Duct Leakage Test in Voorhees township (Camden), NJ

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To set up a duct leakage test in Voorhees township (Camden), NJ, the technician begins by sealing all supply and return registers, leaving only the air handler or main return open. A duct blaster — a precision-calibrated fan — is then fitted to the duct opening. By depressurizing the system, it makes all air leaks much easier to detect.

The duct blaster works together with a precision pressure sensor to measure airflow and pinpoint leaks in the ductwork without disturbing your home. A duct leakage test — commonly called a duct blaster test — detects areas where your ducts lose air, helping you select the most efficient sealing solutions.

duct leakage test is fast, tidy, and causes no disruption for residents. Most tests in Voorhees township (Camden), NJ take just 30 to 60 minutes, and the resulting improvements can enhance your home’s comfort and efficiency long-term.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is assessed using cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned space. Your technician relies on a nanometer to read slight pressure variations that show the amount of air leaking through the duct system. Understanding this number allows you to pinpoint problem areas, assess needed improvements, and confirm whether your home satisfies local energy code requirements in Voorhees township (Camden), 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 majority of homes lose 20% to 30% of conditioned air through 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 ensure the long-term stability of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and reducing future maintenance work.

Duct leaks can also pull dust, mold spores, excess moisture, and various contaminants into the duct system. This can make allergies worse, impact indoor air quality, and result in costly structural damage behind walls or ceilings as time passes.

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 about leaks located deep within walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) is used to address openings concealed inside duct systems. To perform this method, all vents are sealed off except for one access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is connected to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and emits a fine aerosolized sealant designed to fill small leaks unreachable with standard sealing.

This method provides strong results for small and medium leaks. However, significant openings may still require mastic and tape by hand. Technicians administer a duct leakage test prior to and following aerosol sealing to measure leakage changes and ensure the method was successful.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most usual spot for duct air leakage is the joints. Ductwork is composed of various metal pieces pressed together using tight fittings and metal bands, but these seals are hardly ever fully airtight.

As your HVAC system operates in varying temperatures across the year, the ducts undergo expansion and contraction. 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 Voorhees township (Camden), 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 finished with mastic and approved tape, leaks are highly likely.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system must measure under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler in place, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet if the air handler is not 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 Voorhees township (Camden), 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 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 Voorhees township (Camden), NJ

Local Energy Audits is proud to assist customers across Voorhees township (Camden), NJ and its surrounding communities. We specialize in evaluating duct leakage and energy inefficiencies with blower door and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re developing a new home or enhancing an older one, 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.