Blower door testing for new construction.
New homes must pass an air leakage test under the energy code. We run the blower door test, report your 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 air leakage limit for new homes
The energy code (IECC) limits how leaky a new house can be. In climate zones 3 through 8, which includes Pennsylvania, the limit is 3 air changes per hour at 50 pascals (3 ACH50). A lower number means a tighter house.
The edition of the energy code that applies depends on your municipality and permit date. Confirm with your code official.
How a blower door 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 the fan moves to hold that pressure. Dividing by the home's volume gives air changes per hour. The result shows 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 your ACH50 number and a written report for 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 with every test
A clear result you can hand to your builder, your code official, or your buyer.
- Your measured air leakage in ACH50.
- A written report with 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.
Blower door testing in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos
We have been testing homes since 2008. We test new homes across Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties and nearby areas, including Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Stroudsburg and Blakeslee.
Whether you are a builder with a house nearing completion or a homeowner whose new home needs an air leakage test, call to schedule.
Blower door test questions
What is a blower door test?
A blower door test measures how leaky a house is. A calibrated fan is sealed into an exterior doorway and pulls the house to 50 pascals of pressure. We measure how much air the fan moves to hold that pressure and convert it to air changes per hour at 50 pascals (ACH50).
What is the air leakage limit for a new home in Pennsylvania?
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) sets a limit of 3 ACH50 in climate zones 3 through 8, which includes Pennsylvania. Which edition of the code applies depends on your municipality and permit date, so confirm with your code official.
When should the blower door test be done on a new home?
Most builders call when the house is finished, and that is when we run the test for the result your code official needs. For fewer surprises, ask about an earlier test before the insulation and drywall go in, when leaks are easier and cheaper to fix.
What happens if my house does not pass?
If the number comes in above the limit, we can use an infrared camera to find the leaks and show your crew where to seal. Once they are sealed, the house can be tested again.
Do I need a blower door test for a new home?
Most new homes built under a current energy code must be tested for air leakage. Ask your builder or local code official what applies to your project.
Own an older 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 in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.