Why Duct Leakage Testing Matters in New Brunswick, NJ
The crucial system of ducts that circulates conditioned air throughout your home is vital for achieving optimal HVAC performance. But, leaky ducts facilitate the loss of valuable conditioned air, influencing both the comfort and efficiency of your home. This leakage results in significant consequences:
- Discomfort: Ducts with leaks result in uneven temperatures, creating hot and cold spots and drafts, causing your home to feel either uncomfortably warm or cool, even with a properly working HVAC system.
- Higher energy bills: The presence of leaks in the ducts demands that your HVAC system works harder to maintain desired temperatures, leading to heightened energy usage and higher utility costs.
- Poor indoor air quality: Ducts with leaks can also result in the intake of contaminants from outdoors, compromising the indoor air quality and potentially causing allergies and respiratory challenges.
Duct Leakage Testing: A Proactive Approach
Testing for duct leakage is a clear-cut yet effective method to identify and measure air leaks within your duct system. A certified professional employs a blower door and specialized tools to pressurize the duct system and measure the airflow escaping. Test results are conveyed in CFM25, illustrating the cubic feet of air per minute that leaks at a pressure of 25 Pascals.
Cost of Ignoring Duct Leakage in New Brunswick, NJ
The financial impact of excessive duct leakage can be notable. As outlined in the NJ Residential Building Code, newly constructed residences must meet a duct leakage rate of no more than 8 CFM25 per 100 square feet of conditioned space. Exceeding this limit can result in:
- Failed inspections: Houses displaying significant duct leakage might encounter challenges final inspections, causing delays in occupancy and potentially necessitating expensive duct repairs.
- Financial penalties: Some municipalities in New Jersey have started enforcing fines for residences that surpass the specified duct leakage limit.
- Wasted energy: The presence of leaky ducts may incur an average annual energy waste cost of $180-$550 for homeowners in New Brunswick, NJ.
Investing in Peace of Mind and Savings
Opting for duct leakage testing is a relatively affordable investment in comparison to the potential costs associated with overlooking the issue. The standard cost of a careful duct leakage test in New Brunswick, NJ is relatively affordable. However, the long-term savings in energy costs and increased comfort significantly outweigh the initial investment.
Taking swift action on duct leaks allows you to:
- Improve home comfort: Achieve even warmth throughout your home and say goodbye to drafts and hot areas.
- Lower energy bills: Minimize your energy consumption to save money on your utility bills.
- Refine indoor air quality: Experience better air quality and easier breathing as cleaner air circulates in your home.
- Elevate home value: Prospective buyers are drawn to homes that have successfully undergone a duct leakage test.
Local Energy Audits: Your Companion in Ductwork Efficiency
At Local Energy Audits, we understand the significance of ductwork efficiency in homes located in New Brunswick, NJ. Providing comprehensive services for duct leakage testing, we ensure your home meets the required standards and operates optimally. Additionally, we extend our expertise in providing guidance on duct sealing and repair solutions, aiming to minimize leaks and enhance your comfort and savings.
Preserve your comfort and energy efficiency by addressing the problem of leaky ducts.