Duct Leakage Test in Bound Brook, NJ

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To initiate a duct leakage test in Bound Brook, NJ, your technician seals all supply and return registers, leaving only the main return or air handler open. 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 functions with a precision pressure sensor to analyze airflow and spot leaks in the duct system without affecting your home’s comfort. A duct leakage test — sometimes called a duct blaster test — detects air loss in the duct system, allowing you to apply the most suitable sealing solutions.

duct leakage test is fast, tidy, and causes no disruption for residents. Most tests in Bound Brook, NJ are done within 30 to 60 minutes, with improvements that strengthen comfort and efficiency for years to come.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is evaluated in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned space inside the home. Your technician uses a nanometer to monitor tiny pressure fluctuations that indicate how much air is leaking through the ducts. Understanding this number allows you to identify concerns, evaluate upgrade opportunities, and determine whether your home fulfills local energy code requirements in Bound Brook, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If your energy bills are unusually high, your rooms feel unevenly heated or cooled, or your HVAC system needs frequent repairs, duct leakage could be the issue. According to ENERGY STAR, most households lose 20% to 30% of their heated or cooled air because of duct leaks. Air from outside—whether hot or cold—entering your system forces your HVAC to work harder, increasing utility bills and reducing indoor comfort.

Overworked equipment also leads to recurring breakdowns and higher repair expenses. Proper duct sealing helps maintain the long-term health of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and reducing ongoing maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also introduce dust, mold spores, excess humidity, and other contaminants into the duct system. This can worsen allergies, reduce indoor air quality, and even cause expensive structural damage behind walls or ceilings over time.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC enforces that new homes incorporate fully sealed ducts made with modern, energy-efficient materials including mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what if leaks are concealed deep inside the structure of your walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) helps seal hard-to-find openings within the duct system. 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 releases a fine sealant mist that finds and fills small holes that traditional sealing methods cannot access.

This method works best for small to medium leaks. However, large openings usually require traditional manual sealing using mastic and tape. Technicians run leakage tests both before and after aerosol sealing to gauge how much air loss decreased and confirm proper results.

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 Bound Brook, NJ.

Many energy auditors evaluate duct leakage by feeling around the duct system and using a small tool to check the size of joint gaps. 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 should measure under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without the air handler installed. For new construction, obtaining an occupancy certificate requires passing a duct leakage test first.

If your home in Bound Brook, NJ doesn’t pass its duct leakage evaluation, you’re likely paying more for temperature control — and contributing to long-term HVAC strain. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is vital not only for satisfying code rules but also for preserving 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 Bound Brook, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly helps clients across Bound Brook, NJ and surrounding communities. 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 schedule a test, call us during business hours or contact us online to request an appointment.