Duct Leakage Test in Port Republic city, NJ

Ensure long-term HVAC performance and code compliance with expert duct leakage test in Port Republic city, NJ. Our certified technicians locate and assess air leaks in ductwork to help homeowners and builders improve comfort, reduce energy consumption, and comply with state regulations.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Port Republic city, 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 generate several impactful implications for home builders and HVAC contractors operating statewide. A Duct Leakage Test together with a Blower Door Test must now be performed in all newly built or remodeled homes to comply with 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 lead to rising energy bills, added strain on your HVAC system, and unwanted insulation and dust spreading through your home. 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.

888 213-3975

What Our Clients Say

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To get started with a duct leakage test in Port Republic city, NJ, the technician will block every supply and return register except the main return or air handler. A duct blaster, which is a specially calibrated fan, is then installed at the opening. The fan depressurizes the ducts, helping identify all points where air may be escaping.

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 — frequently called a duct blaster test — reveals air escape points in your ducts, guiding you toward the best sealing options.

duct leakage test is easy, clean, and unobtrusive for residents in the home. Most tests in Port Republic city, 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 specified in cubic feet per minute (CFM) for each 100 square feet of conditioned space. Your technician uses a nanometer to monitor tiny pressure fluctuations that 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 Port Republic city, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you are experiencing high utility bills, uneven temperatures, or frequent HVAC repairs, duct leakage may be the cause. According to ENERGY STAR, the majority of homes lose 20% to 30% of conditioned air through duct leaks. Hot or cold outside air entering your system forces your HVAC system to work harder, driving up energy costs and reducing comfort.

Overworked equipment also causes additional breakdowns and increases repair costs. Proper duct sealing helps safeguard the long-term reliability of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and reducing how often maintenance is needed.

Duct leaks can also introduce dust, mold spores, excess humidity, and other contaminants into the duct system. This can worsen allergy flare-ups, reduce indoor air quality, and cause long-term structural deterioration behind walls or ceilings.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC instructs that new homes incorporate fully sealed duct systems using high-efficiency materials, including mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what if those leaks are tucked away behind walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) makes it possible to seal leaks found deep within the ductwork. To execute this method, all vents are sealed shut except a single access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is attached to the duct network. It pressurizes the ducts and releases a fine aerosolized sealant that fills small gaps and holes that traditional sealing methods cannot reach.

This method is extremely effective for sealing small to medium leaks. However, big gaps may still need 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 frequent area where ducts lose air is at the joints. Ductwork consists of several metal sections pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, yet these connections are almost never fully airtight.

As your HVAC system heats and cools throughout the year, the ducts expand and contract. Over time, this movement causes the joints to loosen, opening gaps and leaks — making a duct leakage test beneficial for both new and older homes in Port Republic city, NJ.

Many energy auditors evaluate duct leakage by feeling around the duct system and using a small tool to check the size of joint gaps. If your duct system lacks proper sealing with mastic and approved tape, there is a high chance that leakage is taking place.

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, obtaining an occupancy certificate requires passing a duct leakage test first.

If your home in Port Republic city, NJ doesn’t receive a passing duct leakage result, you are likely overpaying for heating and cooling — and putting significant long-term strain on your HVAC setup. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is important not just for compliance, but for safeguarding your home’s comfort and long-term energy efficiency.

Your technician will also provide professional insights on resolving leakage issues so you can achieve a passing score, lower your utility costs, and optimize home performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Port Republic city, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly serves homeowners, contractors, and builders throughout Port Republic city, NJ and nearby regions. We specialize in uncovering duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using both blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re starting a new build or improving a current home, we’re here to assist.
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 covering all ducts and registers with duct mask tape on both the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we install the duct tester on the unit or on a main return.

The ducts are then depressurized until they reach 25 Pascals. With them depressurized, the nanometer measures the amount of leakage.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Port Republic city, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system remains energy-efficient, code-approved, and performing at its highest capacity with professional duct leakage test in Port Republic city, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner increasing comfort or a contractor completing a necessary inspection, our certified team offers 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.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

Serving homeowners, builders, and contractors across Port Republic city, NJ with dependable and energy-efficient testing solutions.