Duct Leakage Test in Asbury Park, NJ

Ensure proper HVAC performance and code compliance by scheduling professional duct leakage test in Asbury Park, 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 Asbury Park, NJ

Numerous states and municipalities rely on the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code for single-family properties and apply the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code to multi-family properties. The change will carry significant implications for home builders and HVAC contractors serving communities in the state. A Duct Leakage Test as well as the required Blower Door Test must now be performed on new or remodeled homes following the 2015 regulations. Did you know that ductwork often causes some of the highest levels of air leakage in homes throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can boost your energy bills, overload your HVAC system, and send dust and insulation particles throughout your home. This makes duct leakage test valuable for new and existing homes alike. Read on to learn why duct leakage test is important and how it can help you.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To begin performing a duct leakage test in Asbury Park, NJ, your technician closes off all supply and return registers except the main return or air handler system. A specially calibrated fan known as a duct blaster is then put in place at the opening. It depressurizes the ductwork so escaping air can be accurately identified.

The duct blaster teams up with a precision pressure sensor to measure airflow accurately and locate duct leaks without affecting your home. A duct leakage test — often described as a duct blaster test — identifies leaking areas in your ducts so you can determine the most efficient sealing fix.

duct leakage test is straightforward, clean, and designed to be non-intrusive for residents. Most tests in Asbury Park, NJ take between 30 and 60 minutes, and the improvements they deliver can elevate comfort and efficiency for years ahead.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is recorded in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of the conditioned portion of the home. Your technician uses a nanometer to capture subtle pressure changes, allowing accurate measurement of duct air leakage. Understanding this number gives you insight into problem areas, helps you plan improvements, and ensures your home meets local energy code requirements in Asbury Park, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re struggling with expensive utility bills, inconsistent indoor temperatures, or continual HVAC problems, duct leakage might be the culprit. According to ENERGY STAR, many homes lose as much as 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 puts extra stress on the system, resulting in breakdowns and increased repair costs. 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 let dust, mold spores, moisture, and other pollutants enter the duct system. This can escalate allergies, lower the overall air quality indoors, and lead to costly damage behind walls or ceilings over time.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC requires newly built homes to install fully sealed duct systems using advanced materials like mastic, foil tape, and quality 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 the technique, all vents are sealed except a single access opening. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is hooked into the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and sends out a fine aerosol mist that seals tiny openings traditional sealing cannot reach.

This method is ideal for small to medium leaks. However, any large openings will still need manual sealing 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 source of duct air leakage is the joints. Ductwork uses many metal pieces pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these joining points are rarely airtight.

As your HVAC system moves through annual heating and cooling cycles, the ductwork expands and then contracts. Over time, this movement weakens joint connections, producing gaps and leaks — making duct leakage test essential for both new and older homes in Asbury Park, NJ.

Many energy auditors investigate duct leakage by running their hands over the ducts and using a small tool to determine the width of joint gaps. If your duct system has not received sealing with mastic and approved tape, leakage is very probable.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system has to measure below 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without the air handler. For new construction, a passing duct leakage test is essential before the home can qualify for an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Asbury Park, NJ does not pass its duct leakage inspection, you’re likely paying higher heating and cooling bills — and stressing your HVAC system over time. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is indispensable not only for compliance purposes but for ensuring strong comfort and energy savings.

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 Asbury Park, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly helps clients across Asbury Park, NJ and surrounding communities. We specialize in identifying and addressing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re constructing a new home or optimizing an existing 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.

The Duct Leakage Test Steps Explained

A duct leakage test begins by securing duct mask tape over every duct and register on the supply and return sides.

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

The ducts are then brought down to 25 Pascals of pressure. With the ducts depressurized, the nanometer can be used to read the leakage level.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Asbury Park, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system remains efficient, code-compliant, and functioning optimally with skilled duct leakage test in Asbury Park, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner enhancing energy comfort or a contractor wrapping up the inspection process, our certified team offers fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and provide on-site guidance to help you pass your test, cut energy waste, and safeguard the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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