Blower Door Test in ProspectPArk, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To execute blower door test in ProspectPArk, PA, exterior windows and doors are secured shut, while interior doors are left open to distribute air evenly. An adjustable aluminum frame and sturdy fabric panel are installed in one central exterior door to prepare for testing. A calibrated fan is fitted into the frame and depressurizes the home to 50 Pascals, mimicking the pressure caused by a 20 mph wind.

When the fan pulls air out, outdoor air enters the house through cracks, openings, and unsealed areas. Using a highly accurate nanometer, we compare the fan-induced pressure to the natural air pressure inside the home. The gathered results are converted into air changes per hour (ACH) to determine how well-sealed and efficient the home is in the PA climate.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Homes throughout ProspectPArk, PA are required to satisfy the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the most current version enforced by local regulators. Typically, blower door test compliance means maintaining 3 air changes per hour or less for energy-efficient performance. Achieving compliance in your blower door test in ProspectPArk, PA helps improve energy efficiency and meet all local code mandates.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of PA and numerous local municipalities adhere to the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), which mandates blower door test for all newly built or renovated residential homes. We often work with home builders, contractors, and homeowners requiring blower door test in ProspectPArk, PA to meet local energy codes and obtain permit approval. You may be required to perform a duct leakage test if HVAC components are situated outside the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Through blower door test in ProspectPArk, PA, homeowners can easily find leaks. When the fan reduces internal pressure, air movement through problem areas becomes noticeable, offering chances to save energy. A blower door test, typically lasting only a few hours, offers a long-lasting impact on your home’s performance, efficiency, and comfort across PA’ 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.
• Use properly rated insulation with the right R-value and ensure consistent coverage throughout 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.
• Local building authorities commonly offer checklists to verify code compliance — review the Philadelphia example here.
• At Local Energy Audits, we utilize thermal imaging equipment, caulk, and spray foam to identify and fix air leaks during testing./li>
• More than 90% of the time, our team delivers a passing score in less than two hours and completes the necessary permit paperwork.