Duct Leakage Test in Fort Lee borough, NJ

Improve HVAC performance and ensure energy code compliance with dependable duct leakage test in Fort Lee borough, NJ. Our certified technicians test and measure ductwork air leaks, helping homeowners and builders improve overall comfort, reduce wasted energy, and comply with state mandates.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Fort Lee borough, NJ

Across different states and municipalities, the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code regulates single-family structures, and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code is used for multi-family structures. The change will set in motion important implications for home builders and HVAC contractors who operate in the state. A Duct Leakage Test along with a Blower Door Test is now required for any newly constructed or remodeled home as outlined in 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 raise your energy bills, strain your HVAC system, and spread insulation and dust throughout your home. This makes duct leakage test critical for both modern and older homes. Continue reading to explore why duct leakage test is important and how you benefit from it.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To begin the process of a duct leakage test in Fort Lee borough, NJ, your technician seals off all supply and return registers apart from the main return or air handler. 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 teams up with a precision pressure sensor to measure airflow accurately and locate duct leaks without affecting your home. A duct leakage test — also called a duct blaster test — locates the points where duct air escapes, helping you implement the right sealing solution.

duct leakage test is efficient, mess-free, and completely non-intrusive for residents. Most tests in Fort Lee borough, NJ finish within 30 to 60 minutes, and the benefits to your home’s comfort and efficiency can last for years.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of the home’s conditioned area. Your technician uses a nanometer to monitor tiny pressure fluctuations that indicate how much air is leaking 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 Fort Lee borough, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re struggling with expensive utility bills, inconsistent indoor temperatures, or continual HVAC problems, duct leakage might be the culprit. According to ENERGY STAR, a large portion of homes lose between 20% and 30% of conditioned air due to leaky ducts. Hot or cold outdoor air infiltrating your system makes your HVAC system work overtime, which boosts energy costs and reduces comfort.

Overworked equipment also brings more system failures and higher repair expenses. Proper duct sealing helps sustain your HVAC system’s long-term condition, increasing its operational lifespan and decreasing maintenance requirements.

Duct leaks can also let in dust, mold spores, added moisture, and other harmful contaminants. This can make allergies more severe, reduce the quality of indoor air, and produce costly structural harm behind walls or ceilings as time progresses.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC requires new homes to have fully sealed duct systems using modern, energy-efficient materials such as mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what about leaks that lie far within enclosed wall or ceiling spaces?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) can access interior duct leaks that are difficult to reach manually. To use this method, technicians seal all vents except one access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is hooked up to the duct system. 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 handles small to medium leaks very effectively. However, large openings may still require traditional mastic and tape sealing. 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 frequent source of duct air leakage is the joints. Ductwork uses many metal pieces pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these joining points 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 loosens the joints, causing gaps and leaks — which is why both new and older homes in Fort Lee borough, NJ should consider a duct leakage test.

Many energy auditors assess duct leakage by touching the ductwork and using a small tool to check the width of gaps where joints connect. 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 needs to measure under 4 CFM per 100 square feet when the air handler is included, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet when it is not. For new construction, passing a duct leakage test is required before a home can receive an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Fort Lee borough, 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 required not only for code approval but for keeping your home efficient and comfortable.

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 Fort Lee borough, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly offers services throughout Fort Lee borough, NJ and neighboring areas. We specialize in locating duct leakage and energy inefficiencies with our blower door and duct leakage tests. Whether it’s a new build or an existing home, 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 by closing off every duct and register with duct mask tape across both the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we connect the duct tester either to the HVAC unit itself or a central return.

The ducts are then depressurized to 25 Pascals. With the ducts at this pressure, we can use the nanometer to measure the duct leakage.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Fort Lee borough, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system reaches optimal efficiency, satisfies code standards, and performs smoothly with expert duct leakage test in Fort Lee borough, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner optimizing comfort or a contractor completing mandatory inspections, our certified team ensures fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and provide hands-on guidance to help you pass your test, reduce wasted energy, and ensure the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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