Duct Leakage Test in Audubon borough, NJ

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To perform a duct leakage test in Audubon borough, NJ, the technician begins by sealing every supply and return register except for the primary return or air handler unit. 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 — sometimes identified as a duct blaster test — shows where your ducts lose air, helping you plan the right sealing approach.

duct leakage test is straightforward, clean, and designed to be non-intrusive for residents. Most tests in Audubon borough, 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 tracked in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned living area. Your technician uses a nanometer to read small pressure variations, helping determine the volume of air escaping through the ducts. Understanding this number helps you detect inefficiencies, assess needed upgrades, and ensure your home complies with local energy code requirements in Audubon borough, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re seeing higher energy bills, irregular heating or cooling, or frequent HVAC malfunctions, duct leakage may be at fault. According to ENERGY STAR, most homes lose 20% to 30% of their conditioned air through leaking ductwork. Outside air that’s too hot or too cold entering your system strains your HVAC, resulting in higher energy consumption and less comfort.

Overworked equipment also causes additional breakdowns and increases 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 draw in dust, mold spores, unwanted moisture, and other harmful contaminants. This can worsen allergy conditions, affect indoor air quality, and result in costly damage forming behind walls or ceilings over time.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC ensures that new homes are built with duct systems sealed entirely using efficient materials such as mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what if the leaks you’re dealing with are deep inside the walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) gives technicians a way to reach concealed duct leaks without opening walls or ceilings. 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 distributes a fine aerosolized sealant that seals small openings traditional methods cannot reach.

This method is very effective for minor to moderate leaks. However, substantial openings may still need traditional sealing with mastic and tape. 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 typical location for air to escape from ducts is at the joints. Duct systems are built from multiple metal pieces pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these joints are seldom completely airtight.

As your HVAC system cycles through heating and cooling each year, the ducts naturally expand and contract. Over time, this movement makes the joints loosen, forming gaps and leaks — meaning a duct leakage test is advised for both new and older homes in Audubon borough, NJ.

Many energy auditors assess duct leakage by touching the ductwork and using a small tool to check the width of gaps where joints connect. If your duct system was not sealed with mastic and approved tape, there’s a high likelihood that air is leaking.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system must remain below 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet if the air handler is missing. For new construction, an occupancy certificate cannot be issued unless the home passes a duct leakage test.

If your home in Audubon borough, NJ doesn’t pass a duct leakage test, chances are you’re paying more for heating and cooling — and adding long-term stress to your HVAC equipment. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is critical not just for code compliance, but also for defending your home’s comfort and energy performance.

Your technician will also recommend effective ways to fix leakage issues so you can earn a passing score, save on utilities, and improve home performance.

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

Local Energy Audits proudly helps clients across Audubon borough, NJ and surrounding communities. 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.