Blower Door Test in Oreland, PA

Achieve peak energy efficiency and verify airtight construction with professional blower door test in Oreland, PA. Our certified technicians provide homeowners, builders, and contractors with expert air leak detection, better comfort, and complete PA energy code compliance.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test evaluates air changes per hour, showing how often indoor air is replaced by fresh outdoor air — a process essential for healthy living spaces. 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. Excessive air circulation may cause drafts, discomfort from leaks, and indoor problems like condensation, mold, and moisture damage. A blower door test in Oreland, PA identifies potential air leakage problems early so homeowners and builders can improve comfort, energy performance, and home durability.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

Before blower door test in Oreland, PA, every exterior door and window is closed securely, while interior doors stay open to let air move evenly around the home. One chosen exterior door is equipped with an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel for test installation. Next, a calibrated fan is mounted on the frame to reduce indoor pressure to 50 Pascals — similar to the force of a 20 mph wind on the building.

When the fan pulls indoor air outward, fresh air from outside rushes in through leaks and weak spots. Using an advanced nanometer, we evaluate the pressure difference between the fan system and the home’s interior environment. The data is converted into air changes per hour (ACH), identifying how tightly sealed and energy-efficient the house is in PA.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Construction in Oreland, PA must comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or updated versions recognized by local authorities. Generally, a blower door test result of 3 air changes per hour or less is considered acceptable, ensuring proper energy performance. Meeting this requirement during your blower door test in Oreland, PA helps reduce energy costs while keeping your home compliant with local building codes.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

PA and local city codes follow the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), which mandates blower door tests on residential buildings after construction or renovation. Our certified technicians assist home builders, contractors, and homeowners with blower door test in Oreland, PA to meet energy requirements and wrap up permit approvals. 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 Oreland, PA, homeowners can pinpoint hidden air leaks. The depressurization process makes them obvious, enabling better sealing and lower energy costs. A blower door test requires minimal time but makes a long-lasting impact on home comfort and energy performance during PA’ extreme temperatures.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Choose Tyvek or Zip Sheathing as your air barrier and check that all seams are securely taped to maintain airtightness.
  • Use insulation with the right R-value and confirm it is properly installed throughout 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.
  • Close and seal every opening between heated or cooled spaces and unconditioned areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
  • Local jurisdictions frequently publish compliance checklists — the Philadelphia version can be downloaded here.
  • Local Energy Audits identifies and repairs leaks on-site using thermal imaging tools, caulk, and high-quality spray foam./li>
  • Over 90% of cases result in a passing score within two hours, along with complete permit documentation.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Oreland, PA

We start the process of blower door test in Oreland, PA by ensuring all heating, air conditioning, and exhaust systems are turned off. Next, we inspect each room to confirm all exterior doors and windows are properly closed — including any leading to garages, basements, or other spaces beyond the thermal envelope. After sealing the home, we install the blower door frame and fan in a central exterior doorway. The fan depressurizes the home to 50 Pascals to provide accurate airflow and leakage readings. Once pressure is lowered, outdoor air moves in with greater force, highlighting problem areas and leaks. A thermal imager helps highlight problem zones by detecting temperature variations in walls, ceilings, and areas connected to unconditioned spaces. Carrying chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials, we work directly with homeowners or contractors to resolve visible air leakage issues during the visit. After sealing, we can immediately retest to confirm whether the desired blower door score has been reached, ensuring your home complies with local energy efficiency standards in Oreland, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Oreland, PA

When contractors perform blower door test in Oreland, PA, minor issues in professionally insulated homes can usually be resolved during the inspection. 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 Oreland, PA

Receive professional, accurate, and certified blower door test in Oreland, PA from our highly skilled technicians. Whether you’re a homeowner aiming to enhance comfort or a contractor needing to close out a permit, we make sure each test complies with energy codes accurately and efficiently.