Duct Leakage Test in Dover, NJ

Improve HVAC performance and ensure energy code compliance with dependable duct leakage test in Dover, NJ. Our certified technicians pinpoint and measure ductwork air leaks, helping homeowners and builders boost comfort, cut energy waste, and meet state compliance standards.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Dover, NJ

Across many states and municipalities, the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code applies to single-family homes, while the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code governs multi-family buildings. The change will result in significant implications for home builders and HVAC contractors doing business 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 utility expenses, overburden your HVAC system, and push insulation material and dust through every area of your home. This makes duct leakage test necessary for homes of any age. Keep reading to discover why duct leakage test is so important and the advantages it offers.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To commence a duct leakage test in Dover, NJ, your technician will seal every supply and return register except the primary return or air handler. A duct blaster — a specially calibrated fan — is then connected to the opening. It depressurizes the duct system to expose areas where air is leaking.

The duct blaster, working hand in hand with a precision pressure sensor, measures airflow and identifies leaks in the ductwork without impacting 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 quick, clean, and non-intrusive for residents. Most tests in Dover, NJ take only 30 to 60 minutes, yet the comfort and efficiency gains can last for years.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is determined in cubic feet per minute (CFM) for every 100 square feet of conditioned interior space. Your technician uses a nanometer to measure tiny pressure changes, revealing how much air is escaping 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 Dover, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you observe rising utility costs, temperature swings in different rooms, or regular HVAC breakdowns, duct leakage may be involved. According to ENERGY STAR, duct leakage causes homeowners to lose 20%–30% of their conditioned air on average. Hot or cold outdoor air infiltrating your system makes your HVAC system work overtime, which boosts energy costs and reduces comfort.

Overworked equipment also causes additional breakdowns and increases repair costs. 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 draw in dust, mold spores, unwanted moisture, and other harmful contaminants. This can aggravate allergies, lower indoor air quality, and eventually lead to costly structural damage hidden behind walls or ceilings.

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 happens when air leaks are concealed deep in the walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) is used to address openings concealed inside duct systems. To begin this method, every vent is sealed except for one access opening. The HVAC unit is isolated, and a machine is installed onto the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and emits a fine aerosolized sealant designed to fill small leaks unreachable with standard sealing.

This method works best for small to medium leaks. However, large openings usually require traditional manual sealing using mastic and tape. Technicians administer a duct leakage test prior to and following aerosol sealing to measure leakage changes and ensure the method was successful.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most common spot where air escapes in duct systems is the joints. Ductwork features several metal pieces pressed together using tight fittings and metal bands, though these areas are seldom airtight.

As your HVAC system regulates temperatures through the seasons, the ducts expand when heated and contract when cooled. Over time, this movement compromises the joints, forming gaps and leaks — which is exactly why duct leakage test is encouraged for new and older homes in Dover, NJ.

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 does not include sealing with mastic and approved tape, leakage is highly likely.

What Is an Acceptable Amount of Duct Leakage per Energy Code?

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system must read under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without the air handler. For new construction, an occupancy certificate cannot be issued unless the home passes a duct leakage test.

If your home in Dover, 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 important not just for compliance, but for safeguarding your home’s comfort and long-term energy efficiency.

Your technician will also provide expert recommendations on how to address leakage issues so you can achieve a passing score, lower your utility bills, and improve your home’s overall performance.

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

Local Energy Audits proudly provides solutions to customers throughout Dover, NJ and surrounding regions. We specialize in pinpointing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re constructing a new house or upgrading your current one, we’re here for you.
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 position the duct tester on the HVAC unit or on a primary return.

The ducts are then placed under 25 Pascals of negative pressure. With the ducts depressurized, we obtain the leakage reading using the nanometer.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Dover, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system remains efficient, code-compliant, and functioning optimally with skilled duct leakage test in Dover, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner wanting better comfort or a contractor reaching the final inspection stage, our certified team provides fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and provide on-site assistance to help you pass your test, cut down on energy waste, and extend the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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