Duct Leakage Test in West Caldwell, NJ

Maintain top HVAC efficiency and stay aligned with local energy codes using trusted duct leakage test in West Caldwell, NJ. 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 West Caldwell, NJ

Many states and municipalities oversee single-family buildings under the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code and multi-family buildings under the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code. The change will produce important implications for home builders and HVAC contractors functioning within the state. A Duct Leakage Test and a mandatory Blower Door Test are now required for all new construction or remodeled homes under the 2015 regulatory standards. Did you know that duct systems can be major sources of air leakage in homes across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can push your energy bills higher, pressure your HVAC system, and spread dust and insulation inside your house. This makes duct leakage test necessary for homeowners with either older or newly built homes. Read ahead to see why duct leakage test is important and what you gain from it.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To begin a duct leakage test in West Caldwell, NJ, your technician will seal off all supply and return registers except for the main return or the air handler. A duct blaster — a specially calibrated fan — is then connected to the opening. It depressurizes the duct system to expose areas where air is leaking.

The duct blaster works together with a precision pressure sensor to measure airflow and pinpoint leaks in the ductwork without disturbing your home. A duct leakage test — also referred to as a duct blaster test — highlights where air is leaking from your ducts to help you choose the proper sealing method.

duct leakage test is easy, clean, and unobtrusive for residents in the home. Most tests in West Caldwell, NJ are completed within 30 to 60 minutes, and the improvements can benefit your home’s 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 pressure differences, which provide a clear picture of how much air is leaking from the ductwork. Understanding this number enables you to recognize problem areas, consider efficiency improvements, and verify that your home meets local energy code requirements in West Caldwell, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re seeing higher energy bills, irregular heating or cooling, or frequent HVAC malfunctions, duct leakage may be at fault. According to ENERGY STAR, most homes lose 20% to 30% of their conditioned air through leaking ductwork. If hot or cold air from outdoors enters your system, your HVAC works harder than necessary, causing energy costs to rise and comfort to fall.

Overworked equipment also brings more system failures and higher repair expenses. Proper duct sealing helps promote the long-term integrity of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and limiting continued maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also allow dust, mold spores, moisture buildup, and multiple contaminants to enter the duct system. This can worsen allergy conditions, affect indoor air quality, and result in costly damage forming 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 about leaks that are hidden far behind walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) helps seal hard-to-find openings within the duct system. To begin this method, every vent is sealed except for one access opening. The HVAC unit is isolated, and a machine is installed onto the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and circulates a fine aerosolized sealant that locates and fills tiny leaks beyond the reach of typical sealing.

This method seals small to medium leaks effectively. However, large gaps may still call for manual sealing using mastic and tape. Technicians carry out leakage testing prior to and after aerosol sealing to observe the reduction and ensure treatment success.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most usual spot for duct air leakage is the joints. Ductwork is composed of various metal pieces pressed together using tight fittings and metal bands, but these seals are hardly ever fully airtight.

As your HVAC system delivers heat and cooling across different seasons, the ducts constantly expand and contract. Over time, this movement causes joints to lose their seal, creating gaps and leaks — making a duct leakage test valuable for any home in West Caldwell, NJ, whether new or old.

Many energy auditors look for leaks by feeling the ducts and using a small tool to evaluate how wide the gaps at the joints are. If your duct system is unsealed with mastic and approved tape, air leakage is almost certainly occurring.

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, a passing duct leakage test is mandatory before a home can be granted an occupancy certificate.

If your home in West Caldwell, NJ fails its duct leakage test, you are likely facing inflated heating and cooling costs — along with increased strain on your HVAC system. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is crucial not only for passing code but also for maintaining your home’s overall energy 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 West Caldwell, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly works with clients throughout West Caldwell, NJ and nearby locations. 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 by taping off all ducts and registers with duct mask tape on the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we attach the duct tester directly to the unit or to one primary return.

The ducts are then taken down to 25 Pascals. With the ducts depressurized, the nanometer is used to determine the leakage level.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in West Caldwell, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system continues to perform efficiently, meets compliance, and runs at its best with specialized duct leakage test in West Caldwell, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner optimizing comfort or a contractor completing mandatory inspections, our certified team ensures fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and deliver on-site help to ensure you pass your test, lower energy waste, and maintain your HVAC system’s long-term reliability.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

Serving homeowners, builders, and contractors across West Caldwell, NJ with dependable and energy-efficient testing solutions.