Blower Door Test in Newark, DE

Evaluate your home’s air leakage and achieve energy compliance with precise blower door test in Newark, DE. Our professional technicians help homeowners, builders, and contractors identify air leaks, improve home comfort, and satisfy DE energy code regulations.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test is performed to identify the rate of air changes per hour, confirming your home receives a healthy exchange of fresh air. Too many air changes can negatively impact efficiency, as every replacement of indoor air demands additional heating or cooling energy. 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 Newark, DE identifies air leakage issues before they become serious, ensuring efficiency, comfort, and long-term durability.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

In blower door test in Newark, DE, every exterior door and window is shut, while interior doors stay open to allow uniform airflow inside the building. One chosen exterior door is equipped with an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel for test installation. A calibrated fan is fitted into the frame and depressurizes the home to 50 Pascals, mimicking the pressure caused by a 20 mph wind.

When indoor air is extracted, outdoor air pushes in through every leak and small gap in the building. Using a nanometer device, we assess how the pressure from the fan differs from the home’s natural air pressure. From these readings, the number of air changes per hour (ACH) is determined, revealing the home’s airtightness and performance efficiency in DE.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Newark, DE, new construction typically follows the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or an updated edition implemented by local codes. Typically, blower door test compliance means maintaining 3 air changes per hour or less for energy-efficient performance. Achieving this standard in your blower door test in Newark, DE lowers utility bills and guarantees adherence to local code requirements.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

In DE, both state and local jurisdictions follow the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), requiring blower door test for new and remodeled homes. Our team regularly helps home builders, contractors, and homeowners seeking blower door test in Newark, DE to satisfy energy code standards and close final inspections. A duct leakage test might be required when HVAC units or ductwork are installed beyond the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Through blower door test in Newark, DE, homeowners can easily find leaks. When the fan reduces internal pressure, air movement through problem areas becomes noticeable, offering chances to save energy. A blower door test may take just a few hours, yet its long-lasting impact can greatly improve your home’s comfort and energy use across DE’ hot summers and cool winters.

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.
  • Use insulation of the correct R-value and confirm that it’s tightly installed throughout every section 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.
  • Seal all openings between conditioned and unconditioned areas, including basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
  • Most building departments provide detailed compliance resources — view the Philadelphia checklist example here.
  • Local Energy Audits uses professional-grade thermal imaging, caulk, and spray foam to locate and close leaks during the visit./li>
  • We achieve a passing score within two hours in over 90% of cases and promptly issue the documents to finalize your permit.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Newark, DE

We begin blower door test in Newark, DE by switching off the HVAC system and shutting down all exhaust fans throughout the home. We continue with a walkthrough inspection to confirm every exterior door and window is firmly closed — especially those to unconditioned spaces outside the thermal envelope. Once all openings are sealed, we place the blower door frame and fan in a central exterior door. The fan then lowers the pressure to 50 Pascals for precise leakage measurement. When the home reaches depressurization, outside air seeps in rapidly, helping identify leaks with greater accuracy. With a thermal imager, we identify issues by locating temperature differences across walls, ceilings, and surfaces leading to unconditioned areas. Our technicians arrive with chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials, ready to work with homeowners or contractors to fix visible air leakage problems right away. After completing the sealing process, we can retest right away to check if the desired blower door score has been obtained, confirming compliance with Newark, DE efficiency standards.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Newark, DE

Contractors arranging blower door test in Newark, DE will find that homes with professional insulation can typically resolve small issues right on-site during testing. 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 Newark, DE

Get dependable, efficient, and certified blower door test in Newark, DE performed by our qualified and experienced experts. Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, we guarantee each blower door test is executed with accuracy and meets all local energy code requirements.