Blower Door Test in Upper Darby, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

Before blower door test in Upper Darby, PA, 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. A calibrated fan is placed within the frame and operated to depressurize the structure to 50 Pascals — nearly the same as a 20 mph wind hitting the building.

As the fan expels air, the resulting pressure draws outdoor air in through hidden leaks and unsealed joints. A nanometer precisely gauges the pressure applied by the fan in relation to the home’s internal air pressure. The test results are converted into air changes per hour (ACH), which determines the airtightness and performance level of the home in PA weather.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Homes throughout Upper Darby, PA are required to satisfy the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the most current version enforced by local regulators. Generally, a blower door test result of 3 air changes per hour or less is considered acceptable, ensuring proper energy performance. Reaching the target during your blower door test in Upper Darby, PA guarantees lower energy consumption and full code compliance.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

PA, along with many city governments, enforces the IECC, which requires blower door test for residential projects after construction or renovation. We work closely with home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Upper Darby, PA to ensure compliance and successful project completion. A duct leakage test might be required when HVAC units or ductwork are installed beyond the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

With blower door test in Upper Darby, 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 Upper Darby, PA provides homeowners with clear insights into energy loss. When the fan creates pressure differences, leaks are exposed, allowing for easy detection and repair. A blower door test requires minimal time but makes a long-lasting impact on home comfort and energy performance during PA’ extreme temperatures.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Apply an effective air barrier such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing, ensuring every seam is tightly sealed with proper tape.
• Use insulation featuring the proper R-value and verify complete, gap-free coverage across 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.
• Many building departments provide step-by-step compliance guides — you can find the Philadelphia example here.
• Local Energy Audits provides on-site leak detection and sealing using advanced thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam./li>
• Typically, over 90% of the time we record a passing score in two hours and handle all permit-related documentation.