Blower Door Test in Washington Crossing, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To perform blower door test in Washington Crossing, PA, all exterior doors and windows are tightly sealed, while interior doors remain open to promote balanced airflow throughout the home. Technicians select one central exterior door and install an adjustable aluminum frame along with a fabric panel for testing. A precisely calibrated fan is installed on the frame to reduce the air pressure inside to 50 Pascals, equal to a steady 20 mph wind outdoors.

As the fan creates negative pressure, outside air infiltrates the home through gaps and small openings. Using a sensitive instrument known as a nanometer, we measure the fan’s pressure against the home’s internal pressure. Measurements are expressed as air changes per hour (ACH), showing how effectively the home retains conditioned air in the PA environment.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Properties in Washington Crossing, PA must meet the efficiency guidelines of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the latest version adopted locally. In many locations, a result of 3 air changes per hour or less is required to verify the home’s energy efficiency level. Satisfying this requirement in your blower door test in Washington Crossing, PA helps optimize energy use and ensures you meet local building standards.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

Both PA and local jurisdictions adopt the IECC energy code, making blower door test mandatory for new and renovated residential structures. We work closely with home builders, contractors, and homeowners who need blower door test in Washington Crossing, PA to ensure compliance and successful project completion. A duct leakage test requirement applies if ducts or HVAC units are positioned outside the structure’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Homeowners benefit from blower door test in Washington Crossing, PA because depressurization exposes airflow through cracks, helping identify leaks and boost efficiency. A blower door test, typically lasting only a few hours, offers a long-lasting impact on your home’s performance, efficiency, and comfort across PA’ seasons.

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 insulation with the appropriate R-value and ensure it is correctly fitted across the entire 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 and seal every opening between heated or cooled spaces and unconditioned areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Most building departments provide detailed compliance resources — view the Philadelphia checklist example here.
• With the help of thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam, Local Energy Audits efficiently detects and seals leaks on-site./li>
• Over 90% of the time, we complete testing with a passing score in two hours or less and handle all permit paperwork on-site.