Blower Door Testing Services
A blower door test measures how much air is leaking out of your home under controlled conditions. It is the most accurate diagnostic tool available for assessing air tightness and one of the first steps in any serious home performance project.York Home Performance performs BPI-certified blower door tests for homeowners across Pennsylvania and Maryland as part of our home energy audits. Testing is often rebate-eligible through utility programs in both states.
What Is a Blower Door Test and How Does It Work
A blower door is a calibrated fan that mounts temporarily in an exterior door frame. We depressurize the home to a standard pressure difference and measure how much air flows through the fan to maintain that pressure.
That airflow number is the total air leakage rate of the home. A tighter home requires less airflow to maintain the pressure. A leakier home requires more. We also use the pressurized conditions to locate where air is entering by walking the home with a thermal camera while the fan runs.
What Happens After the Test
We Explain the Numbers
We tell you your home’s air leakage rate and explain what it means for your specific home size. We compare it to a well-sealed home so you understand the scale of the opportunity.
We Identify Leakage Locations
Using the pressurized conditions from the blower door, we walk the home and document the specific locations where air is escaping. These become the basis for the air sealing scope of work.
We Check Rebate Eligibility
Most utility rebate programs in PA and MD require a qualifying blower door test before approving insulation and air sealing work. We check your eligibility on the spot and explain how the results connect to the rebate paperwork.
We Run a Post-Work Test
When air sealing work is complete, we run a second blower door test to verify the improvement. This satisfies rebate program documentation requirements and gives you a concrete before-and-after number.
UTILITY REBATE PROGRAMS
Utility Rebates for Blower Door Testing
Blower door testing as part of a qualifying home energy audit may be rebate-eligible through utility programs in PA and MD. York Home Performance is an approved contractor for multiple programs in both states and checks your eligibility when you call.
Schedule a Blower Door Test
York Home Performance serves homeowners across Pennsylvania and Maryland. A blower door test from our BPI-certified team tells you exactly how airtight your home is and where the air is escaping. Testing is often rebate-eligible and we check your eligibility when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blower Door Testing
How long does a blower door test take?
The test itself takes approximately 30-45 minutes. As part of a full home energy audit that also includes thermal imaging and combustion safety testing, the total visit is typically two to three hours.
What is a good blower door test result?
A well-sealed existing home typically measures below 5 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals. New construction to current code targets below 3. Most older homes in the Mid-Atlantic region test significantly higher, which is why air sealing makes such a measurable difference.
Is blower door testing required for utility rebates?
Yes. Most utility rebate programs in PA and MD require a qualifying energy audit including blower door testing before they will approve and pay for insulation and air sealing improvements.
Do you need to prepare your home before a blower door test?
We ask that all interior doors be open and exterior doors and windows be closed before we arrive. We also ask that combustion appliances like fireplaces be turned off for the duration of the test. We walk you through the preparation when we schedule.
Where do you provide blower door testing services?
We serve homeowners across Pennsylvania and Maryland including York County and surrounding PA counties, and the greater Baltimore and central Maryland area.