Duct Leakage Test in Pine Beach borough, NJ

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To start a duct leakage test in Pine Beach borough, NJ, the technician will close and seal every supply and return register except the main return or air handler. A duct blaster, which is a specially calibrated fan, is then installed at the opening. The fan depressurizes the ducts, helping identify all points where air may be escaping.

The duct blaster works in sync with a precision pressure sensor to assess airflow and find duct leaks without disturbing your living space. 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 quick, neat, and intentionally non-intrusive for anyone living in the home. Most tests in Pine Beach borough, NJ take 30 to 60 minutes to complete, and the benefits to comfort and efficiency can endure for years.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of the home’s conditioned area. 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 Pine Beach borough, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re encountering increased energy bills, temperature inconsistencies, or constant HVAC repairs, duct leakage could be the source. According to ENERGY STAR, homes across the country lose 20% to 30% of their conditioned air through duct leakage. If hot or cold air from outdoors enters your system, your HVAC works harder than necessary, causing energy costs to rise and comfort to fall.

Overworked equipment also produces more frequent issues that require costly 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 permit dust, mold spores, extra moisture, and other airborne contaminants into 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 requires all newly constructed homes to have fully sealed ductwork with modern, energy-saving materials such as mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what if the leaks are buried far inside your walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) is one way to reach hidden openings inside ductwork. 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 circulates a fine aerosolized sealant that locates and fills tiny leaks beyond the reach of typical sealing.

This method is extremely effective for sealing small to medium leaks. However, big gaps may still need manual sealing using 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 gradually loosens the joints, creating leaks and gaps — highlighting the importance of duct leakage test in both new and older homes in Pine Beach borough, NJ.

Many energy auditors test for duct leakage by feeling along the ducts and using a small tool to gauge how wide the gaps are 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 needs to measure under 4 CFM per 100 square feet when the air handler is included, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet when it is not. For new construction, a passing duct leakage test is a required step before final occupancy certification can be awarded.

If your home in Pine Beach borough, NJ fails duct leakage test, you are probably spending unnecessarily on heating and cooling — and placing ongoing stress 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 share expert solutions for tackling leakage problems so you can pass the test, cut down utility expenses, and improve overall comfort and efficiency.

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

Local Energy Audits proudly covers Pine Beach borough, NJ and all nearby towns. We specialize in diagnosing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies through blower door and duct leakage test. Whether your home is new or existing, we’re ready to help.
If you’d like to book a test, call us during business hours or contact us online to request an appointment.