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What is a blower door test?

A blower door test measures a home’s airtightness using a temporary doorway fan and pressure measurements. It helps assessors measure air leakage and find gaps in the home’s enclosure.

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By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated

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What happens during the test?

A fan temporarily fills an exterior doorway and pulls indoor air outside. That lowers the pressure indoors, drawing outdoor air through gaps so the assessor can investigate leakage. “A powerful fan called a blower door is mounted into a flexible panel and frame that fits in a doorway.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-10-31. “The fan draws air out of the house, resulting in lower pressure inside the house.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-10-31. “This allows outdoor air to flow in through unsealed gaps and other unwanted openings.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-10-31.

How does DOE describe a blower door test?

A blower door test measures how airtight a house is. PNNL describes a typical result as CFM50: airflow in cubic feet per minute at a 50-pascal pressure difference, rather than ordinary airflow on a calm day. “The blower door test measures the airtightness of a house.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-10-31. “An enclosure air leakage test, commonly referred to as a blower door test, typically generates a measurement of air leakage rate measured as cubic feet per minute at a standard test pressure of 50 Pa pressure difference (CFM50) between the conditioned space and the outside environment.” Source: Building America Solution Center, PNNL, read 2026-10-31.

What are some of the applications of blower doors?

Blower doors help assessors locate leaks and measure changes after air sealing. In the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program, the sponsor guide calls for measurements before and after air-sealing work. “While the equipment to perform the test is installed and operating, inspections can reveal the source of excessive leakage.” Source: Building America Solution Center, PNNL, read 2026-10-31. “For example, blower door tests are required to measure pre and post conditions when air sealing a home.” Source: ENERGY STAR, read 2026-10-31.

Can a blower door test damage a house?

Damage is possible, so the test should not be described as having no risk. PNNL identifies dirt and pollen entering the home and loose vinyl flooring lifting as potential effects. “The test itself can pull dirt and pollen into the home and has even been known to lift vinyl flooring that is not glued down.” Source: Building America Solution Center, PNNL, read 2026-10-31.

When should I schedule a blower door test?

For a completed enclosure test, PNNL generally places testing after finish electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work. Fixtures and covers matter because they form part of the enclosure being measured. “Generally speaking, enclosure testing is done after finish electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work is completed.” Source: Building America Solution Center, PNNL, read 2026-10-31. “Electrical fixtures, switch plates, outlet covers, plumbing fixtures, and HVAC components form part of the enclosure.” Source: Building America Solution Center, PNNL, read 2026-10-31.

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