Blower Door Test in Marcus Hook, PA

Evaluate your home’s air leakage and achieve energy compliance with precise blower door test in Marcus Hook, PA. Our trained team assists homeowners, builders, and contractors by detecting hidden air leaks, boosting comfort, and meeting PA energy regulations.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test measures how many air changes per hour occur in your home, ensuring fresh air circulation and improved indoor air quality. Having too many air changes can waste energy because each new cycle demands the air be reheated or recooled, cutting overall efficiency. Too many air changes can result in drafts and leaks that create discomfort and lead to moisture, mold, and condensation issues. A blower door test in Marcus Hook, PA detects early-stage air leaks, enabling effective energy use and a more durable, comfortable living environment.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To complete blower door test in Marcus Hook, PA, all exterior openings are sealed, and interior doors are kept open to ensure equal airflow throughout the property. A central door to the outside is selected, and an adjustable aluminum frame with a fabric cover is installed there. 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. A nanometer is used to detect and compare the pressure created by the fan with the air pressure inside the structure. 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?

Residential buildings in Marcus Hook, PA must adhere to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or newer versions adopted by city or county regulations. Generally, a blower door test result of 3 air changes per hour or less is considered acceptable, ensuring proper energy performance. Achieving this goal during your blower door test in Marcus Hook, PA promotes energy savings and demonstrates adherence to local building rules.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of PA, together with many cities and counties, enforces the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), which calls for blower door test on new or renovated residential properties. We proudly serve home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Marcus Hook, PA to pass inspections and fulfill energy code obligations. 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.

By performing blower door test in Marcus Hook, PA, homeowners can identify where conditioned air escapes. Depressurization makes leaks visible, uncovering ways to enhance comfort and efficiency. In only a few hours, a blower door test can deliver a long-lasting impact on energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor performance throughout PA’ changing seasons.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Use a reliable air barrier like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and make sure all seams are securely taped.
  • 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 all openings between conditioned and unconditioned areas, including basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
  • Local code departments usually provide a checklist to assist with compliance — see the Philadelphia example here.
  • Local Energy Audits uses thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam to detect and seal leaks directly on-site./li>
  • We achieve a passing score within two hours in more than 90% of tests and issue the documents to close the building permit.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Marcus Hook, PA

To properly prepare for blower door test in Marcus Hook, PA, the HVAC system and all bathroom and kitchen fans are turned off. Next, we inspect each room to confirm all exterior doors and windows are properly closed — including any leading to garages, basements, or other spaces beyond the thermal envelope. With all openings sealed, we place the blower door frame and fan in a main exterior door and use it to depressurize the structure to 50 Pascals for precise testing results. Once the home is under depressurization, exterior air infiltrates faster through cracks, helping pinpoint leaks. A thermal imager allows us to pinpoint problem spots by highlighting temperature contrasts in walls, ceilings, and surfaces exposed to unconditioned spaces. Equipped with chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping, we can directly assist homeowners or contractors in resolving visible air leakage problems on-site. We conduct a quick retest after sealing to verify that the desired blower door score has been achieved and that your home adheres to Marcus Hook, PA energy efficiency codes.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Marcus Hook, PA

For contractors conducting blower door test in Marcus Hook, PA, well-insulated homes generally require only minimal on-site corrections during the test. Using materials like chalk and spray foam, small leaks or gaps can typically be sealed right away during the test. In over 90% of cases, we successfully achieve a passing blower door test score within just two hours and promptly deliver all required documentation to close out the building permit without any delay.

Schedule Your blower door test in Marcus Hook, PA

Receive professional, accurate, and certified blower door test in Marcus Hook, PA from our highly skilled technicians. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking better efficiency or a contractor finalizing a build, we ensure every test aligns perfectly with energy code standards.