Blower Door Test in Pine Forge, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

While performing blower door test in Pine Forge, PA, technicians make sure exterior doors and windows are shut tight and interior doors are open for uniform pressure. Technicians select one central exterior door and install an adjustable aluminum frame along with a fabric panel for testing. 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, outside air naturally flows inside through leaks, joints, and other gaps. Using a nanometer device, we assess how the pressure from the fan differs from the home’s natural air pressure. These measurements are used to calculate air changes per hour (ACH), which reflects the home’s airtightness and performance under PA weather.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Pine Forge, PA, all new homes must comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more current codes enforced by local jurisdictions. An efficient home in most regions will achieve 3 air changes per hour or less during a blower door test. By meeting this standard in your blower door test in Pine Forge, PA, you can enjoy lower utility bills and peace of mind with code compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

In accordance with the IECC, the State of PA and various local authorities require blower door test for new or remodeled residential properties. We proudly serve home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Pine Forge, PA to pass inspections and fulfill energy code obligations. 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 gain major advantages from blower door test in Pine Forge, PA. As the fan depressurizes the home, incoming air through leaks becomes easier to detect, revealing problem spots and potential energy-saving improvements. A blower door test takes only a short time to complete but can have a lasting effect on your home’s comfort and energy efficiency through PA’ hot and cool seasons.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Apply an effective air barrier such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, ensuring every seam is tightly sealed with proper tape.
• 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.
• Seal cracks and openings between conditioned interiors and unconditioned areas such as crawl spaces, attics, and basements.
• Building departments in many areas share checklists for verifying compliance — download the Philadelphia version here as a sample.
• At Local Energy Audits, we utilize thermal imaging equipment, caulk, and spray foam to identify and fix air leaks during testing./li>
• Over 90% of the time, we complete testing with a passing score in two hours or less and handle all permit paperwork on-site.