Blower Door Test in Norwood, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

When performing blower door test in Norwood, PA, the technician ensures all exterior doors and windows are sealed and interior doors are open for steady air movement. A single central exterior door is designated, where the blower door’s aluminum frame and fabric panel are set up. The technician mounts a calibrated fan to the frame to depressurize the house to 50 Pascals, roughly matching a 20 mph wind effect.

As the fan operates, it forces outside air to penetrate the home through gaps, leaks, and openings. A precise nanometer instrument allows us to compare the pressure generated by the fan to that within the house. These results are transformed into air changes per hour (ACH), an indicator of the home’s airtightness and its efficiency in PA conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Norwood, PA, residential buildings must meet the benchmarks set by the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or any newer codes adopted locally. For most regions, achieving 3 air changes per hour or less on a blower door test ensures that the home is properly energy efficient. When your blower door test in Norwood, PAmeets this requirement, you benefit from reduced energy bills and code compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of PA and its local governments follow the IECC standards, which require blower door test on newly built or remodeled residential dwellings. We work closely with home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Norwood, PA to ensure compliance and successful project completion. A duct leakage test requirement applies if ducts or HVAC units are positioned outside the structure’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

With blower door test in Norwood, PA, homeowners can pinpoint hidden air leaks. The depressurization process makes them obvious, enabling better sealing and lower energy costs. A short blower door test can result in a long-lasting impact on your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and year-round performance in PA.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Choose an appropriate air barrier, like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, and ensure all seams are accurately and securely taped.
• 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.
• Make sure to seal all separations between conditioned and unconditioned areas, including crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
• Local jurisdictions frequently publish compliance checklists — the Philadelphia version can be downloaded here.
• Local Energy Audits technicians carry thermal imaging devices, caulk, and spray foam to pinpoint and seal air leaks immediately./li>
• Over 90% of cases result in a passing score within two hours, along with complete permit documentation.