Blower Door Test in Media, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

When blower door test in Media, PA is conducted, every exterior door and window is closed, and interior doors are left open to achieve uniform air movement inside. One chosen exterior door is equipped with an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel for test installation. A calibrated fan mounted on the frame reduces the home’s pressure to 50 Pascals, simulating the force of a continuous 20 mph wind.

When the fan depressurizes the home, outdoor air seeps in through leaks, crevices, and other air pathways. By employing a nanometer, we measure the variance between the fan’s pressure and the internal home pressure. The collected data converts to air changes per hour (ACH), demonstrating how tightly sealed and efficient the home remains in PA climates.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Media, PA, homes generally must comply with the requirements of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or newer editions enforced by local authorities. In most locations, 3 air changes per hour or less is the standard blower door test result for efficient home performance. Satisfying this requirement in your blower door test in Media, PA helps optimize energy use and ensures you meet local building standards.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

In PA, both state and local jurisdictions follow the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), requiring blower door test for new and remodeled homes. Our company assists home builders, contractors, and homeowners who rely on blower door test in Media, PA to fulfill energy code compliance and finalize construction permits. You may be required to perform a duct leakage test if HVAC components are situated outside the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

With blower door test in Media, PA, homeowners can pinpoint hidden air leaks. The depressurization process makes them obvious, enabling better sealing and lower energy costs. Though a blower door test lasts just a few hours, it offers a long-lasting impact on your home’s comfort, durability, and performance year-round in PA.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Employ an appropriate air barrier system such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and verify that each seam has been correctly taped.
• Apply insulation of the correct R-value and make sure it fits snugly in all areas of the 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 and seal every opening between heated or cooled spaces and unconditioned areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Building departments in many areas share checklists for verifying compliance — download the Philadelphia version here as a sample.
• Using thermal imaging technology along with caulk and spray foam, Local Energy Audits identifies and seals leaks during the inspection./li>
• In over 90% of tests, we obtain a passing score within two hours and issue all paperwork required for permit closure.