Why Duct Leakage Testing Matters in Ephrata, PA
The essential ductwork that conveys conditioned air throughout your home is important for achieving optimal HVAC performance. But, the escape of conditioned air from leaky ducts can impact both the comfort and efficiency of your home. This leakage leads to significant consequences:
- Discomfort: Inconsistent temperature levels, temperature variations, and drafts are consequences of ducts with leaks, making your home feel either uncomfortably warm or cool, despite the HVAC system operating correctly.
- Higher energy bills: Ducts with leaks necessitate your HVAC system to put in extra work to uphold desired temperatures, causing a surge in energy usage and higher utility bills.
- Poor indoor air quality: The presence of ducts with leaks may result in the intake of contaminants from outdoors, compromising the indoor air quality and potentially provoking allergies and respiratory issues.
Duct Leakage Testing: A Proactive Approach
An easy yet potent approach to identify and measure air leaks in your ductwork is through duct leakage testing. An expert professional utilizes a blower door and specialized equipment to pressurize the ductwork and gauge the amount of air escaping. CFM25 is the unit used to express the test results, denoting the cubic feet of air per minute leaking at a pressure of 25 Pascals.
Cost of Ignoring Duct Leakage in Ephrata, PA
The cost implications of excessive duct leakage can be considerable. As outlined in the NJ Residential Building Code, newly developed homes must meet a duct leakage rate not exceeding 8 CFM25 per 100 square feet of conditioned space. Going beyond this limit may result in:
- Failed inspections: Residences exhibiting notable duct leakage could struggle passing final inspections, causing delays in occupancy and potentially requiring expensive duct repairs.
- Financial penalties: In specific areas in New Jersey, fines are now being imposed on residences that exceed the prescribed duct leakage limit.
- Wasted energy: Leaky ducts could lead to an average yearly energy waste expense of $180-$550 for homeowners in Ephrata, PA.
Investing in Peace of Mind and Savings
Duct leakage testing is a relatively affordable investment when weighed against the potential financial consequences of ignoring the issue. The average cost for a comprehensive duct leakage test in Ephrata, PA is relatively affordable. Nevertheless, the long-term savings in energy costs and improved comfort far surpass the initial investment.
Quickly resolving duct leaks allows you to:
- Improve home comfort: Maintain consistent temperatures in every room of your home, saying goodbye to drafts and heat irregularities.
- Lower energy bills: Minimize your energy usage to reduce your utility expenses.
- Refine indoor air quality: Improve indoor air quality, providing easier and more comfortable breathing.
- Boost home value: Potential buyers find a home more enticing when it successfully passes a duct leakage test.
Local Energy Audits: Your Companion in Ductwork Efficiency
At Local Energy Audits, we acknowledge the crucial role of efficient ductwork in homes within Ephrata, PA. We offer thorough duct leakage testing services to guarantee your home meets necessary standards and operates at peak efficiency. Additionally, our expert guidance on duct sealing and repair solutions is designed to minimize leaks, ensuring maximum comfort and savings for you.
Don’t allow leaky ducts to compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your space.