> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://sbctesting.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Preparing for Your Blower Door Test - URL: https://sbctesting.com/blower-door-checklist/ - Published: 2026-09-23T15:08:35.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-23T15:08:35.000Z - Author: Shawn Baldwin A blower door test is one of the most useful tools available for understanding how air moves through a home. By temporarily using a calibrated fan to create a small pressure difference between the inside and outside of the building, the test helps identify how much air is leaking through the building envelope and can help locate areas where improvements may be needed. For homeowners, the process is generally straightforward. The testing equipment is installed in an exterior doorway, the home is placed into the proper testing condition, and measurements are taken to evaluate air leakage. Depending on the purpose of the test, the results may be used for energy-efficiency evaluations, new-construction testing, diagnostic work, weatherization projects, or to better understand comfort concerns within the home. ### What should I do before the test? Most of the preparation involves making sure the home can be placed into a consistent testing condition. This may include making sure windows and exterior doors can be closed properly, ensuring areas of the home are accessible, securing pets, and identifying heating, ventilation, fireplace, or other equipment that may need special consideration during testing. Every home is a little different. A newer home may require very little preparation, while an older home, a home under construction, or a property with multiple heating or ventilation systems may require a few additional steps. To make the process easier, we created the preparation tool below. Answer the questions about your home and it will generate a personalized checklist based on your responses. ### Why does preparation matter? A blower door test is most useful when the building is tested under controlled and repeatable conditions. Proper preparation helps the tester obtain an accurate measurement and reduces the chance that an open window, operating fan, inaccessible area, or other condition affects the results. It also helps the appointment move more efficiently. When common preparation items are handled before the tester arrives, more of the appointment can be spent performing the test, reviewing the home, and discussing the results. ### Don’t worry if you are unsure You do not need to be an expert on your heating system, ventilation equipment, fireplace, or building construction before scheduling a blower door test. If you are unsure how to answer one of the questions below, simply choose **“Not sure.”** The checklist will identify the item so it can be discussed with the tester. As a general rule, homeowners should not make unfamiliar adjustments to boilers, furnaces, water heaters, dampers, ventilation controls, or other mechanical equipment solely for the purpose of preparing for a test. When in doubt, leave the equipment as it normally operates and ask the testing professional for guidance. Use the preparation tool below to see what, if anything, should be completed before your blower door test. SBC Testing ## Blower Door Test Preparation Answer a few quick questions about your home. We’ll create a personalized preparation checklist showing what is already ready, what may need attention before the appointment, and what you should discuss with your tester. 0 of 7 answered 0% Question 1 Are all exterior windows and doors able to fully close and latch? Yes No Not sure Question 2 Does the home have a fireplace, wood stove, or pellet stove? Yes No Question 3 Does the home have fuel-burning equipment? Examples include an oil, propane, or natural-gas furnace, boiler, or water heater. Yes No Not sure Question 4 Does the home have exhaust or air-moving equipment? Examples include bath fans, range hoods, clothes dryers, whole-house fans, or similar equipment. Yes No Question 5 Can interior doors between conditioned rooms be left open during the test? Yes No Not sure Question 6 Are the mechanical areas and other areas the tester may need to inspect accessible? This may include mechanical rooms, basements, attic access, crawlspaces, and utility areas. Yes No Not sure Question 7 Will pets be in the home during the test? Yes No Create My Preparation Checklist Start Over Personalized Results ### Your Blower Door Test Preparation Checklist Based on your answers, use the checklist below to prepare for your appointment. If your tester gives you different instructions, follow those instructions instead. ### ✓ Already Ready ### Before Your Appointment ### Ask Your Tester About These Items Important: Building systems vary. If you are uncertain about an appliance, vent, damper, fireplace component, or other part of the home, do not make unfamiliar adjustments yourself. Ask your blower door testing professional for guidance. Download PDF Checklist Print Checklist