Duct Leakage Test in Lindewold borough, NJ

Enhance your HVAC system’s efficiency and satisfy energy regulations through precise duct leakage test in Lindewold borough, NJ. Our certified technicians evaluate and measure air leaks in duct systems, helping homeowners and builders enhance comfort, decrease energy loss, and comply with state rules.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Lindewold borough, 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 create several important implications for home builders and HVAC contractors operating within the state. A Duct Leakage Test alongside a Blower Door Test must now be completed in newly constructed or remodeled homes to meet the 2015 regulatory standards. Did you know that ductwork is a major cause of air leakage in homes across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can increase monthly energy costs, stress your HVAC system, and scatter dust and insulation across your living areas. This makes duct leakage test an important requirement for homes regardless of age. Keep reading to understand why duct leakage test is necessary and how it can help you.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To begin the process of a duct leakage test in Lindewold borough, NJ, your technician seals off all supply and return registers apart from the main return or air handler. A duct blaster fan, carefully calibrated for accuracy, is then attached to the duct opening. It depressurizes the ductwork, allowing leaks to become more noticeable.

The duct blaster pairs with a precision pressure sensor to measure airflow and identify leak locations in the ducts without disrupting 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 fast, tidy, and causes no disruption for residents. Most tests in Lindewold borough, 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 rated in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of the home’s conditioned zone. Your technician uses a nanometer to measure tiny pressure changes, revealing how much air is escaping through the ducts. Understanding this number allows you to highlight problem zones, explore improvement possibilities, and confirm compliance with local energy code requirements in Lindewold borough, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re dealing with rising utility bills, inconsistent room temperatures, or repeated HVAC issues, duct leakage could be the reason. According to ENERGY STAR, the typical home loses between 20% and 30% of its conditioned air due to duct leaks. Outside hot or cold air leaking into your system puts extra strain on your HVAC unit, raising energy bills and decreasing comfort.

Overworked equipment also produces more frequent issues that require costly repairs. Proper duct sealing helps keep your HVAC system healthy over the long run, prolonging its lifespan and lowering continued maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also allow dust, mold spores, excess moisture, and other contaminants into the duct system. This can negatively influence allergies, weaken indoor air quality, and lead to expensive long-term damage behind walls or ceilings.

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 happens when air leaks are concealed deep in the walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) makes it possible to seal leaks found deep within the ductwork. To implement this method, every vent is covered except one access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is connected to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and releases a fine aerosolized sealant that fills small gaps and holes that traditional sealing methods cannot reach.

This method excels at sealing small to medium leaks. However, bigger holes often must be sealed manually with mastic and tape. Technicians use a duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to evaluate how much leakage has been lowered and verify the results.

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 transitions between warm and cool air throughout the year, the ducts expand and contract. Over time, this movement causes the joints to loosen, creating gaps and leaks — which is why a duct leakage test is recommended for both new and older homes in Lindewold borough, 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 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 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, the duct leakage test must be passed prior to the home being approved for an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Lindewold borough, 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 give professional advice on resolving leakage issues to help you achieve a passing score, cut down utility bills, and boost your home’s performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Lindewold borough, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly covers Lindewold borough, NJ and all nearby towns. We specialize in locating duct leakage and energy inefficiencies with our blower door and duct leakage tests. Whether it’s a new build or an existing home, 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 sealing each duct and register using duct mask tape on the supply and return sides.

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

The ducts are then brought to a depressurized pressure of 25 Pascals. Once depressurized, we use the nanometer for a leakage reading.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Lindewold borough, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system achieves strong efficiency, full compliance, and dependable operation with precise duct leakage test in Lindewold borough, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner boosting comfort or a contractor finalizing an inspection, our certified team delivers fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and provide hands-on guidance to help you pass your test, reduce wasted energy, and ensure the long-term health of your HVAC system.

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