Duct Leakage Test in Clementon, NJ

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To conduct a proper duct leakage test in Clementon, NJ, your technician first seals all supply and return registers except the main return or air handler. 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 and its precision pressure sensor work together to measure airflow and detect duct leaks without causing any disruption in your home. 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 Clementon, NJ are completed within 30 to 60 minutes, and the improvements can benefit your home’s comfort and efficiency for years.

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 identify pressure differences, which provide a clear picture of how much air is leaking from the ductwork. Understanding this number enables you to recognize problem areas, consider efficiency improvements, and verify that your home meets local energy code requirements in Clementon, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If high utility expenses, irregular temperatures, or repeated HVAC troubles sound familiar, duct leakage might be the root cause. According to ENERGY STAR, the typical home loses between 20% and 30% of its conditioned air due to duct leaks. When hot or cold outside air enters your system, your HVAC has to work harder, increasing energy costs and lowering overall comfort.

Overworked equipment also triggers more mechanical failures and costly service calls. Proper duct sealing helps support your HVAC system’s long-term operation, increasing its lifespan and lowering frequent maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also enable dust, mold spores, elevated moisture, and unwanted contaminants to infiltrate 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 enforces that new homes incorporate fully sealed ducts made with modern, energy-efficient materials including mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what happens when leaks are hidden deep inside walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) enables effective sealing of leaks hidden inside ducts. To carry out this method, every vent is sealed except a single access point. The HVAC system is separated, and a machine is attached to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and distributes a fine aerosolized sealant that seals small openings traditional methods 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 conduct duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to see how much the leakage dropped and ensure the treatment worked properly.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most typical place where ducts leak air is at their joints. Ductwork is built from multiple metal sections pressed tightly with fittings and metal bands, yet these joints are rarely airtight.

As your HVAC system cycles through heating and cooling each year, the ducts naturally expand and contract. Over time, this movement gradually loosens the joints, creating leaks and gaps — highlighting the importance of duct leakage test in both new and older homes in Clementon, NJ.

Many energy auditors examine duct leakage by touching the ducts and using a small tool to measure the gap width between joints. 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 is required to measure under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet when it isn’t installed. For new construction, a passing duct leakage test is a required step before final occupancy certification can be awarded.

If your home in Clementon, NJ doesn’t achieve a passing duct leakage score, you’re likely overspending on heating and cooling — and putting extended strain on your HVAC unit. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is key not only for staying code-compliant but for maintaining energy efficiency and consistent comfort in your home.

Your technician will also offer professional recommendations to tackle leakage issues so you can secure a passing score, reduce utility costs, and strengthen home performance.

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

Local Energy Audits proudly delivers services across Clementon, NJ and the surrounding neighborhoods. 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 schedule a test, call us during business hours or contact us online to request an appointment.