Blower door testing for new construction.
New homes are tested for air leakage under the energy code. We run the blower door test, give you the result in writing, and show you where the leaks are if the number is high.
Drag across the house. Run with the blower door on, an infrared camera shows air leaks the eye can't see. The picture is an illustration.
The number your new home has to meet
The IECC sets a maximum air leakage rate for new homes. In climate zones 3 through 8, which includes Pennsylvania, the limit is 3 air changes per hour at 50 pascals (ACH50). Lower means a tighter house.
Which edition of the energy code applies depends on your municipality and permit date. Confirm with your code official.
How the test works
A calibrated fan is sealed into an exterior doorway. It pulls the house to 50 pascals of pressure, and we measure how much air it takes to hold that pressure. Dividing by the home's volume gives air changes per hour. The test takes the guesswork out of whether the air sealing worked.
Call when the house is finished
That's when most builders call, and it's when the energy code test is done. Book us once the house is ready and we'll take it from there.
Call us
Tell us the address and when the house will be ready for testing.
We run the test
We set up the blower door, test the house, and measure the air leakage.
You get the result
You receive the number and a written report to give your code official, your buyer, or your files.
If the number comes in high, we can find the leaks with an infrared camera and show your crew where to seal. To catch problems when they are cheaper to fix, ask about a test before the insulation and drywall go in.
What you get
A clear result you can hand to your builder, your code official, or your buyer.
- The measured air leakage in ACH50.
- A written report of the test conditions and result.
- Leak locations found with an infrared camera when the number comes in high.
- Duct leakage testing if your project needs it.
Already own a home? Get an energy audit.
The same equipment shows where an existing house loses energy and which upgrades are worth the money. The report includes estimated costs and savings and the upgrades that can pay for themselves.
Many homeowners report savings of 25% or more after following the recommendations. Results depend on the house, the weather, and which upgrades are done.
- Blower door finds gaps around windows, doors, attic hatches, and penetrations.
- Duct leakage tester measures how much conditioned air escapes from the ducts.
- Infrared camera shows insulation gaps and air paths in walls and ceilings.
- Tips for cutting hot water and electricity use.
Schedule your blower door test
Testing homes since 2008. We serve homes in Met-Ed and PPL electric territory in eastern Pennsylvania.