Duct Leakage Test in Park Ridge, NJ

Verify your HVAC system’s efficiency and meet local requirements with reliable duct leakage test in Park Ridge, 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 Park Ridge, NJ

States and municipalities commonly implement the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code for single-family dwellings and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for multi-family residences. The change will create several important implications for home builders and HVAC contractors operating within the state. A Duct Leakage Test in addition to a Blower Door Test is now required for new construction and remodeled homes under the 2015 rules. Did you know that ducts are frequently the biggest contributors to home air loss in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can drive up energy bills, put extra stress on your HVAC system, and circulate dust and insulation throughout your living space. This makes duct leakage test an important requirement for homes regardless of age. Keep reading to understand why duct leakage test is necessary and how it can help you.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To conduct a proper duct leakage test in Park Ridge, NJ, your technician first seals all supply and return registers except the main return or air handler. 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 operates alongside a precision pressure sensor to track airflow and identify duct leaks without disrupting your home. A duct leakage test — often known as a duct blaster test — exposes duct air loss, allowing you to apply the most effective sealing techniques.

duct leakage test is hassle-free, clean, and won’t interfere with residents’ daily routines. Most tests in Park Ridge, NJ 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 tracked in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned living area. Your technician uses a nanometer to register small pressure differences, which help calculate how much air is leaking from the ducts. Understanding this number helps you recognize where issues exist, plan meaningful improvements, and check your home against local energy code requirements in Park Ridge, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re experiencing spikes in utility bills, uncomfortable temperature variations, or ongoing HVAC repair needs, duct leakage may be to blame. According to ENERGY STAR, the majority of homes lose 20% to 30% of conditioned air through duct leaks. Hot or cold outdoor air infiltrating your system makes your HVAC system work overtime, which boosts energy costs and reduces comfort.

Overworked equipment also makes breakdowns more common and repairs more expensive. Proper duct sealing helps strengthen the long-term function of your HVAC system, improving its lifespan and reducing ongoing maintenance costs.

Duct leaks can also let dust, mold spores, moisture, and other pollutants enter the duct system. This can make allergies worse, impact indoor air quality, and result in costly structural damage behind walls or ceilings as time passes.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC mandates fully sealed duct systems in new homes, made from energy-efficient materials like mastic, foil tape, and proper insulation. But what happens when leaks are hidden deep inside walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) allows technicians to seal leaks located inside inaccessible parts of ductwork. To implement this method, every vent is covered except one access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is connected to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and sprays a fine mist of sealant that fills tiny leaks and holes beyond the reach of conventional sealing.

This method is great for handling small to medium leaks. However, larger holes often require manual sealing with 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 area for air leakage in ducts is at the joints. Ductwork includes various metal pieces pressed together using tight fittings and metal bands, but these connections are hardly ever airtight.

As your HVAC system cycles through heating and cooling each year, the ducts naturally expand and contract. Over time, this movement causes the joints to loosen, creating gaps and leaks — which is why a duct leakage test is recommended for both new and older homes in Park Ridge, 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 does not include sealing with mastic and approved tape, leakage is highly likely.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system must come in under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet when the air handler is removed. For new construction, an occupancy certificate cannot be issued unless the home passes a duct leakage test.

If your home in Park Ridge, NJ falls short in a duct leakage test, you are probably paying extra for heating and cooling — and placing lasting pressure on your HVAC equipment. 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 Park Ridge, NJ

Local Energy Audits is proud to serve families and builders across Park Ridge, NJ and the surrounding local areas. We specialize in identifying duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re building a new home or improving an existing one, 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 technicians sealing all ducts and registers using duct mask tape on the supply and return sides.

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

The ducts are then depressurized to a Pascal of 25. With the ducts depressurized we can use the nanometer to get a reading of the duct leakage.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Park Ridge, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system functions efficiently, adheres to codes, and stays in top condition through reliable duct leakage test in Park Ridge, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner improving comfort or a contractor completing a final inspection, our certified team provides fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and offer expert on-site guidance to help you pass your test, improve energy efficiency, and protect the long-term health of your HVAC system.

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