If you've ever wondered how airtight your home really is, a blower door test can give you the answer.
This test is one of the most accurate ways to find air leaks in your home, measure how much conditioned air you're losing, and help you decide what improvements can make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
RetroFoam of Michigan is BPI certified, which means we have the knowledge and experience to perform blower door tests. We frequently perform blower door tests after insulating several areas of a home with foam insulation.
Let's break down exactly what a blower door test is, how it works, how much a blower door test costs, and why it's such an important step during a professional home energy audit.
A blower door test is a diagnostic tool used by energy auditors and certified contractors to measure how airtight your home is, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
When the fan runs, it pulls air out of the home, which lowers the indoor air pressure. The higher outdoor air pressure then flows in through every little gap, crack, and unsealed area around your house.
During the test, the auditor or contractor can use tools like smoke pencils or thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint exactly where the leaks are hiding -- often around windows, doors, rim joists, outlets, and attic penetrations.
The result? You get a detailed picture of your home's air leakage and the areas that need better air sealing or insulation.
Here's how a blower door test works step-by-step:
Essentially, the blower door test measures air exchange -- how many times the air inside your home is replaced by outside air in an hour. The fewer air changes per hour, the tighter and more efficient your home is.
A blower door test measures your home's air tightness, or how easily air can leak in and out.
If too much air escapes, your HVAC system has to work overtime to maintain your desired temperature, wasting energy and driving up your bills. The test results show how much air is being lost and where the leaks are coming from, so you can make targeted improvements to your home's insulation and air sealing.
This information is crucial if you're planning to upgrade your insulation or if you suspect your home is drafty and inefficient.
The cost of a blower door test is typically included in a professional home energy audit, which runs between $300 and $500 depending on your home's size and location.
In Michigan, many utility companies or state efficiency programs may offer rebates or discounted audits -- sometimes even free -- so it's worth checking before you schedule one.
A properly conducted blower door test can help you identify problems that, once fixed, could save you hundreds of dollars each year in heating and cooling costs, accoding to the DOE.
If you're not ready to schedule a full energy audit yet, you can start small with a DIY home energy assessment.
Walk through your home and look for drafts, uneven temperatures, or rooms that are hard to heat and cool. But remember, these basic checks can't replace the accuracy of a professional blower door test.
When paired with high-quality foam insulation, the results can be dramatic -- more even temperatures, lower energy bills, and a quieter, more comfortable home.
When you're ready to take the next step toward a more efficient and comfortable home, RetroFoam of Michigan can help. Visit our Learning Center to explore how insulation and air sealing can make a big difference.
How to Perform a Blower Door Test
Air Changes Per Hour: What it Means and How Many Do You Need
What to Expect During a Professional Home Energy Audit (Assessment/Measurements/Cost)