and windows are securely closed — including those to unfinished basements, garages, or any area outside the thermal envelope. After ensuring the home is fully sealed, we mount the blower door fan and frame on a central exterior door and depressurize the interior to 50 Pascals for accurate testing. Once pressure is lowered, outdoor air moves in with greater force, highlighting problem areas and leaks. A thermal imager helps us identify air leakage points by revealing temperature shifts in walls, ceilings, and surfaces adjoining unconditioned areas. Our team brings chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping supplies to every job, enabling us to collaborate with homeowners or contractors to seal visible air leakage areas immediately. After completing the sealing process, we can retest right away to check if the desired blower door score has been obtained, confirming compliance with Franklin Lakes, NJ efficiency standards.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Franklin Lakes, NJ

Contractors scheduling blower door test in Franklin Lakes, NJ often see that homes with proper insulation can correct minor air leaks while testing is underway. With tools such as chalk and spray foam, we can address small leaks or gaps without delay. In more than 90% of cases, we deliver a passing blower door test score within two hours and finalize all permit documentation immediately afterward.

Schedule Your blower door test in Franklin Lakes, NJ

Get accurate, efficient, and certified blower door test in Franklin Lakes, NJ performed by our knowledgeable experts. Whether you’re a homeowner aiming to enhance comfort or a contractor needing to close out a permit, we make sure each test complies with energy codes accurately and efficiently.