Blower Door Test in Perkiomenville, PA

Maintain compliance with energy codes and reduce energy loss using expert blower door test in Perkiomenville, PA. Our qualified specialists help homeowners, builders, and contractors locate hidden leaks, improve comfort, and fulfill PA energy code standards.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test is performed to record air changes per hour in buildings, confirming that fresh air regularly replaces stale indoor air. 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. Too much air movement from leaks can cause uncomfortable drafts, moisture accumulation, and mold or condensation issues indoors. A blower door test in Perkiomenville, PA assists in finding and sealing air leaks early to improve home comfort, energy efficiency, and overall durability.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

During blower door test in Perkiomenville, PA, exterior openings are closed securely, and interior doors are left open to maintain even air circulation across the house. A central exterior door is used as the setup point, where an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel are positioned. Once the frame is in place, a calibrated fan is used to bring the home’s pressure down to 50 Pascals — about the same as a 20 mph wind on the structure.

As the fan removes air from inside, exterior air flows in through leaks and gaps in the building envelope. A nanometer is used to detect and compare the pressure created by the fan with the air pressure inside the structure. 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 Perkiomenville, PA, all new homes must comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more current codes enforced by local jurisdictions. A result of 3 air changes per hour or less is generally required in most areas to confirm the home’s energy efficiency. Achieving this goal during your blower door test in Perkiomenville, PA promotes energy savings and demonstrates adherence to local building rules.

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. We often work with home builders, contractors, and homeowners requiring blower door test in Perkiomenville, PA to meet local energy codes and obtain permit approval. If ducts or HVAC units are located outside the thermal envelope, a duct leakage test may also be mandated. Learn more about energy code compliance.

A blower door test in Perkiomenville, PA helps homeowners discover inefficiencies. Depressurizing the home makes leaks more noticeable and highlights where energy can be conserved. A blower door test may take just a few hours, yet its long-lasting impact can greatly improve your home’s comfort and energy use across PA’ hot summers and cool winters.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Use an air barrier system such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and verify that each seam is properly sealed with tape.
  • 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 gaps and openings separating conditioned spaces from unconditioned areas, including crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
  • Local code offices often issue compliance checklists — access the Philadelphia example here for reference.
  • Our team at Local Energy Audits employs thermal imaging, caulk, and spray foam to locate and repair leaks efficiently on-site./li>
  • More than 90% of the time, our team delivers a passing score in less than two hours and completes the necessary permit paperwork.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Perkiomenville, PA

To prepare for blower door test in Perkiomenville, PA, we start by turning off the heating and cooling system, along with all bathroom fans and kitchen exhaust fans. We proceed with a quick home walkthrough, checking that every exterior door and window is tightly shut — including ones that lead to unfinished or unconditioned spaces outside 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. When the house is depressurized, outside air begins entering faster, exposing hidden leaks more effectively. A thermal imager helps us visualize temperature differences in walls, ceilings, and surfaces that separate conditioned and unconditioned spaces. We’re fully equipped with chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping to collaborate with homeowners or contractors in correcting visible air leakage issues immediately. After the sealing process, we can promptly retest to confirm if the desired blower door score has been reached, meeting Perkiomenville, PA energy code requirements.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Perkiomenville, PA

When contractors schedule blower door test in Perkiomenville, PA, professionally insulated homes often only need minor adjustments that can be handled during the test. By applying materials such as chalk and spray foam, small leaks or gaps are often sealed on the spot. In over 90% of cases, we manage to secure a passing blower door test score within just two hours and immediately provide all necessary paperwork to close out the permit process.

Schedule Your blower door test in Perkiomenville, PA

Experience prompt, professional, and certified blower door test in Perkiomenville, 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.