Northwest PA Weatherization, Inc.

09/09/2026

When we do a home energy audit for weatherization, we perform a blower door test at the beginning of the process.

A blower door test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the airtightness of a building and locate hidden air leaks. Energy auditors, contractors, and building inspectors use it to evaluate energy efficiency, improve indoor comfort, and ensure compliance with modern building codes.

A technician temporarily installs a specialized, flexible frame and panel into an exterior doorway (usually the front door, as pictured below). A powerful, calibrated variable-speed fan is mounted inside this panel.

Sealing the House: All interior doors are opened, while all exterior windows, doors, and fireplace dampers are tightly closed. HVAC systems and exhaust fans are turned off.

Depressurization: The fan is turned on to blow air out of the house. This lowers the indoor air pressure, creating a vacuum effect.

Measuring the Leakage: To equalize the pressure, outdoor air is forced back into the house through any unsealed cracks, gaps, and holes (such as around plumbing, electrical outlets, or windows). A pressure gauge called a manometer measures exactly how much air the fan has to move to maintain a specific pressure difference (usually 50 Pascals, which simulates a 20-mph wind blowing against the house).

Why Get a Blower Door Test?

-Pinpoint Air Leaks: While the house is depressurized, technicians can walk through with smoke pencils or thermal imaging cameras to visually spot drafty areas that need sealing.
-Lower Energy Bills: Finding and sealing air leaks prevents conditioned air (heating or cooling) from escaping, heavily reducing utility costs.
-Improve Comfort: Eliminating drafts creates more even, comfortable indoor temperatures.
-Prevent Moisture Issues: Air leaks can carry moist air into walls and attics, leading to condensation, mold, and structural rot.
-Ensure Proper Ventilation: If a house is too tight, indoor air quality suffers. A blower door test helps determine if mechanical ventilation (like energy recovery ventilators) is required to keep the air fresh and safe

At the end of our work, we complete another blower door test to assure the proper sealing and/or ventilation has been applied.

08/26/2026

One of the most common questions we get is how to get new doors and windows, or roof repairs. Here are some resources that could be helpful.

07/29/2026

What is "weatherization" you may ask. Well in a nutshell, weatherization makes your home more energy efficient and comfortable by insulating and sealing any air drafts to keep the warm air inside in the winter and the cooler air inside in the summer. Our main focus is insulation and air sealing.

If you live in Crawford County, give us a call to see if you and your home qualify. Every situation is different, but you do have to meet the income guidelines.

Call 814-425-1872 for more information

03/04/2026

Interested in a career helping others?

Weatherization is the meeting point of skills and knowledge — combining the basic tools of the trades to build stronger homes and healthier communities.

01/27/2026

If your water pipes are not already frozen, you should let your faucet drip to prevent freezing. Not just at night but during this cold snap, all day, too. This applies to mobile homes and houses where the basement isn't heated or is cold and drafty.

01/24/2026

Power outages are a real possibility with this weekend’s blizzard. It’s not just the snow, it’s the combo of wind, heavy snow loading up tree limbs, and lines getting smacked. And if the roads are a mess or trees are down everywhere, the power might not be back in “a couple hours.” It could be half a day, a full day, or longer depending on where you are and how hard the storm hits.

If the lights go out, assume it’s a longer outage right away and you’ll make better choices. That means conserving phone battery early, keeping the fridge shut, and getting your heat plan set before the house gets cold. The worst time to figure it out is when you’re already freezing and your flashlight batteries are on their last breath.

Quick checklist for a longer outage:

Report the outage to your utility (don’t assume it’s already logged).

Stay away from downed wires. Treat every wire like it’s live.

Pick one warm room and close off the rest. Layer up, blankets, hats, socks, the whole deal.

Use heat safely: never run grills, camp stoves, or generators indoors or in a garage. Carbon monoxide is no joke.

Keep fridge and freezer doors shut as much as possible.

Charge power banks early and switch to low-power mode on your phone.

Know where your shutoff is (water and electric) just in case.

Have a plan for pets too. They get cold faster than you think.

And the most Pennsylvania part of all this: check on your neighbor. A quick text, call, or knock can make a huge difference, especially for older folks, anyone living alone, or anyone who depends on powered medical equipment.

01/02/2026

As a timely reminder, ensure you have a functioning Carbon Monoxide Detector and exercise caution when utilizing supplemental heat sources, verifying proper ventilation if they employ combustion fuel.