Duct Leakage Test in Bay Head, NJ

Protect system efficiency and meet local building codes by choosing certified duct leakage test in Bay Head, 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 Bay Head, NJ

Across many states and municipalities, the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code applies to single-family homes, while the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code governs multi-family buildings. The change will set in motion important implications for home builders and HVAC contractors who operate 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 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 an important requirement for homes regardless of age. Keep reading to understand why duct leakage test is necessary and how it can help you.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To kick off a duct leakage test in Bay Head, NJ, your technician will block all supply and return registers while keeping the main return or air handler accessible. A specially calibrated duct blaster fan is then secured to the opening. Its job is to depressurize the duct system, allowing air leaks to reveal themselves clearly.

The duct blaster pairs with a precision pressure sensor to measure airflow and identify leak locations in the ducts without disrupting your home. A duct leakage test — also known as a duct blaster test — pinpoints where air is escaping from your ducts, helping you choose the best sealing methods.

duct leakage test is straightforward, clean, and designed to be non-intrusive for residents. Most tests in Bay Head, NJ are completed in roughly 30 to 60 minutes, and the resulting enhancements can support your home’s comfort and efficiency long-term.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is measured using cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned floor area. Your technician uses a nanometer to evaluate small pressure shifts that signal air escaping through the ducts. Understanding this number helps you recognize where issues exist, plan meaningful improvements, and check your home against local energy code requirements in Bay Head, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If your home suffers from costly utility bills, uneven comfort levels, or persistent HVAC repairs, duct leakage may be contributing. According to ENERGY STAR, many homes lose as much as 20% to 30% of conditioned air through duct leaks. Hot or cold outside air leaking in makes your HVAC system work more than it should, driving up energy costs and diminishing comfort.

Overworked equipment also accelerates wear and tear, resulting in more breakdowns and costly repairs. Proper duct sealing helps safeguard the long-term reliability of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and reducing how often maintenance is needed.

Duct leaks can also allow dust, mold spores, excess moisture, and other 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 requires that all new homes feature fully sealed duct systems utilizing updated, energy-efficient materials like mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what about leaks that lie far within enclosed wall or ceiling spaces?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) is used to address openings concealed inside duct systems. To carry out this method, every vent is sealed except a single access point. The HVAC system is separated, and a machine is attached 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 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 leakage testing prior to and after aerosol sealing to observe the reduction and ensure treatment success.

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 changes between heating and cooling during the year, the ducts naturally expand and shrink. 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 Bay Head, NJ.

Many energy auditors verify duct leakage by feeling around the ducts and using a small tool to assess the opening size at the joints. If your duct system does not include sealing with mastic and approved tape, leakage is highly likely.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system is required to measure under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet when it isn’t installed. For new construction, builders must ensure the home passes a duct leakage test before an occupancy certificate is granted.

If your home in Bay Head, 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 required not only for code approval but for keeping your home efficient and comfortable.

Your technician will also provide skilled recommendations to resolve leakage problems so you can reach a passing score, decrease energy costs, and improve home performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Bay Head, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly serves customers throughout Bay Head, NJ and surrounding areas. We specialize in detecting duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door and duct leakage test. Whether you’re building new or enhancing your current home, we’re here to support you.
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 all ducts and registers being sealed using duct mask tape on the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we hook the duct tester to the HVAC unit or a 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 Bay Head, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system is efficient, compliant, and performing at its best with professional duct leakage test in Bay Head, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner boosting comfort or a contractor finalizing an inspection, our certified team delivers fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and supply on-site guidance to help you pass your test, reduce energy loss, and maintain the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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