Duct Leakage Test in Berkeley Heights, NJ

Confirm your HVAC system’s efficiency and meet local inspection standards with professional duct leakage test in Berkeley Heights, NJ. Our certified technicians identify and quantify air leaks in duct systems so homeowners and builders can optimize comfort, reduce energy waste, and meet state-level requirements.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Berkeley Heights, NJ

Various states and municipalities have adopted the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code for single-family houses, along with the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for multi-family units. The change will result in several substantial implications for home builders and HVAC contractors engaged in work across the state. A Duct Leakage Test along with a Blower Door Test is now required for any newly constructed or remodeled home as outlined in the 2015 regulations. Did you know that leaking ducts are a widespread cause of air loss in homes across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can increase your energy costs, overwork your HVAC system, and distribute insulation particles and dust around your home. This makes duct leakage test necessary for homeowners with either older or newly built homes. Read ahead to see why duct leakage test is important and what you gain from it.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To get started with a duct leakage test in Berkeley Heights, NJ, the technician will block every supply and return register except the main return or air handler. A duct blaster fan, carefully calibrated for accuracy, is then attached to the duct opening. It depressurizes the ductwork, allowing leaks to become more noticeable.

The duct blaster system, along with a precision pressure sensor, measures airflow and highlights leaks in the ductwork without inconveniencing you at home. A duct leakage test — sometimes labeled as a duct blaster test — finds where your ducts are leaking air so you can decide on the best sealing strategy.

duct leakage test is simple, clean, and minimally invasive for residents. Most tests in Berkeley Heights, NJ are performed within 30 to 60 minutes, and the positive impact on comfort and efficiency can remain for 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 relies on a nanometer to read slight pressure variations that show the amount of air leaking through the duct system. Understanding this number helps you identify problem areas, evaluate potential improvements, and determine whether your home meets local energy code requirements in Berkeley Heights, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If elevated utility bills, shifting temperatures, or repeated HVAC issues occur in your home, duct leakage may be the factor behind them. According to ENERGY STAR, the typical home loses between 20% and 30% of its conditioned air due to duct leaks. Hot or cold outdoor air infiltrating your system makes your HVAC system work overtime, which boosts energy costs and reduces comfort.

Overworked equipment also leads to recurring breakdowns and higher repair expenses. 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 make allergies more severe, reduce the quality of indoor air, and produce costly structural harm behind walls or ceilings as time progresses.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC specifies that newly constructed homes must use fully sealed duct systems with modern, efficient 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) makes it possible to seal leaks found deep within the ductwork. To implement this method, every vent is covered except 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 handles small to medium leaks very effectively. However, large openings may still require traditional mastic and tape sealing. Technicians test the ducts for leakage before and after aerosol sealing to determine the reduction level and verify success.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most common point where ducts leak air is along the joints. Ductwork is made from multiple metal pieces pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these connections are rarely completely airtight.

As your HVAC system heats and cools during seasonal changes, 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 Berkeley Heights, NJ.

Many energy auditors check duct leakage by feeling around the ducts and using a small tool to test the width of gaps between joints. If your duct system isn’t sealed with mastic and approved tape, there’s a good chance that leaks are occurring.

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, passing the duct leakage test is a necessary step before securing an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Berkeley Heights, NJ cannot pass a duct leakage test, you are likely wasting money on heating and cooling — and causing long-term wear on your HVAC system. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is crucial not only for passing code but also for maintaining your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort.

Your technician will also provide expert insights into correcting leakage issues so you can meet passing standards, lower your utility expenses, and improve overall home performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Berkeley Heights, NJ

Local Energy Audits is proud to serve families and builders across Berkeley Heights, NJ and the surrounding local areas. We specialize in testing for duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door and duct leakage methods. Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading your home, we’re here to assist.
If you’d like to schedule 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 sealing all the ducts and registers with duct mask tape on both the supply and return side.

After the registers are sealed, we mount the duct tester onto the unit or onto a main return.

The ducts are then set to a depressurized pressure of 25 Pascals. Once there, we use the nanometer to capture the leakage reading.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Berkeley Heights, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system delivers maximum efficiency, full compliance, and top performance through professional duct leakage test in Berkeley Heights, 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 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 Berkeley Heights, NJ with dependable and energy-efficient testing solutions.