Blower Door Test in Paoli, PA

Achieve peak energy efficiency and verify airtight construction with professional blower door test in Paoli, PA. Our certified professionals work with homeowners, builders, and contractors to uncover hidden air leaks and guarantee compliance with PA energy codes.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test measures the building’s air changes per hour, helping ensure indoor air is consistently refreshed. Excessive air changes can cause problems since each exchange requires reheating or recooling, resulting in greater energy consumption and reduced 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 Paoli, PA enables early identification of air leaks, helping improve comfort, durability, and energy savings.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

Before blower door test in Paoli, PA, every exterior door and window is closed securely, while interior doors stay open to let air move evenly around the home. An adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel are placed within a central exterior doorway to conduct the test. A calibrated fan mounted on the frame reduces the home’s pressure to 50 Pascals, simulating the force of a continuous 20 mph wind.

As the fan operates, it forces outside air to penetrate the home through gaps, leaks, and openings. With a nanometer, we record and compare the pressure produced by the fan to the pressure inside the house. 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?

In Paoli, PA, all new homes must comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more current codes enforced by local jurisdictions. An efficient home in most regions will achieve 3 air changes per hour or less during a blower door test. When your blower door test in Paoli, PAmeets this requirement, you benefit from reduced energy bills and code compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Throughout PA, the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) is followed, making blower door test compulsory for new and renovated homes. We work closely with home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Paoli, PA to ensure compliance and successful project completion. A duct leakage test may also be performed when ductwork or HVAC equipment extends beyond the thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

A blower door test in Paoli, PA helps homeowners discover inefficiencies. Depressurizing the home makes leaks more noticeable and highlights where energy can be conserved. Completing a blower door test takes just a few hours, yet its long-lasting impact enhances comfort and performance in every PAseason.

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 the transitions between conditioned and unconditioned zones, particularly around basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
  • Building departments typically release step-by-step compliance lists — download the Philadelphia sample here as an example.
  • Local Energy Audits brings thermal cameras, caulk, and spray foam to locate and seal leaks while performing on-site testing./li>
  • Over 90% of our projects pass within two hours, with all required paperwork issued immediately to close the permit.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Paoli, PA

To prepare for blower door test in Paoli, PA, we start by turning off the heating and cooling system, along with all bathroom fans and kitchen exhaust fans. 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 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 pressure is lowered, outdoor air moves in with greater force, highlighting problem areas and leaks. Using a thermal imager, we detect problem areas by observing temperature variations in walls, ceilings, and other surfaces that connect to unconditioned spaces. We carry chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping so our team can work alongside homeowners or contractors to seal visible air leakage spots right away. After the sealing process, we can promptly retest to confirm if the desired blower door score has been reached, meeting Paoli, PA energy code requirements.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Paoli, PA

Contractors planning blower door test in Paoli, PA can expect most professionally insulated homes to address small issues easily during the testing phase. Using materials like chalk and spray foam during the inspection, small leaks or gaps can be sealed right away. In over 90% of cases, we complete a passing blower door test score within two hours and provide the required paperwork to close out the building permit promptly.

Schedule Your blower door test in Paoli, PA

Get trusted, professional, and certified blower door test in Paoli, PA from our experienced technicians. Whether you’re improving a home’s efficiency or ensuring code compliance for a project, we perform every test with professionalism and attention to detail.