Duct Leakage Test in East Greenville, PA

Guarantee your HVAC system runs efficiently and adheres to local requirements with quality duct leakage test in East Greenville, PA. 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 East Greenville, PA

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 present notable implications for home builders and HVAC contractors active throughout the state. A Duct Leakage Test and a required Blower Door Test are now part of the compliance process for new construction and remodeled homes under the 2015 regulations. Did you know that ducts are a significant source of air leakage in residential properties across 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 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 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 East Greenville, PA. A specially calibrated duct blaster fan is then connected to the opening. This fan depressurizes the ducts to help locate where air is escaping.

The duct blaster uses a precision pressure sensor to monitor airflow and pinpoint leaks throughout the ductwork without interrupting your home environment. A duct leakage test — frequently called a duct blaster test — reveals air escape points in your ducts, guiding you toward the best sealing options.

duct leakage test is fast, clean, and comfortable for residents throughout the process. Most tests in East Greenville, 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 rated in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of the home’s conditioned zone. Your technician uses a nanometer to measure tiny pressure changes, revealing how much air is escaping through the ducts. Understanding this number lets you identify inefficiencies, weigh improvement options, and confirm your home’s compliance with local energy code requirements in East Greenville, PA.

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, the average household loses 20%–30% of conditioned air because of leaking ducts. Outside hot or cold air leaking into your system puts extra strain on your HVAC unit, raising energy bills and decreasing comfort.

Overworked equipment also leads to more breakdowns and costly repairs. Proper duct sealing helps maintain the long-term health of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and reducing ongoing maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also allow dust, mold spores, excess moisture, and other contaminants into the duct system. This can worsen allergies, reduce indoor air quality, and even cause expensive structural damage behind walls or ceilings over time.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC sets a requirement that all new homes feature ducts sealed completely with modern materials like mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what if leaks are concealed deep inside the structure of your walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) offers a method to access hidden leaks deep within ductwork. To execute this method, all vents are sealed shut except a single access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is attached to the duct network. It pressurizes the ducts and circulates a fine aerosolized sealant that locates and fills tiny leaks beyond the reach of typical sealing.

This method excels at sealing small to medium leaks. However, bigger holes often must be sealed manually with mastic and tape. Technicians complete a duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to track leakage reduction and confirm the treatment’s success.

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 operates in varying temperatures across the year, the ducts undergo expansion and contraction. Over time, this movement causes the joints to loosen, creating gaps and leaks — which is why a duct leakage test is recommended for both new and older homes in East Greenville, PA.

Many energy auditors check duct leakage by feeling around the ducts and using a small tool to test the width of gaps between joints. If your duct system hasn’t been sealed with mastic and approved tape, there is a strong likelihood that leakage is happening.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system must measure under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler in place, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet if the air handler is not installed. For new construction, a duct leakage test must be passed before any home is eligible to receive an occupancy certificate.

If your home in East Greenville, PA is unable to pass a duct leakage test, you are probably spending too much on heating and cooling — while your HVAC equipment endures long-term stress. 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 East Greenville, PA

Local Energy Audits is proud to assist customers across East Greenville, PA and its surrounding communities. 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 with duct mask tape being placed on all ducts and registers on both the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we mount the duct tester onto the unit or onto a main return.

The ducts are then depressurized to a Pascal of 25. With the ducts depressurized we can use the nanometer to get a reading of the duct leakage.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in East Greenville, PA

Ensure your HVAC system is efficient, compliant, and performing at its best with professional duct leakage test in East Greenville, 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 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 East Greenville, PA with dependable and energy-efficient testing solutions.