Duct Leakage Test in Bridgeton, NJ

Ensure proper HVAC performance and code compliance by scheduling professional duct leakage test in Bridgeton, NJ. Our certified technicians find and measure ductwork air leaks, allowing homeowners and builders to improve indoor comfort, reduce energy waste, and satisfy state standards.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Bridgeton, NJ

Across different states and municipalities, the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code regulates single-family structures, and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code is used for multi-family structures. The change will set in motion important implications for home builders and HVAC contractors who operate in the state. A Duct Leakage Test plus a Blower Door Test are now compulsory in newly constructed or renovated homes according to the 2015 regulations. Did you know that improperly sealed ducts account for a major portion of air leakage in homes across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can spike your energy costs, wear down your HVAC system, and spread dust and insulation throughout various parts of your home. This makes duct leakage test vital for homes both old and newly built. Keep reading to find out why duct leakage test matters and what benefits it provides.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To begin a duct leakage test in Bridgeton, NJ, your technician will seal off all supply and return registers except for the main return or the air handler. A calibrated duct blaster fan is then mounted to the opening. This fan creates negative pressure inside the ducts, making air leakage locations easier to find.

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 — often known as a duct blaster test — exposes duct air loss, allowing you to apply the most effective sealing techniques.

duct leakage test is efficient, clean, and performed without bothering residents. Most tests in Bridgeton, NJ are completed in just 30 to 60 minutes, while the benefits to comfort and efficiency can last long-term.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of the home’s conditioned area. Your technician uses a nanometer to evaluate small pressure shifts that signal air escaping through the ducts. Understanding this number helps you detect issues, explore potential fixes, and determine if your home aligns with local energy code requirements in Bridgeton, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re encountering increased energy bills, temperature inconsistencies, or constant HVAC repairs, duct leakage could be the source. According to ENERGY STAR, the average household loses 20%–30% of conditioned air because of leaking ducts. If hot or cold air from outdoors enters your system, your HVAC works harder than necessary, causing energy costs to rise and comfort to fall.

Overworked equipment also leads to recurring breakdowns and higher repair expenses. Proper duct sealing helps preserve the long-term efficiency of your HVAC system, boosting its lifespan and cutting down on regular maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also draw in dust, mold spores, unwanted moisture, and other harmful contaminants. This can increase allergy discomfort, degrade indoor air quality, and eventually cause expensive structural issues behind walls or ceilings.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC states that new homes must have duct systems sealed completely with energy-efficient products such as mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what if the leaks are buried far inside your walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) enables effective sealing of leaks hidden inside ducts. To perform the process, technicians seal all vents but leave one access point open. 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 provides strong results for small and medium leaks. However, significant openings may still require mastic and tape by hand. 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 common leakage area in duct systems is the joints. Ductwork involves numerous metal parts pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these connections are almost never fully airtight.

As your HVAC system operates in varying temperatures across the year, the ducts undergo expansion and contraction. Over time, this movement causes the joints to loosen, opening gaps and leaks — making a duct leakage test beneficial for both new and older homes in Bridgeton, NJ.

Many energy auditors locate duct leakage by touching the ductwork and using a small tool to measure the width of separation between joints. If your duct system was never sealed using mastic and approved tape, there is a high probability that air leakage is present.

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, builders must ensure the home passes a duct leakage test before an occupancy certificate is granted.

If your home in Bridgeton, NJ does not meet the duct leakage requirement, you’re likely paying elevated heating and cooling costs — and overburdening your HVAC system. 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 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 Bridgeton, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly helps clients across Bridgeton, NJ and surrounding communities. We specialize in locating and diagnosing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies through blower door and duct leakage tests. Whether your home is newly built or older, we’re here to help.
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 applying duct mask tape to seal every duct and register on both the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we install the duct tester on the unit or on a main return.

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

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Bridgeton, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system achieves strong efficiency, full compliance, and dependable operation with precise duct leakage test in Bridgeton, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking better comfort or a contractor wrapping up a final inspection, our certified team delivers fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and provide hands-on guidance to help you pass your test, reduce wasted energy, and ensure the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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