Duct Leakage Test in Fountainville, PA

Keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency and in full compliance with local codes through expert duct leakage test in Fountainville, PA. Our certified technicians discover and measure air leaks in ductwork so homeowners and builders can achieve better comfort, cut down on energy waste, and meet state compliance needs.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Fountainville, PA

Across many states and municipalities, the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code applies to single-family homes, while the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code governs multi-family buildings. The change will present notable implications for home builders and HVAC contractors active throughout the state. A Duct Leakage Test and a required Blower Door Test are now part of the compliance process for new construction and remodeled homes under the 2015 regulations. Did you know that duct leakage is one of the top reasons for air loss in homes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can boost your energy bills, overload your HVAC system, and send dust and insulation particles throughout your home. This makes duct leakage test an essential part of maintaining both new and older homes. Keep reading to discover why duct leakage test is important and how it can support your home.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To prepare for a duct leakage test in Fountainville, PA, the technician seals every supply and return register, leaving only the main return or air handler unsealed. A calibrated duct blaster fan is then mounted to the opening. This fan creates negative pressure inside the ducts, making air leakage locations easier to find.

The duct blaster collaborates with a precision pressure sensor to evaluate airflow and locate leaks throughout the ductwork without disturbing your household. A duct leakage test — frequently called a duct blaster test — reveals air escape points in your ducts, guiding you toward the best sealing options.

duct leakage test is quick, low-impact, and does not disturb residents. Most tests in Fountainville, PA require only 30 to 60 minutes, yet the upgrades can improve your home’s comfort and efficiency well into the future.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is calculated in cubic feet per minute (CFM) for every 100 square feet of conditioned space. Your technician uses a nanometer to pick up minor pressure shifts that indicate the level of air leakage within the ducts. Understanding this number helps you identify problem areas, evaluate potential improvements, and determine whether your home meets local energy code requirements in Fountainville, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re encountering increased energy bills, temperature inconsistencies, or constant HVAC repairs, duct leakage could be the source. According to ENERGY STAR, most households lose 20% to 30% of their heated or cooled air because of duct leaks. Hot or cold outside air creeping into your system forces the HVAC to work inefficiently, increasing energy spending and reducing comfort.

Overworked equipment also heightens the chance of system failures and expensive repairs. Proper duct sealing helps uphold the long-term performance of your HVAC system, stretching its lifespan and decreasing routine maintenance demands.

Duct leaks can also pull in dust, mold spores, moisture, and numerous contaminants into the duct system. This can worsen allergies, reduce indoor air quality, and even cause expensive structural damage behind walls or ceilings over time.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC enforces that new homes incorporate fully sealed ducts made with modern, energy-efficient materials including mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what happens when leaks are hidden deep inside walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) gives technicians a way to reach concealed duct leaks without opening walls or ceilings. To use this method, technicians seal all vents except one access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is hooked up to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and emits a fine aerosolized sealant designed to fill small leaks unreachable with standard sealing.

This method handles small to medium leaks very effectively. However, large openings may still require traditional mastic and tape sealing. Technicians perform a duct leakage test both before and after aerosol sealing to determine how much leakage has decreased and confirm the treatment worked.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most common place for ducts to leak air is through the joints. Ductwork is made of multiple metal pieces pressed together using tight fittings and metal bands, but these connections are rarely airtight.

As your HVAC system transitions between warm and cool air throughout the year, the ducts expand and contract. Over time, this movement compromises the joints, forming gaps and leaks — which is exactly why duct leakage test is encouraged for new and older homes in Fountainville, PA.

Many energy auditors locate duct leakage by touching the ductwork and using a small tool to measure the width of separation between joints. If your duct system has not received sealing with mastic and approved tape, leakage is very probable.

What Is an Acceptable Amount of Duct Leakage per Energy Code?

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system needs to register under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler attached, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without it attached. For new construction, a duct leakage test must be successfully passed before the home can obtain an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Fountainville, PA fails a duct leakage test, you are probably spending more than you should on heating and cooling — while also putting long-term stress on your HVAC system. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is significant not only for meeting local code but also for maintaining optimal comfort and efficiency in your home.

Your technician will also give professional advice on resolving leakage issues to help you achieve a passing score, cut down utility bills, and boost your home’s performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Fountainville, PA

Local Energy Audits proudly delivers services across Fountainville, PA and the surrounding neighborhoods. We specialize in testing for duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door and duct leakage methods. Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading your home, we’re here to assist.
If you’d like to book a test, call us during business hours or contact us online to request an appointment.

The Duct Leakage Test Steps Explained

A duct leakage test begins with all the ducts and registers sealed tightly using duct mask tape on both sides—supply and return.

After the registers are sealed, we attach our duct tester to the system’s unit or to the main return.

The ducts are then placed under 25 Pascals of negative pressure. With the ducts depressurized, we obtain the leakage reading using the nanometer.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Fountainville, PA

Ensure your HVAC system remains energy-efficient, code-approved, and performing at its highest capacity with professional duct leakage test in Fountainville, PA. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking better comfort or a contractor wrapping up a final inspection, our certified team delivers fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and deliver practical on-site guidance to help you pass your test, decrease energy waste, and preserve your HVAC system’s long-term condition.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

Serving homeowners, builders, and contractors across Fountainville, PA with dependable and energy-efficient testing solutions.