Blower Door Test in Villanova, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To conduct blower door test in Villanova, PA, exterior doors and windows are closed properly, while interior doors remain open to help maintain even air movement. A central exterior door is picked, where the technician fits an adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel for airtight testing. 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.

When the fan starts pulling air out, external air enters through the smallest cracks and leakage points. A sensitive nanometer helps us measure and compare the pressure created by the fan with the interior air pressure. The data collected is translated into air changes per hour (ACH), showing the home’s airtightness and overall energy efficiency in PA conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Villanova, PA, all new homes must comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or more current codes enforced by local jurisdictions. 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 requirement during your blower door test in Villanova, PA helps reduce energy costs while keeping your home compliant with local building codes.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

PA and local city codes follow the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), which mandates blower door tests on residential buildings after construction or renovation. We work closely with home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Villanova, PA to ensure compliance and successful project completion. 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.

A blower door test in Villanova, PA helps homeowners discover inefficiencies. Depressurizing the home makes leaks more noticeable and highlights where energy can be conserved. A short blower door test can result in a long-lasting impact on your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and year-round performance in PA.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

• Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
• Use an air barrier system such as Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and verify that each seam is properly sealed with tape.
• Apply the correct R-value insulation and verify that it’s properly fitted to seal the whole building envelope.
• Seal all penetrations in exterior walls using caulk or spray foam.
• Ensure doors and windows are properly installed, caulked, and weather-sealed.
• Eliminate air leaks by sealing all openings between conditioned areas and unconditioned spaces, including basements and attics.
• Most building departments provide detailed compliance resources — view the Philadelphia checklist example here.
• Local Energy Audits uses thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam to detect and seal leaks directly on-site./li>
• Over 90% of the time, we achieve a passing score in under two hours and provide all required documentation to finalize the building permit.