🔍 Blower Door Testing: What It Is and Why It Matters

A Must-Know for Anyone Getting an Energy Audit or Home Upgrade

If you're considering energy upgrades for your home—whether it's insulation, a new heat pump, or better windows—there’s one test that can tell you exactly where your home is leaking energy and how to fix it: the blower door test.

This diagnostic tool is a key part of home energy assessments, and it can make the difference between guessing at problems and solving them efficiently and affordably.

Let’s break down what blower door testing is, why it matters, and how you can get one done for free or at a discount in New York State.

🏠 What Is a Blower Door Test?

A blower door test is a diagnostic tool used by certified energy auditors to measure how “leaky” your home is—meaning how much outside air is getting in, and how much conditioned air is escaping.

Here's how it works:

• A special fan is mounted in an exterior doorway (usually the front door).

• The fan pulls air out of your home, lowering the air pressure inside.

• This causes outside air to rush in through cracks, gaps, and leaks in your home’s envelope—around windows, doors, electrical outlets, ducts, and more.

• The auditor uses tools to measure airflow and pinpoint problem areas.

The result? A clearer picture of how airtight (or drafty) your home really is—and what improvements will make the biggest difference.

🔧 Why It Matters

Think of your home like a cooler or thermos. If the lid doesn’t close tightly or there are holes in the sides, the contents won't stay at the right temperature—and you'll waste energy trying to make up for it.

Here’s why blower door testing is so important:

✅ 1. It Identifies Hidden Air Leaks

You might feel a draft by your windows, but leaks are often hiding in:

• Rim joists

• Recessed lighting

• Attic hatches

• Plumbing penetrations

• Dryer vents and ductwork

Blower door testing helps find the leaks you can’t see.

✅ 2. It Guides Insulation & Air Sealing Work

There’s no point in insulating if air is still flowing through gaps in your home.
A blower door test helps target the right areas to seal and insulate—saving you money and improving comfort.

✅ 3. It Verifies Your Home Is Healthy

Too much air leakage = drafts and high bills.
Too little ventilation = moisture and indoor air quality issues.
Blower door testing helps find the right balance—especially if you’re installing a new HVAC system.

✅ 4. It Can Lower Your Energy Bills

Reducing air leakage makes your heating and cooling systems work less hard, which means:

• Lower monthly utility bills

• Less wear on equipment

• More consistent temperatures in your home

✅ 5. It’s Required for Many Energy Programs

If you’re applying for rebates through NYSERDA’s EmPower+ or Comfort Home programs, a blower door test is often part of the required home assessment—so it’s already included!

📉 Blower Door Test Results: What Do They Mean?

The test provides a measurement called ACH50—Air Changes per Hour at 50 Pascals of pressure.

• A high ACH50 means your home is leaky (lots of air changes).

• A low ACH50 means your home is tight and efficient.

Most homes tested in New York before improvements fall between 8–12 ACH50. With proper air sealing, we aim for around 3–5 ACH50 while maintaining safe ventilation.

🛠️ When Should You Get One?

• Before insulating or upgrading HVAC
  Find out where energy is being lost first.

• After major upgrades
  To make sure your investment is performing the way it should.

• As part of an energy audit
  Especially if your home feels drafty, uncomfortable, or your bills are too high.

💰 Is It Free?

If you qualify for NYSERDA’s EmPower+ program, a blower door test and full home performance assessment may be completely free—no strings attached.

Even if you don’t qualify for EmPower+, Comfort Home assessments are often discounted or rebated when paired with upgrades like insulation or duct sealing.

👷‍♂️ How to Get One

At Green Home Logic, we’re certified to perform blower door testing and full energy audits for homes across NYC, Long Island, and Nassau County.

Here’s what we offer:
✔️ Home performance assessments
✔️ Blower door testing
✔️ Customized upgrade plans
✔️ Access to state rebates and free upgrades
✔️ Professional, respectful installation teams

🚀 Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Saving?

A blower door test takes just a few hours—but the insights can save you hundreds in energy costs and years of discomfort.

📞 Contact us today to book your free or discounted home energy assessment. Let’s seal the leaks, cut the waste, and make your home more efficient from the inside out.