Duct Leakage Test in Dover, DE

Ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently and meets local energy codes with professional duct leakage test in Dover, DE. Our certified technicians analyze and measure duct leaks to assist homeowners and builders in improving comfort, reducing energy waste, and fulfilling state requirements.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Dover, DE

In many jurisdictions, the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code governs single-family buildings, while the 2018 IECC applies to multi-family buildings. The change will create considerable implications for home builders and HVAC contractors carrying out projects in the state. A Duct Leakage Test as well as a Blower Door Test in newly constructed or remodeled homes is now required in accordance with the 2015 regulations. Did you know that ducts often contribute significantly to air leakage problems in homes throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can raise your energy bills, strain your HVAC system, and spread insulation and dust throughout your home. This makes duct leakage test highly important for homes of any age. Read on to learn why duct leakage test matters and the benefits you can gain.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To get started with a duct leakage test in Dover, DE, the technician will block every supply and return register except the main return or air handler. A calibrated duct blaster is then mounted to the opening. By depressurizing the duct system, it creates ideal conditions for detecting air leaks.

The duct blaster uses its precision pressure sensor partner to measure airflow and uncover duct leaks without causing any home disruption. 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 prompt, clean, and does not interrupt residents’ activities. Most tests in Dover, DE 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 calculated in cubic feet per minute (CFM) for every 100 square feet of conditioned space. Your technician uses a nanometer to read small pressure variations, helping determine the volume of air escaping through the ducts. Understanding this number enables you to recognize problem areas, consider efficiency improvements, and verify that your home meets local energy code requirements in Dover, DE.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re seeing higher energy bills, irregular heating or cooling, or frequent HVAC malfunctions, duct leakage may be at fault. According to ENERGY STAR, the average duct system loses between 20% and 30% of its conditioned air due to leaks. When outdoor temperatures enter your system, the HVAC must work harder to compensate, resulting in higher energy costs and reduced comfort.

Overworked equipment also accelerates wear and tear, resulting in more breakdowns and costly repairs. Proper duct sealing helps keep your HVAC system healthy over the long run, prolonging its lifespan and lowering continued 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 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 you’re dealing with are deep inside the walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) helps target hard-to-reach openings deep within ducts. To set up this method, all vents are sealed off except for a single access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is fitted to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and injects fine aerosol particles that seal tiny gaps and holes that typical sealing techniques miss.

This method is highly effective for small to medium leaks. However, large openings may still require manual sealing with 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 common place for ducts to leak air is through the joints. Ductwork is made of multiple metal pieces pressed together using tight fittings and metal bands, but these connections are rarely airtight.

As your HVAC system transitions between warm and cool air throughout the year, the ducts expand and contract. Over time, this movement makes joints shift and loosen, forming gaps and leaks — which is why a duct leakage test is advised for homes old and new in Dover, DE.

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 wasn’t properly sealed using mastic and approved tape, air leakage is very likely occurring.

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, a passing duct leakage test is a required step before final occupancy certification can be awarded.

If your home in Dover, DE cannot achieve a passing duct leakage score, you are likely wasting money on heating and cooling — and increasing wear on your HVAC system over time. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is essential not only for following building code, but for keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient.

Your technician will also provide expert strategies to address leakage concerns, helping you achieve a passing score, bring down utility bills, and boost home efficiency.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Dover, DE

Local Energy Audits proudly delivers services across Dover, DE and the surrounding neighborhoods. We specialize in identifying duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re building a new home or improving an existing one, we’re here to help.
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 ensuring all ducts and registers are sealed with duct mask tape on both 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 Dover, DE

Ensure your HVAC system remains energy-efficient, code-approved, and performing at its highest capacity with professional duct leakage test in Dover, DE. 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 deliver on-site help to ensure you pass your test, lower energy waste, and maintain your HVAC system’s long-term reliability.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

Serving homeowners, builders, and contractors across Dover, DE with dependable and energy-efficient testing solutions.