Blower Door Test in Philadelphia, PA

Achieve peak energy efficiency and verify airtight construction with professional blower door test in Philadelphia, PA. Our professional technicians help homeowners, builders, and contractors identify air leaks, improve home comfort, and satisfy PA energy code regulations.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test helps calculate air changes per hour in your property. This natural air exchange process refreshes the indoor environment with new air. Excess air exchange can harm efficiency because each replacement of indoor air requires extra energy to heat or cool it again. Excessive ventilation can lead to unwanted drafts, air leakage discomfort, and potential mold, condensation, or moisture problems indoors. A blower door test in Philadelphia, PA helps discover hidden leaks early so homeowners can save energy, enhance comfort, and improve home resilience.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To execute blower door test in Philadelphia, PA, exterior windows and doors are secured shut, while interior doors are left open to distribute air evenly. 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 indoor air is extracted, outdoor air pushes in through every leak and small gap in the building. Using a sensitive instrument known as a nanometer, we measure the fan’s pressure against the home’s internal pressure. The data collected is translated into air changes per hour (ACH), showing the home’s airtightness and overall energy efficiency in PA conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Philadelphia, PA, homes are designed to meet or exceed the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the latest locally adopted standards. For most regions, achieving 3 air changes per hour or less on a blower door test ensures that the home is properly energy efficient. Achieving this standard in your blower door test in Philadelphia, PA lowers utility bills and guarantees adherence to local code requirements.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of PA and its local governments follow the IECC standards, which require blower door test on newly built or remodeled residential dwellings. We often work with home builders, contractors, and homeowners requiring blower door test in Philadelphia, PA to meet local energy codes and obtain permit approval. In some cases, a duct leakage test is needed if ducts or HVAC systems lie outside the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners who choose blower door test in Philadelphia, PA can easily locate leaks. As the fan depressurizes the home, airflow through gaps becomes apparent, exposing areas needing improvement. 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 that has the designated R-value and confirm it’s properly applied throughout the building envelope for maximum efficiency.
Seal all penetrations in exterior walls using caulk or spray foam.
Ensure doors and windows are properly installed, caulked, and weather-sealed.
Make sure to seal all separations between conditioned and unconditioned areas, including crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
Building departments typically release step-by-step compliance lists — download the Philadelphia sample here as an example.
Local Energy Audits identifies and repairs leaks on-site using thermal imaging tools, caulk, and high-quality spray foam./li>
In the majority of cases—over 90%—we reach a passing score within two hours and provide all closing documentation.

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. Next, we inspect each room to confirm all exterior doors and windows are properly closed — including any leading to garages, basements, or other spaces beyond the thermal envelope. After all openings are closed, we choose a central exterior door, install the blower door frame and fan, and depressurize the house to 50 Pascals to gauge airflow. When the house is depressurized, outside air begins entering faster, exposing hidden leaks more effectively. Using a thermal imager, we easily locate air leaks by noting temperature differences on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces adjacent 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 sealing the identified leaks, we retest right away to confirm that the desired blower door score meets local energy performance standards in Philadelphia, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Philadelphia, PA

Professionally insulated homes tested by contractors during blower door test in Philadelphia, PA can often address minor issues right on the spot. Using materials like chalk and spray foam, small leaks or gaps can typically be sealed right away during the test. In over 90% of cases, we successfully achieve a passing blower door test score within just two hours and promptly deliver all required documentation to close out the building permit without any delay.

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Schedule Your blower door test in Philadelphia, PA

Get professional-grade, efficient, and certified blower door test in Philadelphia, PA handled by our experienced staff. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking greater comfort or a contractor finalizing a permit, we ensure every test meets energy code requirements with precision and professionalism.

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