A blower door test is a highly effective way to assess your home’s airtightness, identifying leaks and drafts that could be costing you money and comfort. But when exactly should you consider scheduling this diagnostic test? Understanding the right timing can help homeowners optimize energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality, and reduce utility bills.
Below is a breakdown of when your home truly needs a blower door test.
Before or After Home Energy Improvements
If you’re planning to upgrade your home’s insulation, replace windows, or seal air leaks, a blower door test is a smart step to take beforehand. This test helps identify the specific areas where air is escaping so that improvements can be targeted effectively.
After the work is completed, another blower door test can confirm that your home is now more airtight and energy efficient, ensuring that you got the results you paid for.
When Preparing to Sell Your Home
Sellers can benefit from a blower door test to identify energy efficiency issues that may affect the home’s market value. A home that is well-sealed and energy efficient is more attractive to buyers, who are increasingly aware of the costs of heating and cooling.
Providing a blower door test report as part of your home inspection documents can demonstrate transparency and potentially speed up the sale process.
If You Notice High Energy Bills or Drafts
One of the most common signs that your home could benefit from a blower door test is an unexpected increase in energy bills. Air leaks cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder, wasting energy and driving up costs.
Similarly, noticeable drafts near windows, doors, electrical outlets, or baseboards can indicate air leakage. A blower door test pinpoints these problem areas so you can fix them promptly.
After Severe Weather Events
Homes can develop new air leaks after major storms, hurricanes, or heavy winds. These events may damage roofing, siding, or windows, allowing outside air to infiltrate your living space. Scheduling a blower door test after severe weather helps catch any damage that could affect your home’s comfort and safety.
During Home Performance Assessments or Energy Audits
Many professional home energy audits include blower door testing as a standard procedure. If you’re having an energy audit performed, a blower door test is likely part of the process to evaluate how well your home retains conditioned air.
These audits help create a comprehensive plan for improving energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality.
When Installing New Heating or Cooling Systems
Properly sizing and installing HVAC systems depends heavily on your home’s air tightness. A blower door test gives contractors valuable data to ensure your new system will operate efficiently without wasting energy due to leaks. It also helps maintain good indoor air quality by controlling where and how air flows inside your home.
Trust Ensure Home Solutions for Expert Testing
At Ensure Home Solutions, we use advanced tools to provide accurate duct testing and customized recommendations for repair or sealing. Whether you’re concerned about your energy bills or want to improve the air quality in your home, we’re here to help you breathe easier and live more comfortably.
Contact us today to schedule your duct test and take the first step toward a healthier, more efficient home.
