Blower Door Test in Gwynedd Valley, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

For blower door test in Gwynedd Valley, PA, all outside doors and windows are closed properly, and inside doors are kept open to balance air pressure throughout the space. A central door to the outside is selected, and an adjustable aluminum frame with a fabric cover is installed there. Next, a calibrated fan is mounted on the frame to reduce indoor pressure to 50 Pascals — similar to the force of a 20 mph wind on the building.

When the fan starts pulling air out, external air enters through the smallest cracks and leakage points. A sensitive nanometer helps us measure and compare the pressure created by the fan with the interior air pressure. The gathered results are converted into air changes per hour (ACH) to determine how well-sealed and efficient the home is in the PA climate.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Gwynedd Valley, PA, homes generally must comply with the requirements of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or newer editions enforced by local authorities. 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 this target in your blower door test in Gwynedd Valley, PA helps maintain lower energy bills and fulfills local code obligations.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Across PA, the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) is adopted by the state and local jurisdictions, requiring blower door test on residential constructions and renovations. We routinely help home builders, contractors, and homeowners requiring blower door test in Gwynedd Valley, PA for energy code compliance and permit closure. 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.

With blower door test in Gwynedd Valley, PA, homeowners can pinpoint hidden air leaks. The depressurization process makes them obvious, enabling better sealing and lower energy costs. A blower door test usually takes just a few hours but delivers a long-lasting impact on your home’s comfort, performance, and efficiency—particularly during PA’ hot summers and cool winters.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Use a trusted air barrier like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, ensuring all joints and seams are properly taped and sealed.
• 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.
• Ensure complete sealing of all openings between conditioned rooms and unconditioned areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Local code departments usually provide a checklist to assist with compliance — see the Philadelphia example here.
• Using thermal imaging technology along with caulk and spray foam, Local Energy Audits identifies and seals leaks during the inspection./li>
• More than 90% of the time, we deliver a passing score in under two hours and issue all documents needed for permit approval.