Duct Leakage Test in National Park, NJ

Enhance your HVAC system’s efficiency and satisfy energy regulations through precise duct leakage test in National Park, NJ. Our certified technicians measure and identify ductwork air leaks, assisting homeowners and builders in boosting comfort, limiting energy waste, and maintaining state compliance.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In National Park, NJ

States and municipalities have put in place the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code for single-family projects and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for multi-family projects. The change will bring forward important implications for home builders and HVAC contractors working in the state. 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 duct systems contribute heavily to air leakage in homes throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can cause your energy bills to rise, strain your HVAC system, and move dust and insulation around your living spaces. This makes duct leakage test critical for both modern and older homes. Continue reading to explore why duct leakage test is important and how you benefit from it.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To start a duct leakage test in National Park, NJ, the technician will close and seal every supply and return register except the main return or air handler. A specially calibrated duct blaster fan is then connected to the opening. This fan depressurizes the ducts to help locate where air is escaping.

The duct blaster teams up with a precision pressure sensor to measure airflow accurately and locate duct leaks without affecting your home. A duct leakage test — sometimes known as a duct blaster test — shows exactly where your ducts are leaking air so you can apply the right sealing fixes.

duct leakage test is quick, clean, and non-intrusive for residents. Most tests in National Park, 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 reported in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned home area. Your technician uses a nanometer to detect minimal pressure variations, revealing the amount of air leakage occurring in the duct system. Understanding this number helps you spot leakage issues, evaluate corrective measures, and determine if your home is meeting local energy code requirements in National Park, 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, an average home’s ductwork loses 20% to 30% of conditioned air through leaks. Hot or cold air entering from outside increases the workload on your HVAC system, leading to higher energy bills and a drop in comfort.

Overworked equipment also leads to more breakdowns and costly repairs. Proper duct sealing helps support your HVAC system’s long-term operation, increasing its lifespan and lowering frequent maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also pull dust, mold spores, excess moisture, and various 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 instructs that new homes incorporate fully sealed duct systems using high-efficiency materials, including mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what about leaks that occur deep behind walls or ceilings out of sight?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) provides a way to seal concealed openings inside the duct system. 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 sealant mist that finds and fills small holes that traditional sealing methods cannot access.

This method is highly effective for small to medium leaks. However, large openings may still require manual sealing with mastic and tape. Technicians use before-and-after duct leakage tests to measure improvement and make sure the aerosol sealing process was successful.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most likely place for ducts to leak air is through their joints. Ductwork involves multiple metal pieces pressed together with secure fittings and metal bands, yet these connections are rarely perfectly airtight.

As your HVAC system warms and cools over the seasons, the ductwork expands and then contracts. 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 National Park, 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 lacks sealing with mastic and approved tape, there is a strong chance that leakage is present.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system should measure under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without the air handler installed. For new construction, you must pass a duct leakage test before the home can be approved for an occupancy certificate.

If your home in National Park, 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 required not only for code approval but for keeping your home efficient and comfortable.

Your technician will also advise you on the best ways to address leakage issues so you can pass the test, reduce utility bills, and enhance your home’s efficiency.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in National Park, NJ

Local Energy Audits is proud to serve families and builders across National Park, NJ and the surrounding local areas. We specialize in revealing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies through blower door and duct leakage test. Whether your project is new or existing, 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 with sealing all ducts and registers using duct mask tape on both the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we connect the duct tester to either the main HVAC unit or its primary return.

The ducts are then depressurized to a level of 25 Pascals. Once depressurized, the nanometer provides an accurate duct leakage reading.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in National Park, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently, stays compliant, and performs at peak levels with certified duct leakage test in National Park, 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 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 National Park, NJ with dependable and energy-efficient testing solutions.