Blower Door Test in Oreland, PA

Detect hidden air leaks and improve efficiency with professional blower door test in Oreland, PA. Our certified experts assist homeowners, builders, and contractors in improving comfort, sealing leaks, and meeting PA energy code requirements.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test quantifies how often indoor air is renewed through air changes per hour, helping maintain optimal ventilation. When the air changes too often, energy efficiency drops since the system must continuously reheat or recool the air inside. Excessive air leakage can cause drafts, reduce comfort, and contribute to issues like condensation, moisture, and mold inside the home. A blower door test in Oreland, PA 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?

To perform blower door test in Oreland, PA, all exterior doors and windows are tightly sealed, while interior doors remain open to promote balanced airflow throughout the home. Technicians select one central exterior door and install an adjustable aluminum frame along with a fabric panel for testing. 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.

When the fan pulls indoor air outward, fresh air from outside rushes in through leaks and weak spots. By employing a nanometer, we measure the variance between the fan’s pressure and the internal home pressure. The gathered results are converted into air changes per hour (ACH) to determine how well-sealed and efficient the home is in the PA climate.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Oreland, PA, energy efficiency standards for homes are based on the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more recent updates approved by the jurisdiction. A result of 3 air changes per hour or less is generally required in most areas to confirm the home’s energy efficiency. Complying with this benchmark during a blower door test in Oreland, PA helps cut energy expenses and meet local building regulations.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

PA state regulations and many municipalities abide by the IECC, enforcing blower door tests for newly constructed or renovated homes. We often work with home builders, contractors, and homeowners requiring blower door test in Oreland, PA to meet local energy codes and obtain permit approval. 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.

Using blower door test in Oreland, PA, homeowners can detect unwanted airflow. The depressurization process reveals leaks, helping them seal gaps and increase comfort. A blower door test takes only a short time to complete but can have a lasting effect on your home’s comfort and energy efficiency through PA’ hot and cool seasons.

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.
Install insulation that meets the required R-value and check that it’s evenly and securely placed 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.
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.
Local Energy Audits brings thermal cameras, caulk, and spray foam to locate and seal leaks while performing on-site testing./li>
Typically, over 90% of the time we record a passing score in two hours and handle all permit-related documentation.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Oreland, PA

For blower door test in Oreland, PA, preparation includes turning off all heating and air conditioning units, plus bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans. A brief walkthrough follows, during which we verify all exterior windows and doors — even those leading to unconditioned spaces — are closed tight to preserve 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. Once depressurization occurs, outdoor air enters the home more aggressively, revealing leaks more clearly. Through the use of a thermal imager, we find problem zones by detecting uneven temperatures in walls, ceilings, and surfaces 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 the sealing process, we can promptly retest to confirm if the desired blower door score has been reached, meeting Oreland, PA energy code requirements.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Oreland, PA

Contractors arranging blower door test in Oreland, PA will find that homes with professional insulation can typically resolve small issues right on-site during testing. Using readily available materials like chalk and spray foam, our team can seal small leaks and gaps on-site in minutes. In more than 90% of cases, we achieve a passing blower door test score within two hours and provide complete documentation to finalize the building permit without delay.

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Schedule Your blower door test in Oreland, PA

Rely on our expert team for accurate, efficient, and certified blower door test in Oreland, PA. 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.

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