Duct Leakage Test in Lower township, NJ

Maintain top HVAC efficiency and stay aligned with local energy codes using trusted duct leakage test in Lower township, NJ. Our certified technicians analyze and measure duct leaks to assist homeowners and builders in improving comfort, reducing energy waste, and fulfilling state requirements.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Lower township, NJ

In most states and municipalities, the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code is required for single-family homes, while the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code is required for multi-family homes. The change will result in several substantial implications for home builders and HVAC contractors engaged in work across the state. A Duct Leakage Test paired with a Blower Door Test is now expected for newly constructed and remodeled homes in accordance with the 2015 code requirements. Did you know that leaking ducts are a widespread cause of air loss in homes across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can increase your energy costs, overwork your HVAC system, and distribute insulation particles and dust around your home. This makes duct leakage test a crucial step for maintaining comfort in new and old homes alike. Continue reading to learn why duct leakage test is valuable and how it benefits you.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To begin performing a duct leakage test in Lower township, NJ, your technician closes off all supply and return registers except the main return or air handler system. A calibrated duct blaster is then secured to the opening. Its function is to depressurize the duct system, creating conditions that highlight any escaping air.

The duct blaster functions with a precision pressure sensor to analyze airflow and spot leaks in the duct system without affecting your home’s comfort. 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 straightforward, clean, and designed to be non-intrusive for residents. Most tests in Lower township, NJ are done within 30 to 60 minutes, with improvements that strengthen comfort and efficiency for years to come.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is measured using cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned floor area. Your technician uses a nanometer to detect small pressure differences, which indicate how much air is leaking through the ducts. Understanding this number allows you to highlight problem zones, explore improvement possibilities, and confirm compliance with local energy code requirements in Lower township, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If your home suffers from costly utility bills, uneven comfort levels, or persistent HVAC repairs, duct leakage may be contributing. According to ENERGY STAR, homes with leaky ducts routinely lose 20% to 30% of conditioned air. 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 accelerates wear and tear, resulting in more breakdowns and costly repairs. Proper duct sealing helps enhance the long-term resilience of your HVAC system, lengthening its lifespan and cutting overall maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also allow dust, mold spores, excess moisture, and other contaminants into 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 mandates fully sealed duct systems in new homes, made from energy-efficient materials like mastic, foil tape, and proper insulation. But what if some leaks are hidden within the depths of your walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) reaches interior duct leaks that traditional sealing methods can’t access. To carry out the procedure, technicians seal off all vents except one access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is linked to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and applies a fine aerosol sealant that fills tiny openings where standard sealing cannot reach.

This method is effective at treating small to medium leaks. However, big openings may still need to be addressed with manual mastic-and-tape sealing. 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 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 operates in varying temperatures across the year, the ducts undergo expansion and contraction. Over time, this movement weakens joint connections, producing gaps and leaks — making duct leakage test essential for both new and older homes in Lower township, NJ.

Many energy auditors check duct leakage by feeling around the ducts and using a small tool to test the width of gaps between joints. If your duct system has not been sealed with mastic and approved tape, there is a high chance that leakage is occurring.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system needs to be under 4 CFM per 100 square feet when the air handler is installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet when it isn’t. For new construction, a passing duct leakage test is mandatory before a home can be granted an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Lower township, NJ does not meet duct leakage standards, you are likely overpaying for heating and cooling — and adding unnecessary strain to your HVAC equipment. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement matters not only for code compliance, but also for protecting your home’s comfort and reducing energy waste.

Your technician will also recommend effective ways to fix leakage issues so you can earn a passing score, save on utilities, and improve home performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Lower township, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly helps clients across Lower township, NJ and surrounding communities. We specialize in identifying and addressing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re constructing a new home or optimizing an existing one, we’re here to help.
If you’d like to schedule 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 duct mask tape being placed on all ducts and registers on both the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we position the duct tester on the HVAC unit or on a primary return.

The ducts are then depressurized to 25 Pascals. At that point, the nanometer allows us to get an accurate duct leakage measurement.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Lower township, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system delivers maximum efficiency, full compliance, and top performance through professional duct leakage test in Lower township, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner aiming for better comfort or a contractor completing final approval, our certified team ensures fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and provide on-site assistance to help you pass your test, cut down on energy waste, and extend the long-term health of your HVAC system.

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