Blower Door Test in Phoenixville, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

For accurate blower door test in Phoenixville, PA, technicians close all exterior openings and keep interior doors open to balance airflow throughout the house. Technicians select one central exterior door and install an adjustable aluminum frame along with a fabric panel for testing. A calibrated fan is installed onto the frame, creating a pressure difference of 50 Pascals, comparable to a continuous 20 mph wind blowing on the home.

As the fan operates, it forces outside air to penetrate the home through gaps, leaks, and openings. A nanometer precisely gauges the pressure applied by the fan in relation to the home’s internal air pressure. From these readings, the number of air changes per hour (ACH) is determined, revealing the home’s airtightness and performance efficiency in PA.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Phoenixville, PA, new construction typically follows the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or an updated edition implemented by local codes. An efficient home in most regions will achieve 3 air changes per hour or less during a blower door test. Meeting this level during your blower door test in Phoenixville, PA supports energy efficiency and verifies that your home meets local codes.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of PA, together with many cities and counties, enforces the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), which calls for blower door test on new or renovated residential properties. We routinely help home builders, contractors, and homeowners requiring blower door test in Phoenixville, PA for energy code compliance and permit closure. A duct leakage test is sometimes required if any HVAC components or duct lines are found beyond the building’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners who choose blower door test in Phoenixville, PA can easily locate leaks. As the fan depressurizes the home, airflow through gaps becomes apparent, exposing areas needing improvement. Taking only a few hours, a blower door test creates a long-lasting impact by improving comfort, performance, and efficiency in PAhomes.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Install a quality air barrier like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and confirm that all joints and seams are completely taped.
• 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 cracks and openings between conditioned interiors and unconditioned areas such as crawl spaces, attics, and basements.
• Local building authorities commonly offer checklists to verify code compliance — review the Philadelphia example here.
• Local Energy Audits identifies and repairs leaks on-site using thermal imaging tools, caulk, and high-quality spray foam./li>
• Over 90% of our projects pass within two hours, with all required paperwork issued immediately to close the permit.