Blower Door Test in Norwood, PA

Ensure your home is sealed properly and energy-efficient with quality blower door test in Norwood, PA. Our certified specialists support homeowners, builders, and contractors by locating hidden air leaks, improving efficiency, and achieving PA energy code compliance.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test is designed to measure air changes per hour inside homes, promoting a balance between airtightness and necessary ventilation. Too many air changes, however, can be detrimental because every time the air is replaced, it must be reheated or recooled, leading to higher energy use and lower efficiency. When air changes occur too often, they can result in drafts, air leakage discomfort, and moisture-related problems such as condensation and mold. A blower door test in Norwood, PA allows early detection of air leaks, helping homeowners and builders boost efficiency and maintain a comfortable, durable living environment.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

In blower door test in Norwood, PA, every exterior door and window is shut, while interior doors stay open to allow uniform airflow inside the building. A single main exterior door is fitted with an adjustable aluminum frame and attached fabric panel to begin the setup. Technicians mount a calibrated fan onto the frame to achieve 50 Pascals of depressurization — similar to a constant 20 mph wind acting on the home.

As the fan removes air from inside, exterior air flows in through leaks and gaps in the building envelope. With the help of a nanometer, we determine the pressure difference between the fan’s airflow and the home’s internal conditions. These readings are then converted into the total number of air changes per hour (ACH), revealing how airtight the home is and how well it performs in the PA climate.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Homes built in Norwood, PA are expected to comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or any newer local versions in effect. For most regions, achieving 3 air changes per hour or less on a blower door test ensures that the home is properly energy efficient. Achieving this standard in your blower door test in Norwood, PA lowers utility bills and guarantees adherence to local code requirements.

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 routinely help home builders, contractors, and homeowners requiring blower door test in Norwood, PA for energy code compliance and permit closure. A duct leakage test may also be performed when ductwork or HVAC equipment extends beyond the thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Performing blower door test in Norwood, PA allows homeowners to identify and fix leaks. The test makes air infiltration visible, uncovering opportunities to reduce energy loss. This simple test, completed in a few hours, creates a long-lasting impact on your home’s efficiency and comfort during PA’ hot and cold months.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Apply an effective air barrier such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, ensuring every seam is tightly sealed with proper tape.
  • Apply the correct R-value insulation and verify that it’s properly fitted to seal the whole 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 building authorities commonly offer checklists to verify code compliance — review the Philadelphia example here.
  • With the help of thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam, Local Energy Audits efficiently detects and seals leaks 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 Norwood, PA

We start the process of blower door test in Norwood, PA by ensuring all heating, air conditioning, and exhaust systems are turned off. We perform a quick check throughout the property, making sure all exterior windows and doors — including those to unfinished or non-conditioned areas — are sealed, maintaining the thermal envelope. Once all doors and windows are sealed, we set up the blower door system in a centrally located exterior door and reduce air pressure to 50 Pascals to evaluate leakage. Once pressure is lowered, outdoor air moves in with greater force, highlighting problem areas and leaks. Using a thermal imager, we easily locate air leaks by noting temperature differences on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces adjacent to unconditioned spaces. Our team brings chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping supplies to every job, enabling us to collaborate with homeowners or contractors to seal visible air leakage areas immediately. Once leaks are addressed, we perform another test to confirm the desired blower door score and verify compliance with local efficiency regulations in Norwood, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Norwood, PA

Contractors booking blower door test in Norwood, PA can rest assured that most homes with professional insulation can easily handle small fixes during testing. With materials such as chalk and spray foam on hand, minor leaks or gaps can usually be sealed immediately. In over 90% of cases, we are able to reach a passing blower door test score in under two hours and supply all necessary paperwork to finalize the building permit right away.

Schedule Your blower door test in Norwood, PA

Count on our team for fast, professional, and certified blower door test in Norwood, PA with dependable results. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking better efficiency or a contractor finalizing a build, we ensure every test aligns perfectly with energy code standards.