Duct Leakage Test in North Plainfield, NJ

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To start conducting a duct leakage test in North Plainfield, NJ, the technician seals all supply and return registers other than the main return or the air handler. A specially calibrated duct blaster is then installed onto the opening. The fan lowers the pressure inside the ducts, helping reveal any leakage points.

The duct blaster joins forces with a precision pressure sensor to monitor airflow and pinpoint leak points in the ducts without disturbing your home. A duct leakage test — also called a duct blaster test — locates the points where duct air escapes, helping you implement the right sealing solution.

duct leakage test is rapid, clean, and performed without inconvenience to residents. Most tests in North Plainfield, NJ are wrapped up in 30 to 60 minutes, with improvements that continue to boost comfort and efficiency for years.

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 identify subtle pressure differences, helping determine how much air is leaking from the ducts. Understanding this number helps you locate trouble spots, review possible upgrades, and see if your home complies with local energy code requirements in North Plainfield, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If your utility bills keep climbing, temperatures vary from room to room, or your HVAC needs constant fixing, duct leakage may be the cause. According to ENERGY STAR, duct leakage causes homeowners to lose 20%–30% of their conditioned air on average. Hot or cold outside air leaking in makes your HVAC system work more than it should, driving up energy costs and diminishing comfort.

Overworked equipment also causes additional breakdowns and increases repair costs. 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 allow the entry of dust, mold spores, moisture, and a range of 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 requires all newly constructed homes to have fully sealed ductwork with modern, energy-saving materials such as mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what about leaks that occur deep behind walls or ceilings out of sight?

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 emits a fine aerosolized sealant designed to fill small leaks unreachable with standard sealing.

This method is very effective for minor to moderate leaks. However, substantial openings may still need traditional sealing with mastic and tape. Technicians run leakage tests both before and after aerosol sealing to gauge how much air loss decreased and confirm proper results.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most common point where ducts leak air is along the joints. Ductwork is made from multiple metal pieces pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these connections are rarely completely airtight.

As your HVAC system adjusts temperatures throughout the year, the ducts go through expansion and contraction. Over time, this movement gradually loosens the joints, creating leaks and gaps — highlighting the importance of duct leakage test in both new and older homes in North Plainfield, NJ.

Many energy auditors detect duct leakage by physically checking the ducts and using a small tool to assess the width of joint gaps. If your duct system isn’t sealed with mastic and approved tape, there’s a good chance that leaks are occurring.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system should fall under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet when the air handler is absent. For new construction, homes are required to pass a duct leakage test before an occupancy certificate can be issued.

If your home in North Plainfield, NJ cannot achieve a passing duct leakage score, you are likely wasting money on heating and cooling — and increasing wear on your HVAC system over time. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is fundamental not only for code adherence but for boosting your home’s long-term efficiency and comfort.

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 North Plainfield, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly offers services throughout North Plainfield, NJ and neighboring areas. We specialize in detecting duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door and duct leakage test. Whether you’re building new or enhancing your current home, we’re here to support you.
If you’d like to book a test, call us during business hours or contact us online to request an appointment.