Pacific Northwest Inspections Group (PNWIG) provides independent, third-party blower door and duct leakage inspections for new and existing homes.
We work with builders and homeowners from Olympia to Bellingham, including Tacoma, Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Everett, and surrounding areas. We have the best Blower Door Testers in the Northwest.
Don’t risk missing your closing date because of a failed blower door test!
Our pre-test consultation service helps you identify and address potential problem areas before drywall installation, reducing the chance of costly repairs once the home is in its finished stage.
We perform air leakage tests for single-family and multi-family buildings.
Our certified technicians will:
Conduct the blower door test using calibrated equipment.
Provide clear results and issue the required certificate.
Document any deficiencies if the test doesn’t pass—making it easier to locate and correct air leaks.
This saves you time and money while ensuring compliance with Washington State Energy Code requirements.
For homes with forced-air heating or air conditioning, we offer comprehensive duct leakage inspections.
Our process includes:
Sealing off and depressurizing the ventilation system.
Measuring air pressure loss with specialized equipment.
Identifying leaks to confirm the system is sealed and energy efficient.
After testing, we will:
Review blueprints and measure the home for accurate square footage and volume.
Provide a complete test certificate including:
R-values
Fuel source
Efficiency ratings for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water
Building air leakage results
Post the required 2012 WSEC Residential Energy Compliance Certificate on or near the electrical panel, as required by code.
Q1: What is a blower door test, and why is it required?
A blower door test measures how airtight your home is by using a calibrated fan to pressurize or depressurize the building. Washington State Energy Code requires testing to confirm that new or remodeled homes meet specific air-leakage standards for comfort and efficiency.
Q2: When is the best time to schedule a blower door or duct leakage test?
Schedule testing after insulation is installed but before final finishes (such as trim, cabinets, or flooring). Early testing allows you to correct leaks without costly repairs to finished surfaces.
Q3: What happens if my home doesn’t pass the test?
If a home fails, our technicians document the leakage points and provide clear recommendations for sealing. After corrections, we can return for a re-test to verify compliance.
Q4: How long does the test take?
Most single-family homes take about 60–90 minutes for a blower door test and about 45–60 minutes for duct leakage testing, depending on the size and complexity of the home.
Q5: Do I need to prepare anything before testing?
Yes. Make sure:
All exterior doors and windows are closed.
Interior doors remain open.
Fireplace dampers, wood stoves, and exhaust fans are turned off.
HVAC systems are accessible.
Q6: Will the test damage my home?
No. The process is safe for your home and its occupants. Our equipment simply measures airflow and pressure; nothing is invasive or destructive.
Q7: What is the 2012 WSEC Residential Energy Compliance Certificate?
This is the official document required by Washington State Energy Code, showing that your home meets energy-efficiency standards. We’ll complete and post the certificate on or near your electrical panel after testing.
Q8: How often should ductwork be tested?
Duct testing is typically required for new construction, major renovations, or whenever a new HVAC system is installed. For existing systems, testing every few years can help maintain efficiency and indoor air quality.