Blower Door Test in Hilltown, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

In preparation for blower door test in Hilltown, PA, all exterior entry points are sealed, and interior doors are left open to allow consistent air circulation. A central exterior door is used as the setup point, where an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel are positioned. Technicians use a calibrated fan mounted on the frame to bring the home’s interior to 50 Pascals, approximating a 20 mph wind on the walls.

As the fan creates negative pressure, outside air infiltrates the home through gaps and small openings. Using a nanometer device, we assess how the pressure from the fan differs from the home’s natural air pressure. These values are expressed as air changes per hour (ACH), a key measure of the home’s airtightness and its energy performance under PA conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Hilltown, PA, residential buildings must meet the benchmarks set by the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or any newer codes adopted locally. Typically, blower door test compliance means maintaining 3 air changes per hour or less for energy-efficient performance. Satisfying this requirement in your blower door test in Hilltown, PA helps optimize energy use and ensures you meet local building standards.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of PA, along with its municipalities, observes the IECC requirements, mandating blower door test for newly constructed or updated homes. We specialize in helping home builders, contractors, and homeowners with blower door test in Hilltown, PA to achieve energy code compliance and finalize inspections. A duct leakage test may also be performed when ductwork or HVAC equipment extends beyond the thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners gain major advantages from blower door test in Hilltown, PA. As the fan depressurizes the home, incoming air through leaks becomes easier to detect, revealing problem spots and potential energy-saving improvements. Although it’s a short process, a blower door test produces a long-lasting impact by improving comfort and lowering energy costs throughout PA’ climate extremes.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Use high-quality air barrier materials like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and confirm all seams are perfectly taped.
• Install insulation of the appropriate R-value and inspect to confirm it’s correctly fitted in all envelope areas.
• Seal all penetrations in exterior walls using caulk or spray foam.
• Ensure doors and windows are properly installed, caulked, and weather-sealed.
• Close and seal every opening between heated or cooled spaces and unconditioned areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Local authorities often publish checklists to confirm compliance — get the Philadelphia example here.
• At Local Energy Audits, we utilize thermal imaging equipment, caulk, and spray foam to identify and fix air leaks during testing./li>
• Over 90% of projects pass within two hours, and we immediately provide the required paperwork to close out the building permit.