Blower Door Test in Gilbertsville, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To carry out blower door test in Gilbertsville, PA, exterior doors and windows are fully closed, and interior doors are left open for even air distribution in the home. One main exterior door is identified, and an adjustable aluminum frame with a fabric panel is securely attached. The mounted calibrated fan depressurizes the building to 50 Pascals, a condition similar to the effect of a 20 mph wind.

As air is drawn out by the fan, it causes outdoor air to infiltrate through existing leaks and gaps in the structure. A sensitive device called a nanometer measures how the fan’s pressure relates to the home’s internal air pressure. 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?

In Gilbertsville, PA, energy efficiency standards for homes are based on the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more recent updates approved by the jurisdiction. For most regions, achieving 3 air changes per hour or less on a blower door test ensures that the home is properly energy efficient. By meeting this standard in your blower door test in Gilbertsville, PA, you can enjoy lower utility bills and peace of mind with code compliance.

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. We proudly serve home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Gilbertsville, PA to pass inspections and fulfill energy code obligations. A duct leakage test might be necessary if your home’s HVAC units or ducts are located outside its thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners gain major advantages from blower door test in Gilbertsville, PA. As the fan depressurizes the home, incoming air through leaks becomes easier to detect, revealing problem spots and potential energy-saving improvements. A blower door test takes only a short time to complete but can have a lasting effect on your home’s comfort and energy efficiency through PA’ hot and cool seasons.

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 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 all openings between conditioned and unconditioned areas, including basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Local code departments usually provide a checklist to assist with compliance — see the Philadelphia example here.
• Local Energy Audits provides on-site leak detection and sealing using advanced thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam./li>
• Over 90% of the time, we achieve a passing score in under two hours and provide all required documentation to finalize the building permit.