Blower Door Test in Laurel, DE

Maintain compliance with energy codes and reduce energy loss using expert blower door test in Laurel, DE. Our qualified technicians assist homeowners, builders, and contractors in detecting air leaks, optimizing comfort, and maintaining compliance with DE energy codes.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test is performed to identify the rate of air changes per hour, confirming your home receives a healthy exchange of fresh air. Excessive air changes can cause problems since each exchange requires reheating or recooling, resulting in greater energy consumption and reduced efficiency. Frequent air changes can cause drafts and discomfort from leaks, increasing the risk of indoor mold and condensation. A blower door test in Laurel, DE helps uncover these issues early, enabling homeowners and builders to detect air leaks, enhance energy efficiency, and ensure a more comfortable, long-lasting home.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

Before blower door test in Laurel, DE, every exterior door and window is closed securely, while interior doors stay open to let air move evenly around the home. Technicians select one central exterior door and install an adjustable aluminum frame along with a fabric panel for testing. A calibrated fan is installed onto the frame, creating a pressure difference of 50 Pascals, comparable to a continuous 20 mph wind blowing on the home.

When the fan starts pulling air out, external air enters through the smallest cracks and leakage points. A precise tool called a nanometer is used to compare the pressure generated by the fan with that inside the home. The pressure data is turned into air changes per hour (ACH), a measure of how efficiently and tightly the home is sealed in DE.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Laurel, DE, residential properties must meet the energy efficiency criteria outlined in the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or updated local versions. In most regions, homes must achieve 3 air changes per hour or less on a blower door test to meet energy efficiency standards. Reaching this target in your blower door test in Laurel, DE helps maintain lower energy bills and fulfills local code obligations.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Throughout DE, the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) is followed, making blower door test compulsory for new and renovated homes. We routinely help home builders, contractors, and homeowners requiring blower door test in Laurel, DE for energy code compliance and permit closure. If ducts or HVAC units are located outside the thermal envelope, a duct leakage test may also be mandated. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners benefit from blower door test in Laurel, DE because depressurization exposes airflow through cracks, helping identify leaks and boost efficiency. A blower door test, typically lasting only a few hours, offers a long-lasting impact on your home’s performance, efficiency, and comfort across DE’ seasons.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Use materials like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing as your air barrier and ensure every seam is well taped for best results.
  • Apply the correct R-value insulation and verify that it’s properly fitted to seal the whole building envelope.
  • Seal all penetrations in exterior walls using caulk or spray foam.
  • Ensure doors and windows are properly installed, caulked, and weather-sealed.
  • Close gaps and penetrations between conditioned zones and unconditioned sections like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
  • Local code offices often issue compliance checklists — access the Philadelphia example here for reference.
  • Local Energy Audits is equipped with thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam to find and seal air leaks immediately on-site./li>
  • Over 90% of the time, we achieve a passing score in under two hours and provide all required documentation to finalize the building permit.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Laurel, DE

Preparation for blower door test in Laurel, DE begins with switching off the HVAC system, as well as any bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans. We proceed with a quick home walkthrough, checking that every exterior door and window is tightly shut — including ones that lead to unfinished or unconditioned spaces 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. Once the home is under depressurization, exterior air infiltrates faster through cracks, helping pinpoint leaks. Using a thermal imager, we locate inefficiencies by observing temperature differences in walls, ceilings, and surfaces separating conditioned and unconditioned areas. Carrying chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials, we work directly with homeowners or contractors to resolve visible air leakage issues during the visit. Once sealing is complete, we perform an immediate retest to verify that the desired blower door score is achieved and that your home meets all energy efficiency requirements in Laurel, DE.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Laurel, DE

For contractors booking blower door test in Laurel, DE, homes with quality insulation usually require only quick, on-site fixes during testing. Using easy-to-apply materials like chalk and spray foam, we can correct small leaks or gaps during the test itself. In over 90% of cases, we successfully reach a passing blower door test score within two hours and hand over all necessary paperwork for immediate permit closure.

Schedule Your blower door test in Laurel, DE

Trust our experienced team for quick, accurate, and certified blower door test in Laurel, DE. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking better efficiency or a contractor finalizing a build, we ensure every test aligns perfectly with energy code standards.