Blower Door Test in Lewes, DE

Achieve peak energy efficiency and verify airtight construction with professional blower door test in Lewes, DE. Our certified team partners with homeowners, builders, and contractors to uncover air leaks, enhance comfort, and ensure DE energy code adherence.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test is conducted to assess air changes per hour inside a home or structure, ensuring the right balance between air leakage and fresh airflow. Excessive air changes can cause problems since each exchange requires reheating or recooling, resulting in greater energy consumption and reduced efficiency. 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 Lewes, DE helps homeowners and builders find and fix leaks promptly, boosting energy efficiency and indoor comfort for years to come.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

When blower door test in Lewes, DE is conducted, every exterior door and window is closed, and interior doors are left open to achieve uniform air movement inside. A main exterior door is selected for setup, with an adjustable aluminum frame and fitted fabric panel placed in position. Technicians mount a calibrated fan onto the frame to achieve 50 Pascals of depressurization — similar to a constant 20 mph wind acting on the home.

When indoor air is extracted, outdoor air pushes in through every leak and small gap in the building. A precise nanometer instrument allows us to compare the pressure generated by the fan to that within the house. The collected data converts to air changes per hour (ACH), demonstrating how tightly sealed and efficient the home remains in DE climates.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Lewes, DE, residential buildings must meet the benchmarks set by the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or any newer codes adopted locally. An acceptable blower door test result in most areas is 3 air changes per hour or less, demonstrating solid energy performance. Meeting this benchmark in your blower door test in Lewes, DE reduces ongoing energy costs while ensuring local regulatory compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of DE and local municipalities have implemented the IECC code, which mandates blower door test on new and remodeled residential homes. Our company assists home builders, contractors, and homeowners who rely on blower door test in Lewes, DE to fulfill energy code compliance and finalize construction permits. If any part of the HVAC system or ductwork sits beyond the building’s thermal envelope, a duct leakage test may be required. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners who choose blower door test in Lewes, DE can easily locate leaks. As the fan depressurizes the home, airflow through gaps becomes apparent, exposing areas needing improvement. In only a few hours, a blower door test can deliver a long-lasting impact on energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor performance throughout DE’ changing seasons.

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 insulation with the appropriate R-value and ensure it is correctly fitted across the entire building envelope.
  • Seal all penetrations in exterior walls using caulk or spray foam.
  • Ensure doors and windows are properly installed, caulked, and weather-sealed.
  • Eliminate air leaks by sealing all openings between conditioned areas and unconditioned spaces, including basements and attics.
  • Local code offices often issue compliance checklists — access the Philadelphia example here for reference.
  • Local Energy Audits provides on-site leak detection and sealing using advanced thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam./li>
  • In the majority of cases—over 90%—we reach a passing score within two hours and provide all closing documentation.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Lewes, DE

To get ready for blower door test in Lewes, DE, our team turns off the HVAC system and shuts down kitchen and bathroom fans. Next, we check the home thoroughly to ensure all exterior openings — even those leading to garages or unfinished basements — are securely closed and within the thermal envelope. After sealing the home, the blower door fan is installed in a central exterior doorway and used to lower pressure to 50 Pascals to measure airflow and leakage effectively. When the home reaches depressurization, outside air seeps in rapidly, helping identify leaks with greater accuracy. A thermal imager helps highlight problem zones by detecting temperature variations in walls, ceilings, and areas connected to unconditioned spaces. With chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials on hand, we partner with homeowners and contractors to repair visible air leakage issues on the spot. After completing the sealing process, we can retest right away to check if the desired blower door score has been obtained, confirming compliance with Lewes, DE efficiency standards.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Lewes, DE

During blower door test in Lewes, DE, contractors will find that well-insulated homes can manage minor issues directly on-site. With tools such as chalk and spray foam, we can address small leaks or gaps without delay. In more than 90% of cases, we deliver a passing blower door test score within two hours and finalize all permit documentation immediately afterward.

Schedule Your blower door test in Lewes, DE

Get expert, certified, and dependable blower door test in Lewes, DE delivered by our experienced professionals. Whether you’re a homeowner improving energy performance or a contractor completing certification, we make sure each test fulfills all energy code requirements.