Blower Door Test in Zionhill, PA

How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

When blower door test in Zionhill, PA is conducted, every exterior door and window is closed, and interior doors are left open to achieve uniform air movement inside. One primary exterior doorway is used, where a flexible aluminum frame and fabric panel are mounted tightly. A calibrated fan is installed onto the frame, creating a pressure difference of 50 Pascals, comparable to a continuous 20 mph wind blowing on the home.

As the fan operates, it forces outside air to penetrate the home through gaps, leaks, and openings. A nanometer precisely gauges the pressure applied by the fan in relation to the home’s internal air pressure. The collected data converts to air changes per hour (ACH), demonstrating how tightly sealed and efficient the home remains in PA climates.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

Residential buildings in Zionhill, PA must adhere to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or newer versions adopted by city or county regulations. Typically, a passing blower door test result is 3 air changes per hour or lower, which indicates good energy efficiency. Satisfying this requirement in your blower door test in Zionhill, PA helps optimize energy use and ensures you meet local building standards.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

The State of PA and numerous local municipalities adhere to the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), which mandates blower door test for all newly built or renovated residential homes. We often work with home builders, contractors, and homeowners requiring blower door test in Zionhill, PA to meet local energy codes and obtain permit approval. A duct leakage test is sometimes required if any HVAC components or duct lines are found beyond the building’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Using blower door test in Zionhill, PA, homeowners can detect unwanted airflow. The depressurization process reveals leaks, helping them seal gaps and increase comfort. 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 materials like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing as your air barrier and ensure every seam is well taped for best results.
• 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.
• Ensure all penetrations between conditioned and unconditioned areas—like attics, basements, and crawl spaces—are tightly sealed.
• Local building departments often supply a detailed checklist to ensure compliance — you can download the Philadelphia example here for guidance.
• Our team at Local Energy Audits employs thermal imaging, caulk, and spray foam to locate and repair leaks efficiently on-site./li>
• More than 90% of the time, we deliver a passing score in under two hours and issue all documents needed for permit approval.