Blower Door Test in Glen Riddle Lima, PA

Achieve peak energy efficiency and verify airtight construction with professional blower door test in Glen Riddle Lima, PA. Our certified technicians assist homeowners, builders, and contractors in detecting hidden air leaks, boosting comfort, and ensuring full compliance with PA energy codes.

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. An excessive rate of air changes can be inefficient because each time the air is replaced, it must be reheated or recooled, raising energy costs. 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 Glen Riddle Lima, 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?

While performing blower door test in Glen Riddle Lima, PA, technicians make sure exterior doors and windows are shut tight and interior doors are open for uniform pressure. One main exterior door is identified, and an adjustable aluminum frame with a fabric panel is securely attached. A precisely calibrated fan is installed on the frame to reduce the air pressure inside to 50 Pascals, equal to a steady 20 mph wind outdoors.

As the fan creates negative pressure, outside air infiltrates the home through gaps and small openings. A sensitive device called a nanometer measures how the fan’s pressure relates to the home’s internal air pressure. The pressure data is turned into air changes per hour (ACH), a measure of how efficiently and tightly the home is sealed in PA.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Glen Riddle Lima, PA, all new homes must comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more current codes enforced by local jurisdictions. For most regions, achieving 3 air changes per hour or less on a blower door test ensures that the home is properly energy efficient. Reaching the target during your blower door test in Glen Riddle Lima, PA guarantees lower energy consumption and full code compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

In PA, both state and local jurisdictions follow the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), requiring blower door test for new and remodeled homes. We often collaborate with home builders, contractors, and homeowners who require blower door test in Glen Riddle Lima, PA to meet energy efficiency standards and close permits. A duct leakage test might be required when HVAC units or ductwork are installed beyond the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners who choose blower door test in Glen Riddle Lima, PA can easily locate leaks. As the fan depressurizes the home, airflow through gaps becomes apparent, exposing areas needing improvement. Completing a blower door test takes just a few hours, yet its long-lasting impact enhances comfort and performance in every PAseason.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Choose Tyvek or Zip Sheathing as your air barrier and check that all seams are securely taped to maintain airtightness.
  • 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.
  • Close any gaps connecting conditioned and unconditioned spaces, such as those leading to basements, attics, or crawl spaces.
  • Most building departments provide detailed compliance resources — view the Philadelphia checklist example here.
  • Our professionals at Local Energy Audits use caulk, spray foam, and thermal imaging to detect and seal leaks on-site for better efficiency./li>
  • In most situations—over 90% of the time—we get a passing score within two hours and finalize all required paperwork.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Glen Riddle Lima, PA

Getting ready for blower door test in Glen Riddle Lima, PA involves turning off all heating, cooling, and exhaust ventilation systems. 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. After sealing the home, the blower door fan is installed in a central exterior doorway and used to lower pressure to 50 Pascals to measure airflow and leakage effectively. When depressurization is complete, outside air flows in swiftly, allowing easy detection of leakage spots. By using a thermal imager, we can spot temperature variations in walls, ceilings, and other surfaces that indicate leaks into unconditioned areas. We come prepared with chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping, allowing us to assist homeowners or contractors in sealing visible air leakage points on the spot. Once sealing is complete, we perform an immediate retest to verify that the desired blower door score is achieved and that your home meets all energy efficiency requirements in Glen Riddle Lima, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Glen Riddle Lima, PA

Contractors planning blower door test in Glen Riddle Lima, PA can expect most professionally insulated homes to address small issues easily during the testing phase. By applying materials such as chalk and spray foam, small leaks or gaps are often sealed on the spot. In over 90% of cases, we manage to secure a passing blower door test score within just two hours and immediately provide all necessary paperwork to close out the permit process.

Schedule Your blower door test in Glen Riddle Lima, PA

Experience prompt, professional, and certified blower door test in Glen Riddle Lima, PA from our knowledgeable team. Whether you’re improving a home’s efficiency or ensuring code compliance for a project, we perform every test with professionalism and attention to detail.