Duct Leakage Test in Brooklawn, NJ

Maintain top HVAC efficiency and stay aligned with local energy codes using trusted duct leakage test in Brooklawn, NJ. Our certified technicians test and measure ductwork air leaks, helping homeowners and builders improve overall comfort, reduce wasted energy, and comply with state mandates.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Brooklawn, NJ

States and municipalities have standardized around the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code for single-family builds and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for multi-family builds. The change will produce important implications for home builders and HVAC contractors functioning within the state. A Duct Leakage Test and a Blower Door Test are now mandatory for newly built or renovated homes under the 2015 regulations. Did you know that ducts are a leading factor in home air leakage across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can cause higher energy expenses, burden your HVAC system, and push dust and insulation into different areas of 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.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To perform a duct leakage test in Brooklawn, NJ, the technician begins by sealing every supply and return register except for the primary return or air handler unit. A specially calibrated duct blaster fan is then secured to the opening. Its job is to depressurize the duct system, allowing air leaks to reveal themselves clearly.

The duct blaster, aided by a precision pressure sensor, accurately measures airflow and reveals duct leaks without interrupting activities in your home. A duct leakage test — sometimes labeled as a duct blaster test — finds where your ducts are leaking air so you can decide on the best sealing strategy.

duct leakage test is prompt, clean, and does not interrupt residents’ activities. Most tests in Brooklawn, NJ take only 30 to 60 minutes, yet the comfort and efficiency gains can last for years.

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 monitor tiny pressure fluctuations that indicate how much air is leaking through the ducts. Understanding this number enables you to recognize problem areas, consider efficiency improvements, and verify that your home meets local energy code requirements in Brooklawn, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If your energy bills are unusually high, your rooms feel unevenly heated or cooled, or your HVAC system needs frequent repairs, duct leakage could be the issue. According to ENERGY STAR, most homes lose 20% to 30% of their conditioned air through leaking ductwork. 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 leads to more breakdowns and costly repairs. Proper duct sealing helps maintain the long-term health of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and reducing ongoing maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also let dust, mold spores, moisture, and other pollutants enter the duct system. This can escalate allergies, lower the overall air quality indoors, and lead to costly damage 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 about leaks located deep within walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) is used to address openings concealed inside duct systems. 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 releases a fine sealant mist that finds and fills small holes that traditional sealing methods cannot access.

This method is very effective for minor to moderate leaks. However, substantial openings may still need traditional sealing with 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 source of duct air leakage is the joints. Ductwork uses many metal pieces pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these joining points are rarely airtight.

As your HVAC system transitions between warm and cool air throughout the year, the ducts 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 Brooklawn, NJ, whether new or old.

Many energy auditors detect leaks by checking the duct surfaces by hand and using a small tool to measure joint gap width. If your duct system was not sealed with mastic and approved tape, there’s a high likelihood that air is leaking.

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, passing the duct leakage test is a necessary step before securing an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Brooklawn, NJ does not pass its duct leakage inspection, you’re likely paying higher heating and cooling bills — and stressing your HVAC system over time. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is essential not only for code compliance but also for protecting your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.

Your technician will also offer expert guidance on fixing leakage problems so you can earn a passing score, reduce utility costs, and enhance your home’s overall performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Brooklawn, NJ

Local Energy Audits is honored to serve customers in Brooklawn, NJ and all surrounding areas. 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 with technicians sealing all ducts and registers using duct mask tape on the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we hook the duct tester to the HVAC unit or a main return.

The ducts are then pulled down to 25 Pascals of depressurization. With the ducts in this state, we take a leakage reading using the nanometer.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Brooklawn, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system maintains strong efficiency, meets code requirements, and performs reliably with trusted duct leakage test in Brooklawn, 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 offer on-site guidance to help you pass your test, reduce energy waste, and protect the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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