Duct Leakage Test in Macungie, PA

Ensure long-term HVAC performance and code compliance with expert duct leakage test in Macungie, PA. Our certified technicians identify and measure air leaks in ductwork to help homeowners and builders improve comfort, reduce energy waste, and achieve compliance with state requirements.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Macungie, PA

States and municipalities have adopted the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code for single-family buildings and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for multi-family buildings. The change will create considerable implications for home builders and HVAC contractors carrying out projects in the state. A Duct Leakage Test as well as the required Blower Door Test must now be performed on new or remodeled homes following the 2015 regulations. Did you know that ducts are among the biggest contributors to air leakage in homes all across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can cause your energy bills to rise, strain your HVAC system, and move dust and insulation around your living spaces. This makes duct leakage test important for all types of homes, whether new or old. Continue reading to learn why duct leakage test is essential and how you can benefit.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To set up a duct leakage test in Macungie, PA, the technician begins by sealing all supply and return registers, leaving only the air handler or main return open. A duct blaster fan, carefully calibrated for accuracy, is then attached to the duct opening. It depressurizes the ductwork, allowing leaks to become more noticeable.

The duct blaster and its precision pressure sensor work together to measure airflow and detect duct leaks without causing any disruption in your home. A duct leakage test — sometimes called a duct blaster test — detects air loss in the duct system, allowing you to apply the most suitable sealing solutions.

duct leakage test is quick, clean, and non-intrusive for residents. Most tests in Macungie, PA take between 30 and 60 minutes, and the improvements they deliver can elevate comfort and efficiency for years ahead.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is defined in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned space within the structure. Your technician uses a nanometer to capture subtle pressure changes, allowing accurate measurement of duct air leakage. Understanding this number allows you to pinpoint problem areas, assess needed improvements, and confirm whether your home satisfies local energy code requirements in Macungie, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you observe rising utility costs, temperature swings in different rooms, or regular HVAC breakdowns, duct leakage may be involved. According to ENERGY STAR, many homes lose as much as 20% to 30% of conditioned air through duct leaks. When outside hot or cold air seeps into your system, your HVAC must compensate, leading to higher energy costs and diminished comfort.

Overworked equipment also results in more frequent breakdowns and expensive repair bills. 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 draw in dust, mold spores, unwanted moisture, and other harmful contaminants. This can intensify allergy symptoms, harm indoor air quality, and cause long-term structural damage behind walls or ceilings.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC sets a requirement that all new homes feature ducts sealed completely with modern materials like mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what about leaks that are hidden far behind walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) reaches interior duct leaks that traditional sealing methods can’t access. To carry out this method, every vent is sealed except a single access point. The HVAC system is separated, and a machine is attached to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and releases a fine sealant mist that finds and fills small holes that traditional sealing methods cannot access.

This method works efficiently for small to medium leaks. However, larger gaps usually require manual sealing using mastic and tape. Technicians run a duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to quantify the reduction in leakage and verify the success of the process.

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 warms and cools over the seasons, the ductwork expands and then contracts. Over time, this movement shifts and loosens the joints, resulting in gaps and leaks — which is why all homes in Macungie, PA, new or older, benefit from duct leakage test.

Many energy auditors investigate duct leakage by running their hands over the ducts and using a small tool to determine the width of joint gaps. If your duct system was never sealed using mastic and approved tape, there is a high probability that air leakage is present.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system must remain below 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet if the air handler is missing. For new construction, an occupancy certificate cannot be issued unless the home passes a duct leakage test.

If your home in Macungie, PA does not meet the duct leakage requirement, you’re likely paying elevated heating and cooling costs — and overburdening your HVAC system. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is needed not only for passing inspections, but also for improving home comfort and energy efficiency.

Your technician will also provide expert recommendations on how to address leakage issues so you can achieve a passing score, lower your utility bills, and improve your home’s overall performance.

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

Local Energy Audits is proud to assist customers across Macungie, PA and its surrounding communities. We specialize in measuring duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using advanced blower door and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re building new or improving old, we’re here to help.
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 connect the duct tester to the unit or to a main return.

The ducts are then depressurized to 25 Pascals. With the ducts at this pressure, we can use the nanometer to measure the duct leakage.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Macungie, PA

Ensure your HVAC system functions efficiently, adheres to codes, and stays in top condition through reliable duct leakage test in Macungie, 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 give on-site support to help you pass your test, limit wasted energy, and strengthen the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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