Duct Leakage Test in Lederach, PA

Maintain top HVAC efficiency and stay aligned with local energy codes using trusted duct leakage test in Lederach, PA. Our certified technicians discover and measure air leaks in ductwork so homeowners and builders can achieve better comfort, cut down on energy waste, and meet state compliance needs.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Lederach, PA

States and municipalities have put in place the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code for single-family projects and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for multi-family projects. The change will introduce meaningful implications for home builders and HVAC contractors active in the state. A Duct Leakage Test along with the required Blower Door Test must now be conducted on any newly built or remodeled home as per the 2015 regulations. Did you know that improperly sealed ducts account for a major portion of air leakage in homes across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can increase your energy costs, overwork your HVAC system, and distribute insulation particles and dust around your home. This makes duct leakage test a key step for new and older homes alike. Read ahead to see why duct leakage test is needed and what advantages it offers.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To get started with a duct leakage test in Lederach, PA, the technician will block every supply and return register except the main return or air handler. 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 teams up with a precision pressure sensor to measure airflow accurately and locate duct leaks without affecting your home. 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 quick, low-impact, and does not disturb residents. Most tests in Lederach, PA are performed within 30 to 60 minutes, and the positive impact on comfort and efficiency can remain for years.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is quantified in cubic feet per minute (CFM) for each 100 square feet of conditioned living space. 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 identify concerns, evaluate upgrade opportunities, and determine whether your home fulfills local energy code requirements in Lederach, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re facing higher energy bills, uneven heating or cooling, or recurring HVAC repairs, duct leakage could be to blame. According to ENERGY STAR, homes with leaky ducts routinely lose 20% to 30% of conditioned air. Outside air that’s too hot or too cold entering your system strains your HVAC, resulting in higher energy consumption and less comfort.

Overworked equipment also accelerates wear and tear, resulting in more breakdowns and costly repairs. Proper duct sealing helps ensure the long-term stability of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and reducing future maintenance work.

Duct leaks can also enable dust, mold spores, elevated moisture, and unwanted contaminants to infiltrate 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 states that new homes must have duct systems sealed completely with energy-efficient products such as mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what about leaks located deep within walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) allows technicians to seal leaks located inside inaccessible parts of ductwork. To set up this method, all vents are sealed off except for a single access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is fitted 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 extremely effective for sealing small to medium leaks. However, big gaps may still need manual sealing using mastic and tape. Technicians administer a duct leakage test prior to and following aerosol sealing to measure leakage changes and ensure the method was successful.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most usual area for air leakage in ducts is at the joints. Ductwork includes various metal pieces pressed together using tight fittings and metal bands, but these connections are hardly ever airtight.

As your HVAC system operates in varying temperatures across the year, the ducts undergo expansion and contraction. Over time, this movement causes joints to lose their seal, creating gaps and leaks — making a duct leakage test valuable for any home in Lederach, PA, whether new or old.

Many energy auditors check for leaks by feeling along the ductwork and using a small tool to gauge the size of gaps between joints. If your duct system has not received sealing with mastic and approved tape, leakage is very probable.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system has to be under 4 CFM per 100 square feet when the air handler is in place, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without it installed. For new construction, passing a duct leakage test is required before a home can receive an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Lederach, PA fails duct leakage test, you are probably spending unnecessarily on heating and cooling — and placing ongoing stress on your HVAC equipment. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is indispensable not only for compliance purposes but for ensuring strong comfort and energy savings.

Your technician will also provide professional insights on resolving leakage issues so you can achieve a passing score, lower your utility costs, and optimize home performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Lederach, PA

Local Energy Audits proudly provides service to homeowners and builders throughout Lederach, PA and the surrounding region. 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 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 all ducts and registers being sealed using duct mask tape on the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we hook the duct tester to the HVAC unit or a main return.

The ducts are then placed under 25 Pascals of negative pressure. With the ducts depressurized, we obtain the leakage reading using the nanometer.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Lederach, PA

Ensure your HVAC system stays efficient, compliant, and operating at peak performance with expert duct leakage test in Lederach, PA. Whether you’re a homeowner improving home comfort or a contractor finishing required inspections, our certified team delivers fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and supply on-site guidance to help you pass your test, reduce energy loss, and maintain the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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