Duct Leakage Test in Darby, PA

Ensure proper HVAC performance and code compliance by scheduling professional duct leakage test in Darby, PA. Our certified technicians inspect and measure air leakage in ductwork, enabling homeowners and builders to boost comfort, prevent energy waste, and adhere to state guidelines.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Darby, PA

States and municipalities now follow the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code for single-family residences, as well as the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for multi-family structures. The change will lead to several key implications for home builders and HVAC contractors working across 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 increase your energy costs, overwork your HVAC system, and distribute insulation particles and dust around your home. This makes duct leakage test beneficial for all homes, new or old. Keep reading to find out why duct leakage test is essential and how it can improve your home.

888 213-3975

What Our Clients Say

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To prepare for a duct leakage test in Darby, PA, the technician seals every supply and return register, leaving only the main return or air handler unsealed. A specially calibrated device known as a duct blaster is then attached to the duct opening. Its purpose is to depressurize the system so that escaping air can be detected.

The duct blaster, aided by a precision pressure sensor, accurately measures airflow and reveals duct leaks without interrupting activities in your home. A duct leakage test — widely known as a duct blaster test — pinpoints air leakage in your ducts so you can choose the best sealing methods.

duct leakage test is swift, clean, and carried out with no disturbance to residents. Most tests in Darby, PA take 30 to 60 minutes to complete, and the benefits to comfort and efficiency can endure for years.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned space. Your technician uses a nanometer to measure tiny pressure changes, revealing how much air is escaping through the ducts. Understanding this number helps you reveal problem areas, consider enhancement strategies, and validate that your home meets local energy code requirements in Darby, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you notice high energy costs, hot and cold spots, or ongoing HVAC repairs, duct leakage might be the underlying problem. According to ENERGY STAR, the average household loses 20%–30% of conditioned air because of leaking ducts. If outdoor hot or cold air infiltrates your system, your HVAC struggles to maintain temperatures, raising energy costs and lowering comfort.

Overworked equipment also contributes to repeated breakdowns and pricey repairs. Proper duct sealing helps improve the long-term health of your HVAC system, boosting longevity and reducing ongoing maintenance requirements.

Duct leaks can also create openings for dust, mold spores, moisture, and various contaminants to enter the duct system. 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 instructs that new homes incorporate fully sealed duct systems using high-efficiency materials, including 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) enables effective sealing of leaks hidden inside ducts. To initiate this method, technicians seal every vent except one access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is connected to the ductwork. It pressurizes the ducts and injects a fine aerosolized sealant that targets small holes and gaps unreachable by traditional sealing methods.

This method works best for small to medium leaks. However, large openings usually require traditional manual sealing using mastic and tape. Technicians run a duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to quantify the reduction in leakage and verify the success of the process.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most likely place for ducts to leak air is through their joints. Ductwork involves multiple metal pieces pressed together with secure fittings and metal bands, yet these connections are rarely perfectly airtight.

As your HVAC system operates in varying temperatures across the year, the ducts undergo expansion and contraction. Over time, this movement leads the joints to loosen, resulting in gaps and leaks — making a duct leakage test important for new and older homes in Darby, PA.

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 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 show under 4 CFM per 100 square feet if the air handler is installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet if it is not. For new construction, obtaining an occupancy certificate requires passing a duct leakage test first.

If your home in Darby, PA 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 fundamental not only for code adherence but for boosting your home’s long-term efficiency and comfort.

Your technician will also offer specialized recommendations to repair leakage issues so you can meet passing requirements, reduce utility bills, and improve your home’s performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Darby, PA

Local Energy Audits proudly works with clients throughout Darby, PA and nearby locations. 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 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 by sealing all the ducts and registers with duct mask tape on both the supply and return side.

After the registers are sealed, we attach our duct tester to the system’s unit or to the main return.

The ducts are then depressurized to exactly 25 Pascals. Once this is achieved, the nanometer is used to read the duct leakage.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Darby, PA

Ensure your HVAC system maximizes efficiency, meets required standards, and performs consistently with thorough duct leakage test in Darby, PA. Whether you’re a homeowner increasing comfort or a contractor completing a necessary inspection, our certified team offers fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and offer on-site expertise to help you pass your test, reduce unnecessary energy loss, and protect your HVAC system over the long term.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

Serving homeowners, builders, and contractors across Darby, PA with dependable and energy-efficient testing solutions.