Blower Door Test in Salfordville, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

In blower door test in Salfordville, PA, every exterior door and window is shut, while interior doors stay open to allow uniform airflow inside the building. Technicians select one central exterior door and install an adjustable aluminum frame along with a fabric panel for testing. 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.

As the fan operates, it forces outside air to penetrate the home through gaps, leaks, and openings. A nanometer is used to detect and compare the pressure created by the fan with the air pressure inside the structure. 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?

In Salfordville, PA, compliance with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or subsequent locally adopted versions is typically mandatory for residential properties. In most regions, homes must achieve 3 air changes per hour or less on a blower door test to meet energy efficiency standards. Meeting this level during your blower door test in Salfordville, PA supports energy efficiency and verifies that your home meets local codes.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

PA and several of its municipalities comply with the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), mandating blower door test for new or updated homes. Our experts assist home builders, contractors, and homeowners needing blower door test in Salfordville, PA to ensure compliance with energy codes and complete final permits. 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.

Performing blower door test in Salfordville, PA allows homeowners to identify and fix leaks. The test makes air infiltration visible, uncovering opportunities to reduce energy loss. 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.
• Use high-quality air barrier materials like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and confirm all seams are perfectly taped.
• Use insulation that has the designated R-value and confirm it’s properly applied throughout the building envelope for maximum efficiency.
• 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.
• Building departments typically release step-by-step compliance lists — download the Philadelphia sample here as an example.
• Local Energy Audits identifies and repairs leaks on-site using thermal imaging tools, caulk, and high-quality spray foam./li>
• More than 90% of the time, our team delivers a passing score in less than two hours and completes the necessary permit paperwork.