Blower Door Test
Find the hidden gaps costing you money every month. A professional blower door test measures exactly how much air your home is losing and shows you where to fix it for real savings on your energy bills.
Why Do It and What Does It Tell You?
Imagine your home is like a big box. If the box has holes, the stuff inside can get out. Same with your house -- if it has gaps, your warm or cold air can escape, making you pay more for heating or cooling.
A Blower Door Test helps us find these gaps. We put a big fan in your door that sucks air out. If a lot of air rushes back in from the outside, it means your house has gaps where the air is escaping. By knowing this, we can help you seal those gaps and save money on your bills.
The Testing Process
Setup
We mount a calibrated fan system into an exterior door frame, creating a controlled testing environment.
Depressurize
The fan pulls air out of your home, lowering the inside air pressure so outside air rushes in through any gaps.
Measure
We measure exactly how much air is leaking in, pinpointing problem areas with precision instruments.
Report
You receive a clear report showing where your home is losing energy and what to do about it.
Sealing the Leaks
After locating these leaks, our team provides tailored solutions to seal them effectively. This could involve applying weather-stripping to doors and windows, caulking around plumbing and wiring entries, or adding insulation in key areas like attics and basements. It's not just about patching up visible gaps; it's about creating a comprehensive seal that encompasses your entire home.
Regular blower door tests are a crucial part of home maintenance. Over time, houses settle, and materials degrade, which can lead to new leaks. By scheduling periodic tests, you can stay ahead of these issues, ensuring your home remains energy-efficient and comfortable year-round.
Blower Door Testing Across NYC
NY Energy Project provides professional blower door testing throughout New York City and the surrounding region.
NY Energy Project is a BPI-certified contractor and participating contractor in NYSERDA's EmPower+ program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blower Door Tests
What is a blower door test?
A blower door test is a diagnostic tool that measures how airtight your home is. A calibrated fan is mounted in an exterior door frame and pulls air out of the house, lowering the inside air pressure. This forces outside air to flow in through any gaps and cracks, allowing our technicians to find and measure all air leaks.
How much does a blower door test cost in NYC?
Our blower door test is included free as part of our comprehensive home energy audit. There is no separate charge. We test your home, identify all air leakage points, and provide recommendations for sealing them.
How long does a blower door test take?
The blower door test itself takes about 15-30 minutes. It is performed as part of our full home energy audit, which takes 2-3 hours total and includes thermal imaging and a complete home assessment.
What does a blower door test reveal?
A blower door test reveals the total amount of air leakage in your home measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). Combined with thermal imaging, it pinpoints exactly where air leaks are occurring, including around windows, doors, plumbing penetrations, electrical outlets, attic hatches, and basement rim joists.
Do I need to prepare my home for a blower door test?
No special preparation is needed. We ask that all exterior doors and windows be closed during the test. Our technician handles all the setup and equipment. The test is completely non-invasive and will not damage your home.
Why is a blower door test important for insulation?
Air leaks can account for 25-40% of your home's energy loss. Even a well-insulated home will waste energy if it has significant air leaks. A blower door test identifies these leaks so they can be sealed before or alongside insulation work, maximizing your energy savings.
Schedule a Free Home Energy Audit
A Blower Door Test is an essential tool in your home energy efficiency toolkit. By understanding and addressing air leaks, you save money and contribute to a healthier, more comfortable living environment. At NY Energy Project, we are committed to helping you achieve these goals through our expert services.
