Duct Leakage Test in Malvern, PA

Ensure proper HVAC performance and code compliance by scheduling professional duct leakage test in Malvern, PA. Our certified technicians identify and measure air leaks in ductwork to help homeowners and builders improve comfort, reduce energy waste, and achieve compliance with state requirements.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Malvern, PA

Many states and municipalities oversee single-family buildings under the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code and multi-family buildings under the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code. The change will lead to several key implications for home builders and HVAC contractors working across the state. A Duct Leakage Test in addition to a Blower Door Test is now required for new construction and remodeled homes under the 2015 rules. Did you know that duct systems can be major sources of air leakage in homes across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can elevate your energy bills, make your HVAC system work harder, and distribute insulation fibers and dust through your home. This makes duct leakage test valuable for new and existing homes alike. Read on to learn why duct leakage test is important and how it can help you.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To begin a duct leakage test in Malvern, PA, your technician will seal off all supply and return registers except for the main return or the air handler. A duct blaster fan, carefully calibrated for accuracy, is then attached to the duct opening. It depressurizes the ductwork, allowing leaks to become more noticeable.

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 — widely known as a duct blaster test — pinpoints air leakage in your ducts so you can choose the best sealing methods.

duct leakage test is quick, low-impact, and does not disturb residents. Most tests in Malvern, PA 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 tracked in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned living area. Your technician uses a nanometer to measure tiny pressure changes, revealing how much air is escaping through the ducts. Understanding this number allows you to highlight problem zones, explore improvement possibilities, and confirm compliance with local energy code requirements in Malvern, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re seeing higher energy bills, irregular heating or cooling, or frequent HVAC malfunctions, duct leakage may be at fault. According to ENERGY STAR, homes across the country lose 20% to 30% of their conditioned air through duct leakage. Hot or cold air entering from outside increases the workload on your HVAC system, leading to higher energy bills and a drop in comfort.

Overworked equipment also triggers more mechanical failures and costly service calls. Proper duct sealing helps strengthen the long-term function of your HVAC system, improving its lifespan and reducing ongoing maintenance costs.

Duct leaks can also introduce dust, mold spores, moisture, and additional contaminants into the duct system. This can heighten allergy issues, compromise indoor air quality, and slowly cause expensive structural damage behind walls or ceilings.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC requires new homes to use fully sealed duct systems crafted from up-to-date, efficient materials such as mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what if some leaks are hidden within the depths of your walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) can identify and seal leaks that lie deep inside ductwork. 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 sends out a fine aerosol mist that seals tiny openings traditional sealing cannot reach.

This method handles small to medium leaks very effectively. However, large openings may still require traditional mastic and tape sealing. Technicians conduct duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to see how much the leakage dropped and ensure the treatment worked properly.

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 heats and cools throughout the year, the ducts expand and contract. Over time, this movement causes the joints to loosen, opening gaps and leaks — making a duct leakage test beneficial for both new and older homes in Malvern, PA.

Many energy auditors locate duct leakage by touching the ductwork and using a small tool to measure the width of separation between joints. If your duct system wasn’t properly sealed using mastic and approved tape, air leakage is very likely occurring.

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, an occupancy certificate cannot be issued unless the home passes a duct leakage test.

If your home in Malvern, PA fails a duct leakage test, you are probably spending more than you should on heating and cooling — while also putting long-term stress on your HVAC system. 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 advise you on the best ways to address leakage issues so you can pass the test, reduce utility bills, and enhance your home’s efficiency.

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

Local Energy Audits is proud to assist customers across Malvern, PA and its surrounding communities. We specialize in locating and diagnosing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies through blower door and duct leakage tests. Whether your home is newly built or older, 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 with technicians sealing all ducts and registers using duct mask tape on 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 set to a depressurized pressure of 25 Pascals. Once there, we use the nanometer to capture the leakage reading.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Malvern, PA

Ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently, stays compliant, and performs at peak levels with certified duct leakage test in Malvern, PA. Whether you’re a homeowner improving comfort or a contractor completing a final inspection, our certified team provides 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 Malvern, PA with dependable and energy-efficient testing solutions.