Duct Leakage Test in Egg Harbor, NJ

Guarantee your HVAC system runs efficiently and adheres to local requirements with quality duct leakage test in Egg Harbor, NJ. Our certified technicians find and measure ductwork air leaks, allowing homeowners and builders to improve indoor comfort, reduce energy waste, and satisfy state standards.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Egg Harbor, NJ

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 impose meaningful implications on home builders and HVAC contractors working regionally within 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 duct systems contribute heavily to air leakage in homes throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can drive up energy bills, put extra stress on your HVAC system, and circulate dust and insulation throughout your living space. This makes duct leakage test crucial for new and old homes alike. Keep reading to learn why duct leakage test is important and how you can benefit from them.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To perform a duct leakage test in Egg Harbor, NJ, the technician begins by sealing every supply and return register except for the primary return or air handler unit. A duct blaster — a precision-calibrated fan — is then fitted to the duct opening. By depressurizing the system, it makes all air leaks much easier to detect.

The duct blaster pairs with a precision pressure sensor to measure airflow and identify leak locations in the ducts without disrupting your home. A duct leakage test — sometimes known as a duct blaster test — shows exactly where your ducts are leaking air so you can apply the right sealing fixes.

duct leakage test is easy, clean, and unobtrusive for residents in the home. Most tests in Egg Harbor, NJ are completed in just 30 to 60 minutes, while the benefits to comfort and efficiency can last long-term.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is defined in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned space within the structure. Your technician uses a nanometer to identify pressure differences, which provide a clear picture of how much air is leaking from the ductwork. Understanding this number allows you to highlight problem zones, explore improvement possibilities, and confirm compliance with local energy code requirements in Egg Harbor, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If your energy bills are unusually high, your rooms feel unevenly heated or cooled, or your HVAC system needs frequent repairs, duct leakage could be the issue. According to ENERGY STAR, many homes lose as much as 20% to 30% of conditioned air through duct leaks. 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 keep your HVAC system healthy over the long run, prolonging its lifespan and lowering continued maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also introduce dust, mold spores, excess humidity, and other contaminants into the duct system. 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 requires newly built homes to install fully sealed duct systems using advanced materials like mastic, foil tape, and quality insulation. But what if leaks are concealed deep inside the structure of your walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) helps target hard-to-reach openings deep within ducts. 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 sprays a fine mist of sealant that fills tiny leaks and holes beyond the reach of conventional sealing.

This method works very well for small to medium leaks. However, larger openings may still need to be sealed manually with mastic and tape. Technicians carry out a duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to assess how much leakage has improved and ensure the treatment was effective.

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 changes between heating and cooling during the year, the ducts naturally expand and shrink. Over time, this movement makes the joints loosen, forming gaps and leaks — meaning a duct leakage test is advised for both new and older homes in Egg Harbor, NJ.

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 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 needs to be under 4 CFM per 100 square feet when the air handler is installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet when it isn’t. For new construction, the home must pass a duct leakage test before qualifying for an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Egg Harbor, NJ doesn’t achieve a passing duct leakage score, you’re likely overspending on heating and cooling — and putting extended strain on your HVAC unit. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is necessary not only for meeting code standards but also for ensuring strong energy efficiency and indoor 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 Egg Harbor, NJ

Local Energy Audits is proud to serve customers across Egg Harbor, NJ and the nearby communities. We specialize in detecting duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door and duct leakage test. Whether you’re building new or enhancing your current home, we’re here to support you.
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 by covering all ducts and registers with duct mask tape on both the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we attach the duct tester directly to the unit or to one primary return.

The ducts are then brought down to 25 Pascals of pressure. With the ducts depressurized, the nanometer can be used to read the leakage level.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Egg Harbor, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system functions efficiently, adheres to codes, and stays in top condition through reliable duct leakage test in Egg Harbor, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner focused on comfort or a contractor closing out an inspection, our certified team provides fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and offer direct on-site guidance to help you pass your test, lower energy waste, and protect your HVAC system’s long-term health.

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