Blower Door Test in Rutherford, NJ

Detect hidden air leaks and improve efficiency with professional blower door test in Rutherford, NJ. Our certified professionals work with homeowners, builders, and contractors to uncover hidden air leaks and guarantee compliance with NJ energy codes.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test evaluates air changes per hour, showing how often indoor air is replaced by fresh outdoor air — a process essential for healthy living spaces. Frequent air replacement can harm energy performance, as each exchange requires reheating or recooling the air. When too much air is exchanged, it can cause drafts, reduce comfort, and create conditions for moisture buildup and mold. A blower door test in Rutherford, NJ identifies potential air leakage problems early so homeowners and builders can improve comfort, energy performance, and home durability.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

Before blower door test in Rutherford, NJ, every exterior door and window is closed securely, while interior doors stay open to let air move evenly around the home. One primary exterior doorway is used, where a flexible aluminum frame and fabric panel are mounted tightly. Technicians mount a calibrated fan onto the frame to achieve 50 Pascals of depressurization — similar to a constant 20 mph wind acting on the home.

When the fan depressurizes the home, outdoor air seeps in through leaks, crevices, and other air pathways. A nanometer precisely gauges the pressure applied by the fan in relation to the home’s internal air pressure. These readings are then converted into the total number of air changes per hour (ACH), revealing how airtight the home is and how well it performs in the NJ climate.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Rutherford, NJ, homes generally must comply with the requirements of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or newer editions enforced by local authorities. For most regions, achieving 3 air changes per hour or less on a blower door test ensures that the home is properly energy efficient. Meeting this requirement during your blower door test in Rutherford, NJ helps reduce energy costs while keeping your home compliant with local building codes.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of NJ, 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 Rutherford, NJ for energy code compliance and permit closure. You might also need a duct leakage test if HVAC systems or ducts are positioned outside the property’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners can greatly benefit from blower door test in Rutherford, NJ. The depressurization process makes air leaks noticeable, helping pinpoint trouble areas and improve energy efficiency. A blower door test, typically lasting only a few hours, offers a long-lasting impact on your home’s performance, efficiency, and comfort across NJ’ seasons.

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.
  • 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.
  • Close gaps and penetrations between conditioned zones and unconditioned sections like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
  • Many building departments provide step-by-step compliance guides — you can find the Philadelphia example here.
  • Local Energy Audits is equipped with thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam to find and seal air leaks immediately on-site./li>
  • Over 90% of cases result in a passing score within two hours, along with complete permit documentation.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Rutherford, NJ

To prepare a home for blower door test in Rutherford, NJ, we shut off the HVAC system and disable all exhaust fans. After that, we check the entire home to confirm all exterior doors and windows are tightly secured — even those leading to garages, unfinished basements, or other spaces outside the thermal envelope. After ensuring the home is airtight, we install the blower door frame and fan in a central exterior door and depressurize the house to 50 Pascals to record airflow and leakage data accurately. Once the home is depressurized, outside air starts infiltrating more forcefully, making it easier to spot air leaks. Using a thermal imager, we easily locate air leaks by noting temperature differences on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces adjacent to unconditioned spaces. We come prepared with chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping, allowing us to assist homeowners or contractors in sealing visible air leakage points on the spot. After the sealing process, we can promptly retest to confirm if the desired blower door score has been reached, meeting Rutherford, NJ energy code requirements.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Rutherford, NJ

During blower door test in Rutherford, NJ, contractors will find that well-insulated homes can manage minor issues directly on-site. With tools such as chalk and spray foam, we can address small leaks or gaps without delay. In more than 90% of cases, we deliver a passing blower door test score within two hours and finalize all permit documentation immediately afterward.

Schedule Your blower door test in Rutherford, NJ

Receive professional, accurate, and certified blower door test in Rutherford, NJ from our highly skilled technicians. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking better efficiency or a contractor finalizing a build, we ensure every test aligns perfectly with energy code standards.