Duct Leakage Test in Franklin township (Gloucester), NJ

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To prepare for a duct leakage test in Franklin township (Gloucester), NJ, the technician seals every supply and return register, leaving only the main return or air handler unsealed. 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 uses a precision pressure sensor to monitor airflow and pinpoint leaks throughout the ductwork without interrupting your home environment. A duct leakage test — often known as a duct blaster test — exposes duct air loss, allowing you to apply the most effective sealing techniques.

duct leakage test is rapid, clean, and performed without inconvenience to residents. Most tests in Franklin township (Gloucester), NJ are done within 30 to 60 minutes, with improvements that strengthen comfort and efficiency for years to come.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is monitored in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of the conditioned sections of the home. Your technician uses a nanometer to detect minimal pressure variations, revealing the amount of air leakage occurring in the duct system. Understanding this number allows you to highlight problem zones, explore improvement possibilities, and confirm compliance with local energy code requirements in Franklin township (Gloucester), NJ.

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, the typical home loses between 20% and 30% of its conditioned air due to duct leaks. Hot or cold outside air leaking in makes your HVAC system work more than it should, driving up energy costs and diminishing comfort.

Overworked equipment also leads to recurring breakdowns 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 pull in dust, mold spores, moisture, and numerous contaminants into the duct system. This can amplify allergy problems, impact air quality indoors, and slowly create costly structural damage behind walls or ceilings.

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 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 carry out the procedure, technicians seal off all vents except one access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is linked to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and emits a fine aerosol sealant that fills tiny gaps and holes that standard sealing methods can’t access.

This method is great for handling small to medium leaks. However, larger holes often require manual sealing with mastic and tape. Technicians use a duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to evaluate how much leakage has been lowered and verify the results.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most frequent point of air leakage in ductwork is the joints. Multiple metal parts are pressed together using tight fittings and metal bands, although these junctions are seldom airtight.

As your HVAC system changes between heating and cooling during the year, the ducts naturally expand and shrink. Over time, this movement weakens the joints, creating gaps and leaks — a key reason duct leakage test is recommended for new and older homes in Franklin township (Gloucester), NJ.

Many energy auditors test for duct leakage by feeling along the ducts and using a small tool to gauge how wide the gaps are at the joints. If your duct system isn’t sealed with mastic and approved tape, there’s a good chance that leaks are occurring.

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 the duct leakage test is a necessary step before securing an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Franklin township (Gloucester), NJ does not meet duct leakage standards, you are likely overpaying for heating and cooling — and adding unnecessary strain to your HVAC equipment. 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 Franklin township (Gloucester), NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly offers services throughout Franklin township (Gloucester), NJ and neighboring areas. We specialize in uncovering duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using both blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re starting a new build or improving a current 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.