Blower Door Test in Philadelphia, PA

Maintain compliance with energy codes and reduce energy loss using expert blower door test in Philadelphia, 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 how many air changes per hour occur in your home, ensuring fresh air circulation and improved indoor air quality. When a home experiences excessive air changes, the HVAC system must reheat or recool more frequently, increasing energy use and reducing efficiency. When too much air is exchanged, it can cause drafts, reduce comfort, and create conditions for moisture buildup and mold. A blower door test in Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, 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 sturdy fabric panel are installed in one central exterior door to prepare for testing. After setup, a calibrated fan is attached to the frame to lower the air pressure inside the house to 50 Pascals, equivalent to a 20 mph wind.

As the fan expels air, the resulting pressure draws outdoor air in through hidden leaks and unsealed joints. A nanometer precisely gauges the pressure applied by the fan in relation to the home’s internal air pressure. The test results are converted into air changes per hour (ACH), which determines the airtightness and performance level of the home in PA weather.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Philadelphia, PA, all new homes must comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more current codes enforced by local jurisdictions. In most locations, 3 air changes per hour or less is the standard blower door test result for efficient home performance. Passing this threshold during your blower door test in Philadelphia, PA ensures both energy savings and full compliance with local regulations.

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 often collaborate with home builders, contractors, and homeowners who require blower door test in Philadelphia, PA to meet energy efficiency standards and close permits. A duct leakage test may also be performed when ductwork or HVAC equipment extends beyond the thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Using blower door test in Philadelphia, PA, homeowners can detect unwanted airflow. The depressurization process reveals leaks, helping them seal gaps and increase comfort. It only takes a few hours to perform a blower door test, but the long-lasting impact on comfort and efficiency is felt through PA’ hot summers and cool winters.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
Use high-quality air barrier materials like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and confirm all seams are perfectly taped.
Apply insulation of the correct R-value and make sure it fits snugly in all areas 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.
Many cities provide compliance checklists through their building departments — see the Philadelphia version here.
Our professionals at Local Energy Audits use caulk, spray foam, and thermal imaging to detect and seal leaks on-site for better efficiency./li>
In more than 90% of cases, we secure a passing score within two hours and deliver the paperwork needed to close the permit.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Philadelphia, PA

To properly prepare for blower door test in Philadelphia, PA, the HVAC system and all bathroom and kitchen fans are turned off. We follow with a quick walkthrough to ensure all exterior doors and windows are fully closed — including those that connect to garages, basements, or any part outside the thermal envelope. Once all openings are sealed, we place the blower door frame and fan in a central exterior door. The fan then lowers the pressure to 50 Pascals for precise leakage measurement. Once depressurization occurs, outdoor air enters the home more aggressively, revealing leaks more clearly. A thermal imager helps us visualize temperature differences in walls, ceilings, and surfaces that separate conditioned and unconditioned spaces. Our team brings chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping supplies to every job, enabling us to collaborate with homeowners or contractors to seal visible air leakage areas immediately. After the sealing process, we can promptly retest to confirm if the desired blower door score has been reached, meeting Philadelphia, PA energy code requirements.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Philadelphia, PA

When contractors schedule blower door test in Philadelphia, PA, professionally insulated homes often only need minor adjustments that can be handled during the test. With readily available sealing materials like chalk and spray foam, we can repair minor leaks or gaps on the spot. In more than 90% of cases, our team secures a passing blower door test score within two hours and provides full documentation to complete the permit without any delay.

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Schedule Your blower door test in Philadelphia, PA

Experience prompt, professional, and certified blower door test in Philadelphia, PA from our knowledgeable team. Whether you’re a homeowner focused on efficiency or a contractor working to close a permit, we ensure each test is conducted with precision and meets all energy code standards.

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