Blower Door Test in Pineville, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To complete blower door test in Pineville, PA, all exterior openings are sealed, and interior doors are kept open to ensure equal airflow throughout the property. A central door to the outside is selected, and an adjustable aluminum frame with a fabric cover is installed there. A calibrated fan is connected to the frame, lowering the home’s internal pressure to 50 Pascals, roughly matching a 20 mph wind force.

As the fan removes air from inside, exterior air flows in through leaks and gaps in the building envelope. Using an advanced nanometer, we evaluate the pressure difference between the fan system and the home’s interior environment. These results are transformed into air changes per hour (ACH), an indicator of the home’s airtightness and its efficiency in PA conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Homes built in Pineville, PA are expected to comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or any newer local versions in effect. In most areas, an acceptable blower door test result is 3 air changes per hour or less, confirming that the home achieves optimal energy efficiency. Achieving this goal during your blower door test in Pineville, PA promotes energy savings and demonstrates adherence to local building rules.

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 Pineville, PA for energy code compliance and permit closure. A duct leakage test can be required when ducts or HVAC components are installed outside the structure’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

With blower door test in Pineville, PA, homeowners can pinpoint hidden air leaks. The depressurization process makes them obvious, enabling better sealing and lower energy costs. 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.
• Employ an appropriate air barrier system such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and verify that each seam has been correctly taped.
• Fit insulation with the correct R-value and make sure it’s installed without voids 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.
• Close and seal every opening between heated or cooled spaces and unconditioned areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Local code departments usually provide a checklist to assist with compliance — see the Philadelphia example 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 most situations—over 90% of the time—we get a passing score within two hours and finalize all required paperwork.