Blower Door Test in Kennett Square, PA

Achieve peak energy efficiency and verify airtight construction with professional blower door test in Kennett Square, PA. Our certified team helps homeowners, builders, and contractors locate air leaks, enhance indoor comfort, and meet all PA energy efficiency requirements.

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. Excess air exchange can harm efficiency because each replacement of indoor air requires extra energy to heat or cool it again. When air changes occur too often, they can result in drafts, air leakage discomfort, and moisture-related problems such as condensation and mold. A blower door test in Kennett Square, PA identifies air leakage issues before they become serious, ensuring efficiency, comfort, and long-term durability.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

In blower door test in Kennett Square, 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. A calibrated fan mounted on the frame reduces the home’s pressure to 50 Pascals, simulating the force of a continuous 20 mph wind.

As the fan operates, it forces outside air to penetrate the home through gaps, leaks, and openings. By employing a nanometer, we measure the variance between the fan’s pressure and the internal home pressure. From these readings, the number of air changes per hour (ACH) is determined, revealing the home’s airtightness and performance efficiency in PA.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Houses in Kennett Square, PA are required to meet the standards of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the latest locally adopted version. Most areas recognize 3 air changes per hour or less as the target blower door test value to ensure energy efficiency. Meeting this benchmark in your blower door test in Kennett Square, PA reduces ongoing energy costs while ensuring local regulatory compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of PA and numerous local municipalities adhere to the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), which mandates blower door test for all newly built or renovated residential homes. Our team regularly helps home builders, contractors, and homeowners seeking blower door test in Kennett Square, PA to satisfy energy code standards and close final inspections. A duct leakage test is sometimes required if any HVAC components or duct lines are found beyond the building’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Through blower door test in Kennett Square, PA, homeowners can easily find leaks. When the fan reduces internal pressure, air movement through problem areas becomes noticeable, offering chances to save energy. 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.
  • Select a proper air barrier such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and ensure every seam is thoroughly taped for airtight sealing.
  • 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.
  • Seal every transition point between conditioned and unconditioned environments, including attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
  • Many local municipalities issue code compliance checklists — the Philadelphia example is available here.
  • Our team at Local Energy Audits employs thermal imaging, caulk, and spray foam to locate and repair leaks efficiently on-site./li>
  • We achieve a passing score within two hours in over 90% of cases and promptly issue the documents to finalize your permit.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Kennett Square, PA

For blower door test in Kennett Square, PA, preparation includes turning off all heating and air conditioning units, plus bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans. A brief walkthrough follows, during which we verify all exterior windows and doors — even those leading to unconditioned spaces — are closed tight to preserve the thermal envelope. Once everything is closed off, we set up the blower door fan on a centrally located exterior door and depressurize the interior to 50 Pascals to assess air leakage accurately. Once depressurization is achieved, the inflow of outside air intensifies, making air leaks easier to find and fix. Using a thermal imager, we locate inefficient areas by tracking temperature changes in walls, ceilings, and surfaces bordering unconditioned spaces. Equipped with chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping, we can directly assist homeowners or contractors in resolving visible air leakage problems on-site. Once leaks are addressed, we perform another test to confirm the desired blower door score and verify compliance with local efficiency regulations in Kennett Square, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Kennett Square, PA

Contractors planning blower door test in Kennett Square, PA can expect most professionally insulated homes to address small issues easily during the testing phase. Using simple yet effective materials like chalk and spray foam, we can seal most small leaks or gaps right during testing. In over 90% of cases, we achieve a passing blower door test score within two hours and issue the full documentation needed to complete the building permit process on the same day.

Schedule Your blower door test in Kennett Square, PA

Experience prompt, professional, and certified blower door test in Kennett Square, PA from our knowledgeable team. Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, we guarantee each blower door test is executed with accuracy and meets all local energy code requirements.