Blower Door Test in Georgetown, DE

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

When blower door test in Georgetown, DE is conducted, every exterior door and window is closed, and interior doors are left open to achieve uniform air movement inside. One primary exterior doorway is used, where a flexible aluminum frame and fabric panel are mounted tightly. 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 exhausts indoor air, outside air starts seeping into the home through small leaks and gaps. A sensitive device called a nanometer measures how the fan’s pressure relates to the home’s internal air pressure. The data collected is translated into air changes per hour (ACH), showing the home’s airtightness and overall energy efficiency in DE conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Georgetown, DE, homes generally must comply with the requirements of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or newer editions enforced by local authorities. In most regions, homes must achieve 3 air changes per hour or less on a blower door test to meet energy efficiency standards. When your blower door test in Georgetown, DEmeets this requirement, you benefit from reduced energy bills and code compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Following the IECC guidelines, DE 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 Georgetown, DE to verify compliance and secure permit approval. A duct leakage test could be required when air ducts or HVAC units extend outside the structure’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners who choose blower door test in Georgetown, DE can easily locate leaks. As the fan depressurizes the home, airflow through gaps becomes apparent, exposing areas needing improvement. In only a few hours, a blower door test can deliver a long-lasting impact on energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor performance throughout DE’ changing seasons.

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.
• Use properly rated insulation with the right R-value and ensure consistent coverage 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.
• Local jurisdictions frequently publish compliance checklists — the Philadelphia version can be downloaded here.
• Our team at Local Energy Audits employs thermal imaging, caulk, and spray foam to locate and repair leaks efficiently on-site./li>
• We achieve a passing score within two hours in more than 90% of tests and issue the documents to close the building permit.