Blower Door Test in Metuchen borough, NJ

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

When performing blower door test in Metuchen borough, NJ, the technician ensures all exterior doors and windows are sealed and interior doors are open for steady air movement. A central door to the outside is selected, and an adjustable aluminum frame with a fabric cover is installed there. A calibrated fan is placed within the frame and operated to depressurize the structure to 50 Pascals — nearly the same as a 20 mph wind hitting the building.

As the fan removes air, outside air naturally flows inside through leaks, joints, and other gaps. Using a nanometer device, we assess how the pressure from the fan differs from the home’s natural air pressure. These figures are calculated into air changes per hour (ACH), reflecting how well the home prevents air loss and maintains efficiency in NJ conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Metuchen borough, NJ, homes generally must comply with the requirements of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or newer editions enforced by local authorities. Typically, a passing blower door test result is 3 air changes per hour or lower, which indicates good energy efficiency. Meeting this requirement during your blower door test in Metuchen borough, NJ helps reduce energy costs while keeping your home compliant with local building codes.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of NJ and local municipalities have implemented the IECC code, which mandates blower door test on new and remodeled residential homes. Our team regularly helps home builders, contractors, and homeowners seeking blower door test in Metuchen borough, NJ to satisfy energy code standards and close final inspections. A duct leakage test may also be necessary if any ducts or HVAC systems are positioned outside the building’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

With blower door test in Metuchen borough, NJ, homeowners can pinpoint hidden air leaks. The depressurization process makes them obvious, enabling better sealing and lower energy costs. A blower door test takes only a short time to complete but can have a lasting effect on your home’s comfort and energy efficiency through NJ’ hot and cool seasons.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Use a trusted air barrier like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, ensuring all joints and seams are properly taped and sealed.
• Install insulation of the appropriate R-value and inspect to confirm it’s correctly fitted in all envelope areas.
• 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.
• Building departments typically release step-by-step compliance lists — download the Philadelphia sample here as an example.
• 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 more than 90% of tests and issue the documents to close the building permit.