Blower Door Test in Swarthmore, PA

Maintain compliance with energy codes and reduce energy loss using expert blower door test in Swarthmore, PA. Our qualified specialists help homeowners, builders, and contractors locate hidden leaks, improve comfort, and fulfill PA energy code standards.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test helps calculate air changes per hour in your property. This natural air exchange process refreshes the indoor environment with new air. Too many air exchanges make heating and cooling systems work harder, increasing energy consumption and lowering efficiency. Too many air changes can create drafts and discomfort due to leaks and may also lead to condensation, moisture buildup, and mold growth indoors. A blower door test in Swarthmore, PA helps spot air leaks before they worsen, improving efficiency, comfort, and long-term structural quality.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To carry out blower door test in Swarthmore, PA, exterior doors and windows are fully closed, and interior doors are left open for even air distribution in the home. A central exterior door is picked, where the technician fits an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel for airtight testing. A calibrated fan is used to depressurize the home through the frame to 50 Pascals, representing the same pressure as a 20 mph wind.

As the fan removes air from inside, exterior air flows in through leaks and gaps in the building envelope. With the help of a nanometer, we determine the pressure difference between the fan’s airflow and the home’s internal conditions. These figures are calculated into air changes per hour (ACH), reflecting how well the home prevents air loss and maintains efficiency in PA conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Swarthmore, PA, homes generally must comply with the requirements of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or newer editions enforced by local authorities. In most jurisdictions, 3 air changes per hour or less is the benchmark for acceptable blower door test results and energy efficiency. Complying with this benchmark during a blower door test in Swarthmore, PA helps cut energy expenses and meet local building regulations.

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 often collaborate with home builders, contractors, and homeowners who require blower door test in Swarthmore, PA to meet energy efficiency standards and close 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.

There are many benefits of blower door test in Swarthmore, PA for homeowners. When the fan lowers indoor pressure, leaks become visible, allowing for easy identification of inefficiencies and energy-saving opportunities. Taking only a few hours, a blower door test creates a long-lasting impact by improving comfort, performance, and efficiency in PAhomes.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
Choose an appropriate air barrier, like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, and ensure all seams are accurately and securely taped.
Install correctly rated insulation with the proper R-value and confirm it’s well positioned in every part of 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 every transition point between conditioned and unconditioned environments, including attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
Building departments typically release step-by-step compliance lists — download the Philadelphia sample here as an example.
Local Energy Audits uses professional-grade thermal imaging, caulk, and spray foam to locate and close leaks during the visit./li>
More than 90% of our tests result in a passing score within two hours, along with immediate permit documentation.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Swarthmore, PA

To get ready for blower door test in Swarthmore, PA, our team turns off the HVAC system and shuts down kitchen and bathroom 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. 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. Once depressurization occurs, outdoor air enters the home more aggressively, revealing leaks more clearly. Using a thermal imager, we easily locate air leaks by noting temperature differences on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces adjacent to unconditioned spaces. Carrying chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials, we work directly with homeowners or contractors to resolve visible air leakage issues during the visit. We can retest right after sealing to check whether the desired blower door score has been met, ensuring full compliance with Swarthmore, PA energy standards.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Swarthmore, PA

Contractors arranging blower door test in Swarthmore, PA will find that homes with professional insulation can typically resolve small issues right on-site during testing. Using materials like chalk and spray foam during the inspection, small leaks or gaps can be sealed right away. In over 90% of cases, we complete a passing blower door test score within two hours and provide the required paperwork to close out the building permit promptly.

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Schedule Your blower door test in Swarthmore, PA

Trust our experienced team for quick, accurate, and certified blower door test in Swarthmore, PA. Whether you’re a homeowner improving energy performance or a contractor completing certification, we make sure each test fulfills all energy code requirements.

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