Blower Door Test in Narberth, PA

Verify your home’s airtightness and meet energy-efficiency standards with a professional blower door test in Narberth, PA. Our certified technicians support homeowners, builders, and contractors in finding hidden leaks, improving comfort, and ensuring compliance with PA energy codes.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test is performed to record air changes per hour in buildings, confirming that fresh air regularly replaces stale indoor air. Having too many air changes can waste energy because each new cycle demands the air be reheated or recooled, cutting overall efficiency. Excessive air changes often cause drafts, discomfort, and humidity-related issues such as condensation and mold growth inside the home. A blower door test in Narberth, PA helps spot air leaks before they worsen, improving efficiency, comfort, and long-term structural quality.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To carry out blower door test in Narberth, PA, exterior doors and windows are fully closed, and interior doors are left open for even air distribution in the home. One primary exterior doorway is used, where a flexible aluminum frame and fabric panel are mounted tightly. A precisely calibrated fan is installed on the frame to reduce the air pressure inside to 50 Pascals, equal to a steady 20 mph wind outdoors.

As air is drawn out by the fan, it causes outdoor air to infiltrate through existing leaks and gaps in the structure. Using a sensitive instrument known as a nanometer, we measure the fan’s pressure against the home’s internal pressure. The test results are converted into air changes per hour (ACH), which determines the airtightness and performance level of the home in PA weather.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Properties in Narberth, PA must meet the efficiency guidelines of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the latest version 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 level during your blower door test in Narberth, PA supports energy efficiency and verifies that your home meets local codes.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Both PA and local jurisdictions adopt the IECC energy code, making blower door test mandatory for new and renovated residential structures. We provide support to home builders, contractors, and homeowners needing blower door test in Narberth, PA for meeting energy efficiency standards and finalizing 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 Narberth, PA, homeowners can pinpoint hidden air leaks. The depressurization process makes them obvious, enabling better sealing and lower energy costs. A blower door test, typically lasting only a few hours, offers a long-lasting impact on your home’s performance, efficiency, and comfort across PA’ 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.
  • 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.
  • Seal off any access points or gaps between conditioned and unconditioned spaces like attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
  • Local code departments usually provide a checklist to assist with compliance — see the Philadelphia example here.
  • 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.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Narberth, PA

We begin blower door test in Narberth, PA by switching off the HVAC system and shutting down all exhaust fans throughout the home. We then perform a brief inspection throughout the home to make sure all exterior doors and windows are tightly shut — even those opening to garages, basements, or spaces outside the thermal envelope. Once everything is closed off, we set up the blower door fan on a centrally located exterior door and depressurize the interior to 50 Pascals to assess air leakage accurately. When the home reaches depressurization, outside air seeps in rapidly, helping identify leaks with greater accuracy. With a thermal imager, we identify cold or warm spots in walls, ceilings, and other surfaces that reveal air leakage into unconditioned spaces. We carry chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials, allowing us to work directly with homeowners or contractors to fix visible air leakage issues on-site. Once leaks are addressed, we perform another test to confirm the desired blower door score and verify compliance with local efficiency regulations in Narberth, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Narberth, PA

Contractors scheduling blower door test in Narberth, PA often see that homes with proper insulation can correct minor air leaks while testing is underway. Using quick-application materials like chalk and spray foam, small leaks or openings are sealed right during testing. In more than 90% of cases, we achieve a passing blower door test score within two hours and deliver all documents needed to finalize the permit without any delay.

Schedule Your blower door test in Narberth, PA

Get expert, certified, and dependable blower door test in Narberth, PA delivered by our experienced professionals. Whether you’re enhancing indoor comfort or finalizing a construction permit, we conduct every test with accuracy, care, and full compliance with energy standards.