Blower Door Test in Haverford, PA

Confirm your home’s energy performance and identify leaks through accurate blower door test in Haverford, PA. Our certified technicians provide homeowners, builders, and contractors with expert air leak detection, better comfort, and complete PA energy code compliance.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test calculates the rate of air changes per hour in a property, verifying that proper ventilation keeps air fresh and clean. 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 leakage can cause drafts, reduce comfort, and contribute to issues like condensation, moisture, and mold inside the home. A blower door test in Haverford, PA makes it easier to locate leaks and inefficiencies early, ensuring lasting comfort and reduced energy waste.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

In blower door test in Haverford, PA, every exterior door and window is shut, while interior doors stay open to allow uniform airflow inside the building. One main exterior door is identified, and an adjustable aluminum frame with a fabric panel is securely attached. Once the frame is in place, a calibrated fan is used to bring the home’s pressure down to 50 Pascals — about the same as a 20 mph wind on the structure.

As the fan operates, it forces outside air to penetrate the home through gaps, leaks, and openings. Using a highly accurate nanometer, we compare the fan-induced pressure to the natural air pressure inside the home. These results are transformed into air changes per hour (ACH), an indicator of the home’s airtightness and its efficiency in PA conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Haverford, PA, energy efficiency standards for homes are based on the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more recent updates approved by the jurisdiction. A result of 3 air changes per hour or less is generally required in most areas to confirm the home’s energy efficiency. Reaching this target in your blower door test in Haverford, PA helps maintain lower energy bills and fulfills local code obligations.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Throughout PA, the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) is followed, making blower door test compulsory for new and renovated homes. We proudly serve home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Haverford, PA to pass inspections and fulfill energy code obligations. 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.

Performing blower door test in Haverford, PA allows homeowners to identify and fix leaks. The test makes air infiltration visible, uncovering opportunities to reduce energy loss. A blower door test, typically lasting only a few hours, offers a long-lasting impact on your home’s performance, efficiency, and comfort across PA’ seasons.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Choose an appropriate air barrier, like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, and ensure all seams are accurately and securely taped.
  • 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.
  • Properly seal all connections between conditioned and unconditioned zones, including basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
  • Local code offices often issue compliance checklists — access the Philadelphia example here for reference.
  • Equipped with thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam, Local Energy Audits can find and fix leaks directly at your property./li>
  • More than 90% of the time, our team delivers a passing score in less than two hours and completes the necessary permit paperwork.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Haverford, PA

When preparing for blower door test in Haverford, PA, we first switch off the home’s heating, cooling, and exhaust systems. Next, we conduct a quick walkthrough of the home, confirming that all exterior doors and windows are securely closed — including those to unfinished basements, garages, or any area outside the thermal envelope. After sealing everything, we install the blower door frame and fan in a central exterior door and use it to depressurize the home to 50 Pascals for accurate airflow data. After depressurization, air from outside rushes in through cracks and gaps, making leak detection much easier. With the help of a thermal imager, we can uncover leaks and weak spots by spotting temperature differences across walls, ceilings, and surfaces near unconditioned spaces. Carrying chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials, we work directly with homeowners or contractors to resolve visible air leakage issues during the visit. Once air leaks are sealed, we quickly retest to determine if the desired blower door score has been achieved, ensuring your home meets Haverford, PA efficiency codes.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Haverford, PA

For contractors overseeing blower door test in Haverford, PA, most properly insulated homes can manage small on-site repairs during testing. Using professional-grade materials like chalk and spray foam, we seal small leaks or gaps as soon as they’re detected. In over 90% of cases, our technicians achieve a passing blower door test score within just two hours and supply all necessary documentation to finalize the building permit efficiently.

Schedule Your blower door test in Haverford, PA

Get accurate, efficient, and certified blower door test in Haverford, PA performed by our knowledgeable experts. Whether you’re a homeowner aiming to enhance comfort or a contractor needing to close out a permit, we make sure each test complies with energy codes accurately and efficiently.