Blower Door Test in Harrison township, NJ

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To conduct blower door test in Harrison township, NJ, exterior doors and windows are closed properly, while interior doors remain open to help maintain even air movement. 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.

When the fan depressurizes the home, outdoor air seeps in through leaks, crevices, and other air pathways. A sensitive nanometer is used to monitor and compare the pressure difference between the blower fan and the home’s interior air. These results are transformed into air changes per hour (ACH), an indicator of the home’s airtightness and its efficiency in NJ conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Harrison township, NJ, residential buildings must meet the benchmarks set by the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or any newer codes adopted locally. In most areas, an acceptable blower door test result is 3 air changes per hour or less, confirming that the home achieves optimal energy efficiency. Meeting this benchmark in your blower door test in Harrison township, NJ reduces ongoing energy costs while ensuring local regulatory compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Following the IECC guidelines, NJ and many local jurisdictions require blower door test on newly built or renovated residential dwellings. We often work with home builders, contractors, and homeowners requiring blower door test in Harrison township, NJ to meet local energy codes and obtain permit approval. A duct leakage test requirement applies if ducts or HVAC units are positioned outside the structure’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners gain major advantages from blower door test in Harrison township, NJ. As the fan depressurizes the home, incoming air through leaks becomes easier to detect, revealing problem spots and potential energy-saving improvements. It only takes a few hours to perform a blower door test, but the long-lasting impact on comfort and efficiency is felt through NJ’ hot summers and cool winters.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Apply an air barrier like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, making sure all connecting seams are properly taped and sealed.
• Install correctly rated insulation with the proper R-value and confirm it’s well positioned in every part 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.
• Make sure to seal all separations between conditioned and unconditioned areas, including crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
• Local jurisdictions frequently publish compliance checklists — the Philadelphia version can be downloaded here.
• Equipped with thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam, Local Energy Audits can find and fix leaks directly at your property./li>
• In more than 90% of cases, we secure a passing score within two hours and deliver the paperwork needed to close the permit.