Blower Door Test in Sassamansville, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

For blower door test in Sassamansville, PA, all outside doors and windows are closed properly, and inside doors are kept open to balance air pressure throughout the space. A central door to the outside is selected, and an adjustable aluminum frame with a fabric cover is installed there. 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.

As the fan extracts air, exterior air begins entering the house through any unsealed spaces or cracks. Using a nanometer device, we assess how the pressure from the fan differs from the home’s natural air pressure. From these readings, the number of air changes per hour (ACH) is determined, revealing the home’s airtightness and performance efficiency in PA.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Sassamansville, PA, energy efficiency standards for homes are based on the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more recent updates approved by the jurisdiction. In most regions, homes must achieve 3 air changes per hour or less on a blower door test to meet energy efficiency standards. Passing this requirement during a blower door test in Sassamansville, PA keeps your home efficient and aligned with local building code standards.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of PA and local municipalities have implemented the IECC code, which mandates blower door test on new and remodeled residential homes. We frequently assist home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Sassamansville, PA to comply with energy codes and finalize building permits. You may also need a duct leakage test if your ductwork or HVAC equipment lies outside the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

With blower door test in Sassamansville, PA, homeowners can detect where energy is being wasted. As the fan depressurizes the house, leaks are revealed, highlighting areas for sealing and savings. blower door test in Sassamansville, PA provides homeowners with clear insights into energy loss. When the fan creates pressure differences, leaks are exposed, allowing for easy detection and repair. Typically completed within a few hours, a blower door test provides a long-lasting impact on comfort, energy efficiency, and overall home performance in PA’ varied climate.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Install a quality air barrier like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and confirm that all joints and seams are completely taped.
• Ensure the insulation used meets the proper R-value and is well fitted throughout the structure’s building envelope.
• Seal all penetrations in exterior walls using caulk or spray foam.
• Ensure doors and windows are properly installed, caulked, and weather-sealed.
• Ensure complete sealing of all openings between conditioned rooms and unconditioned areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Local code offices often issue compliance checklists — access the Philadelphia example here for reference.
• Our professionals at Local Energy Audits use caulk, spray foam, and thermal imaging to detect and seal leaks on-site for better efficiency./li>
• Over 90% of our projects pass within two hours, with all required paperwork issued immediately to close the permit.