Duct Leakage Test in Eagleville, PA

Ensure long-term HVAC performance and code compliance with expert duct leakage test in Eagleville, PA. Our certified technicians identify and measure air leaks in ductwork to help homeowners and builders improve comfort, reduce energy waste, and achieve compliance with state requirements.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Eagleville, PA

In most states and municipalities, the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code is required for single-family homes, while the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code is required for multi-family homes. The change will create considerable implications for home builders and HVAC contractors carrying out projects in the state. A Duct Leakage Test plus the required Blower Door Test are now necessary for newly built or remodeled homes in line with the 2015 regulations. Did you know that ductwork often causes some of the highest levels of air leakage in homes throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can push your energy bills higher, pressure your HVAC system, and spread dust and insulation inside your house. 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.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To initiate testing, your technician will seal all supply and return registers except for the main return or air handler during a duct leakage test in Eagleville, PA. 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 uses its precision pressure sensor partner to measure airflow and uncover duct leaks without causing any home disruption. 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 swift, clean, and carried out with no disturbance to residents. Most tests in Eagleville, PA take around 30 to 60 minutes, but the efficiency and comfort improvements can last for many years.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is specified in cubic feet per minute (CFM) for each 100 square feet of conditioned space. Your technician uses a nanometer to detect small pressure differences, which indicate how much air is leaking 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 Eagleville, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re experiencing spikes in utility bills, uncomfortable temperature variations, or ongoing HVAC repair needs, duct leakage may be to blame. According to ENERGY STAR, typical duct systems lose 20% to 30% of conditioned air through leaks. Hot or cold outdoor air infiltrating your system makes your HVAC system work overtime, which boosts energy costs and reduces comfort.

Overworked equipment also leads to recurring breakdowns and higher repair expenses. Proper duct sealing helps safeguard the long-term reliability of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and reducing how often maintenance is needed.

Duct leaks can also cause dust, mold spores, and excess moisture — along with other contaminants — to infiltrate the duct system. This can heighten allergy issues, compromise indoor air quality, and slowly cause expensive structural damage behind walls or ceilings.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC requires newly built homes to install fully sealed duct systems using advanced materials like mastic, foil tape, and quality insulation. But what do you do about leaks that sit deep within walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) is designed to reach and seal hidden gaps throughout the duct system. To start this method, all vents are blocked except for one access location. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is attached to the ducts. It pressurizes the ducts and circulates a fine aerosolized sealant that locates and fills tiny leaks beyond the reach of typical sealing.

This method is extremely effective for sealing small to medium leaks. However, big gaps may still need manual sealing using mastic and tape. Technicians conduct duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to see how much the leakage dropped and ensure the treatment worked properly.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most typical location for air to escape from ducts is at the joints. Duct systems are built from multiple metal pieces pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these joints are seldom completely airtight.

As your HVAC system delivers heat and cooling across different seasons, the ducts constantly expand and contract. 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 Eagleville, PA.

Many energy auditors detect leaks by checking the duct surfaces by hand and using a small tool to measure joint gap width. 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 stay under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler attached, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without it. For new construction, passing a duct leakage test is required before a home can receive an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Eagleville, PA doesn’t receive a passing duct leakage result, you are likely overpaying for heating and cooling — and putting significant long-term strain on your HVAC setup. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is required not only for code approval but for keeping your home efficient and comfortable.

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 Eagleville, PA

Local Energy Audits proudly helps clients across Eagleville, PA and surrounding communities. We specialize in identifying and addressing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re constructing a new home or optimizing an existing one, 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 with the technician sealing all ducts and registers using duct mask tape across the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we connect the duct tester to the unit or to 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 Eagleville, PA

Ensure your HVAC system functions efficiently, adheres to codes, and stays in top condition through reliable duct leakage test in Eagleville, PA. 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 offer on-site guidance to help you pass your test, reduce energy waste, and protect the long-term health of your HVAC system.

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