Duct Leakage Test in Hi-Nella, NJ

Confirm your HVAC system’s efficiency and meet local inspection standards with professional duct leakage test in Hi-Nella, NJ. Our certified technicians inspect and measure air leakage in ductwork, enabling homeowners and builders to boost comfort, prevent energy waste, and adhere to state guidelines.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Hi-Nella, 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 result in significant implications for home builders and HVAC contractors doing business in the state. A Duct Leakage Test paired with a Blower Door Test is now expected for newly constructed and remodeled homes in accordance with the 2015 code requirements. Did you know that ductwork is a major cause of air leakage in homes across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can push your energy bills higher, pressure your HVAC system, and spread dust and insulation inside your house. 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 begin performing a duct leakage test in Hi-Nella, NJ, your technician closes off all supply and return registers except the main return or air handler system. A calibrated duct blaster fan is then mounted to the opening. This fan creates negative pressure inside the ducts, making air leakage locations easier to find.

The duct blaster uses its precision pressure sensor partner to measure airflow and uncover duct leaks without causing any home disruption. A duct leakage test — sometimes called a duct blaster test — reveals where your ducts are losing air so you can determine the most effective sealing solutions.

duct leakage test is straightforward, clean, and designed to be non-intrusive for residents. Most tests in Hi-Nella, NJ take around 30 to 60 minutes, but the efficiency and comfort improvements can last for many years.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is evaluated in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned space inside the home. Your technician uses a nanometer to detect small pressure differences, which indicate how much air is leaking through the ducts. Understanding this number helps you identify problem areas, evaluate potential improvements, and determine whether your home meets local energy code requirements in Hi-Nella, 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, many homes lose as much as 20% to 30% of conditioned air through duct leaks. Hot or cold outside air creeping into your system forces the HVAC to work inefficiently, increasing energy spending and reducing comfort.

Overworked equipment also heightens the chance of system failures and expensive repairs. Proper duct sealing helps protect and extend the long-term lifespan of your HVAC system, minimizing the need for repeated maintenance.

Duct leaks can also let dust, mold spores, moisture, and other pollutants enter the duct system. This can irritate allergies, harm the air quality inside, and cause expensive hidden structural damage as time goes on.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC calls for new homes to include duct systems that are completely sealed using efficient materials such as mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what about leaks that occur deep behind walls or ceilings out of sight?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) can access interior duct leaks that are difficult to reach manually. To apply this method, every vent is sealed aside from one access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is connected to the ducts. 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 effective at treating small to medium leaks. However, big openings may still need to be addressed with manual mastic-and-tape sealing. Technicians carry out a duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to assess how much leakage has improved and ensure the treatment was effective.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most common point where ducts leak air is along the joints. Ductwork is made from multiple metal pieces pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these connections are rarely completely airtight.

As your HVAC system regulates temperatures through the seasons, the ducts expand when heated and contract when cooled. Over time, this movement weakens joint connections, producing gaps and leaks — making duct leakage test essential for both new and older homes in Hi-Nella, NJ.

Many energy auditors look for duct leakage by running their hands along the ducts and using a small tool to measure the width of gaps at the joints. If your duct system hasn’t been sealed with mastic and approved tape, there is a strong likelihood that leakage is happening.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system should stay under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler attached, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without it. For new construction, no home can receive an occupancy certificate without first passing a duct leakage test.

If your home in Hi-Nella, NJ falls short in a duct leakage test, you are probably paying extra for heating and cooling — and placing lasting pressure on your HVAC equipment. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is fundamental not only for code adherence but for boosting your home’s long-term efficiency and comfort.

Your technician will also give expert suggestions on correcting leakage issues, allowing you to pass the test, lower utility expenses, and improve your home’s overall efficiency.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Hi-Nella, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly helps clients across Hi-Nella, NJ and surrounding communities. We specialize in testing for duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door and duct leakage methods. Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading your 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 with the technician sealing all ducts and registers using duct mask tape across the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we attach our duct tester to the system’s unit or to the main 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 Hi-Nella, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system delivers maximum efficiency, full compliance, and top performance through professional duct leakage test in Hi-Nella, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for improved comfort or a contractor preparing for a final inspection, our certified team provides fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and supply on-site support to help you pass your test, curb energy waste, and maintain your HVAC system’s long-term performance.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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