Blower Door Test in Parker Ford, PA

Maintain compliance with energy codes and reduce energy loss using expert blower door test in Parker Ford, PA. Our certified technicians assist homeowners, builders, and contractors in detecting hidden air leaks, boosting comfort, and ensuring full compliance with PA energy codes.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test helps determine the air changes per hour to confirm that your home has sufficient fresh air replacement. 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 Parker Ford, PA finds air leakage problems early, allowing better energy efficiency and enhanced indoor comfort for homeowners.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To complete blower door test in Parker Ford, PA, all exterior openings are sealed, and interior doors are kept open to ensure equal airflow throughout the property. Technicians install a fabric panel and adjustable aluminum frame into one central exterior door opening. A precisely calibrated fan is installed on the frame to reduce the air pressure inside to 50 Pascals, equal to a steady 20 mph wind outdoors.

When the fan starts pulling air out, external air enters through the smallest cracks and leakage points. By employing a nanometer, we measure the variance between the fan’s pressure and the internal home pressure. 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 Parker Ford, PA, homes generally must comply with the requirements of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or newer editions enforced by local authorities. Typically, blower door test compliance means maintaining 3 air changes per hour or less for energy-efficient performance. Meeting this requirement during your blower door test in Parker Ford, PA helps reduce energy costs while keeping your home compliant with local building codes.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

PA and several of its municipalities comply with the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), mandating blower door test for new or updated homes. We often collaborate with home builders, contractors, and homeowners who require blower door test in Parker Ford, PA to meet energy efficiency standards and close permits. You may also need a duct leakage test if your ductwork or HVAC equipment lies outside the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners can greatly benefit from blower door test in Parker Ford, PA. The depressurization process makes air leaks noticeable, helping pinpoint trouble areas and improve energy efficiency. Though a blower door test lasts just a few hours, it offers a long-lasting impact on your home’s comfort, durability, and performance year-round 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 with the appropriate R-value and ensure it is correctly fitted across the entire building envelope.
  • Seal all penetrations in exterior walls using caulk or spray foam.
  • Ensure doors and windows are properly installed, caulked, and weather-sealed.
  • Ensure all penetrations between conditioned and unconditioned areas—like attics, basements, and crawl spaces—are tightly sealed.
  • Local code departments usually provide a checklist to assist with compliance — see the Philadelphia example here.
  • At Local Energy Audits, we utilize thermal imaging equipment, caulk, and spray foam to identify and fix air leaks during testing./li>
  • In most situations—over 90% of the time—we get a passing score within two hours and finalize all required paperwork.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Parker Ford, PA

Before starting blower door test in Parker Ford, PA, we turn off all heating, air conditioning, and exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Next, we do a complete walkthrough to ensure all exterior doors and windows are sealed — including those opening to garages, unfinished basements, or areas beyond the thermal envelope. With all openings sealed, we place the blower door frame and fan in a main exterior door and use it to depressurize the structure to 50 Pascals for precise testing results. When the home reaches negative pressure, outside air infiltrates through openings, making leaks visible. With a thermal imager, we identify issues by locating temperature differences across walls, ceilings, and surfaces leading to unconditioned areas. We come prepared with chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping, allowing us to assist homeowners or contractors in sealing visible air leakage points on the spot. After all leaks are sealed, we retest immediately to confirm the desired blower door score has been met and that your home satisfies efficiency requirements in Parker Ford, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Parker Ford, PA

When contractors perform blower door test in Parker Ford, PA, minor issues in professionally insulated homes can usually be resolved during the inspection. Using simple yet effective materials like chalk and spray foam, we can seal most small leaks or gaps right during testing. In over 90% of cases, we achieve a passing blower door test score within two hours and issue the full documentation needed to complete the building permit process on the same day.

Schedule Your blower door test in Parker Ford, PA

Experience prompt, professional, and certified blower door test in Parker Ford, PA from our knowledgeable team. 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.