Blower Door Test in Villanova, PA

Find and fix air leaks while improving performance through reliable blower door test in Villanova, PA. Our certified experts assist homeowners, builders, and contractors in improving comfort, sealing leaks, and meeting PA energy code requirements.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test checks the number of air changes per hour in your home, ensuring old air is replaced with new, clean air for a healthier environment. Having too many air changes can waste energy because each new cycle demands the air be reheated or recooled, cutting overall efficiency. Frequent air changes can cause drafts and discomfort from leaks, increasing the risk of indoor mold and condensation. A blower door test in Villanova, PA enables early identification of air leaks, helping improve comfort, durability, and energy savings.

888 213-3975

What Our Clients Say

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. An adjustable aluminum frame and fabric panel are placed within a central exterior doorway to conduct the test. A calibrated fan is used to depressurize the home through the frame to 50 Pascals, representing the same pressure as a 20 mph wind.

When the fan depressurizes the home, outdoor air seeps in through leaks, crevices, and other air pathways. A sensitive nanometer helps us measure and compare the pressure created by the fan with the interior air pressure. These results are transformed into air changes per hour (ACH), an indicator of the home’s airtightness and its efficiency in PA conditions.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Villanova, PA, residential buildings must meet the benchmarks set by the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or any newer codes adopted locally. An acceptable blower door test result in most areas is 3 air changes per hour or less, demonstrating solid energy performance. Complying with this benchmark during a blower door test in Villanova, PA helps cut energy expenses and meet local building regulations.

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. We frequently assist home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Villanova, PA to comply with energy codes and finalize building permits. If ducts or HVAC units are located outside the thermal envelope, a duct leakage test may also be mandated. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners benefit from blower door test in Villanova, PA because depressurization exposes airflow through cracks, helping identify leaks and boost efficiency. A blower door test is quick to perform but offers a long-lasting impact on comfort, energy savings, and home efficiency across all PAclimates.

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 of the correct R-value and confirm that it’s tightly installed throughout every section 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.
Close any gaps connecting conditioned and unconditioned spaces, such as those leading to basements, attics, or crawl spaces.
Building departments typically release step-by-step compliance lists — download the Philadelphia sample here as an example.
Local Energy Audits brings thermal cameras, caulk, and spray foam to locate and seal leaks while performing on-site testing./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 Villanova, PA

For blower door test in Villanova, PA, preparation includes turning off all heating and air conditioning units, plus bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans. Next, we check the home thoroughly to ensure all exterior openings — even those leading to garages or unfinished basements — are securely closed and within the thermal envelope. After sealing the home, we install the blower door frame and fan in a central exterior doorway. The fan depressurizes the home to 50 Pascals to provide accurate airflow and leakage readings. Once the home is depressurized, outside air starts infiltrating more forcefully, making it easier to spot air leaks. A thermal imager allows us to pinpoint problem spots by highlighting temperature contrasts in walls, ceilings, and surfaces exposed to unconditioned spaces. Our technicians bring chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping supplies to handle visible air leakage issues directly with homeowners or contractors on-site. After sealing, we perform a follow-up test to determine if the desired blower door score meets the efficiency standards required in Villanova, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Villanova, PA

For contractors overseeing blower door test in Villanova, PA, most properly insulated homes can manage small on-site repairs during testing. With materials such as chalk and spray foam, most small leaks or gaps can be sealed immediately on-site. In more than 90% of cases, we achieve a passing blower door test score within two hours and provide complete documentation to close out the building permit the same day.

888 213-3975

Schedule Your blower door test in Villanova, PA

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

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Contact Us