Blower Door Test in Salford, PA

Evaluate your home’s air leakage and achieve energy compliance with precise blower door test in Salford, PA. Our certified specialists support homeowners, builders, and contractors by locating hidden air leaks, improving efficiency, and achieving PA energy code compliance.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test helps determine the air changes per hour to confirm that your home has sufficient fresh air replacement. Too frequent air replacement can reduce efficiency since every exchange requires your system to use more energy for heating or cooling. Too much air movement from leaks can cause uncomfortable drafts, moisture accumulation, and mold or condensation issues indoors. A blower door test in Salford, PA helps uncover these issues early, enabling homeowners and builders to detect air leaks, enhance energy efficiency, and ensure a more comfortable, long-lasting home.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To perform blower door test in Salford, PA, all exterior doors and windows are tightly sealed, while interior doors remain open to promote balanced airflow throughout the home. One chosen exterior door is equipped with an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel for test installation. 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.

When the fan pulls air out, outdoor air enters the house through cracks, openings, and unsealed areas. A precise tool called a nanometer is used to compare the pressure generated by the fan with that inside the home. 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 PA climate.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Salford, PA, all new homes must comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more current codes enforced by local jurisdictions. In most cases, passing the blower door test means reaching 3 air changes per hour or less, proving efficient home sealing. Achieving this standard in your blower door test in Salford, PA lowers utility bills and guarantees adherence to local code requirements.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Following the IECC guidelines, PA and many local jurisdictions require blower door test on newly built or renovated residential dwellings. Our certified technicians assist home builders, contractors, and homeowners with blower door test in Salford, PA to meet energy requirements and wrap up permit approvals. A duct leakage test might be necessary if your home’s HVAC units or ducts are located outside its thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

There are many benefits of blower door test in Salford, PA for homeowners. When the fan lowers indoor pressure, leaks become visible, allowing for easy identification of inefficiencies and energy-saving opportunities. Completing a blower door test takes just a few hours, yet its long-lasting impact enhances comfort and performance in every PAseason.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Use Tyvek or Zip Sheathing as your air barrier and carefully tape all seams to prevent air leakage.
  • Use insulation with the right R-value and confirm it is properly installed 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.
  • Make sure to seal all separations between conditioned and unconditioned areas, including crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
  • Most building departments provide detailed compliance resources — view the Philadelphia checklist example here.
  • Local Energy Audits brings thermal cameras, caulk, and spray foam to locate and seal leaks while performing on-site testing./li>
  • Over 90% of projects pass within two hours, and we immediately provide the required paperwork to close out the building permit.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Salford, PA

We start the process of blower door test in Salford, PA by ensuring all heating, air conditioning, and exhaust systems are turned off. Next, we inspect each room to confirm all exterior doors and windows are properly closed — including any leading to garages, basements, or other spaces beyond the thermal envelope. Once everything is closed off, we set up the blower door fan on a centrally located exterior door and depressurize the interior to 50 Pascals to assess air leakage accurately. After the home is depressurized, outdoor air pushes in more strongly, allowing leaks to become more noticeable. With the help of a thermal imager, we can uncover leaks and weak spots by spotting temperature differences across walls, ceilings, and surfaces near unconditioned spaces. Using chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping, we assist homeowners and contractors in addressing visible air leakage areas on-site. After the sealing process, we can promptly retest to confirm if the desired blower door score has been reached, meeting Salford, PA energy code requirements.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Salford, PA

During blower door test in Salford, PA, contractors will find that well-insulated homes can manage minor issues directly on-site. With efficient sealing products such as chalk and spray foam, minor air leaks can often be fixed immediately. In over 90% of cases, our team achieves a passing blower door test score within just two hours and provides the documentation required to close the permit promptly.

Schedule Your blower door test in Salford, PA

Experience prompt, professional, and certified blower door test in Salford, PA from our knowledgeable team. Whether you’re enhancing comfort at home or wrapping up a construction project, we perform every test with accuracy and full compliance with energy codes.