Duct Leakage Test in Merion Station, PA

Verify your HVAC system’s efficiency and meet local requirements with reliable duct leakage test in Merion Station, PA. Our certified technicians measure and identify ductwork air leaks, assisting homeowners and builders in boosting comfort, limiting energy waste, and maintaining state compliance.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Merion Station, PA

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 generate several impactful implications for home builders and HVAC contractors operating statewide. A Duct Leakage Test and the mandated Blower Door Test apply to all new or renovated homes under the 2015 regulations. Did you know that ductwork is a major cause of air leakage in homes across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can drive up your utility costs, tax your HVAC equipment, and circulate insulation debris and dust throughout 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.

888 213-3975

What Our Clients Say

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To prepare for a duct leakage test in Merion Station, PA, the technician seals every supply and return register, leaving only the main return or air handler unsealed. 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 joins forces with a precision pressure sensor to monitor airflow and pinpoint leak points in the ducts without disturbing 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 fast, tidy, and causes no disruption for residents. Most tests in Merion Station, PA 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 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 enables you to recognize problem areas, consider efficiency improvements, and verify that your home meets local energy code requirements in Merion Station, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re dealing with rising utility bills, inconsistent room temperatures, or repeated HVAC issues, duct leakage could be the reason. According to ENERGY STAR, many homes lose as much as 20% to 30% of conditioned air through duct leaks. 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 leads to more breakdowns and costly repairs. 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 allow dust, mold spores, moisture buildup, and multiple contaminants to enter the duct system. 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 sets a requirement that all new homes feature ducts sealed completely with modern materials like mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what happens when leaks are trapped deep inside wall or ceiling cavities?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) helps seal hard-to-find openings within the duct system. 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 applies a fine aerosol sealant that fills tiny openings where standard sealing cannot reach.

This method works efficiently for small to medium leaks. However, larger gaps usually require manual sealing using mastic and tape. Technicians carry out leakage testing prior to and after aerosol sealing to observe the reduction and ensure treatment success.

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 shifts between hot and cold cycles all year long, the ductwork expands and contracts. 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 Merion Station, PA.

Many energy auditors look for duct leakage by running their hands along the ducts and using a small tool to measure the width of gaps at the joints. 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 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 Merion Station, PA fails its duct leakage test, you are likely facing inflated heating and cooling costs — along with increased strain on your HVAC system. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is essential not only for following building code, but for keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient.

Your technician will also offer professional recommendations to tackle leakage issues so you can secure a passing score, reduce utility costs, and strengthen home performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Merion Station, PA

Local Energy Audits is proud to work with customers in Merion Station, PA and all nearby areas. We specialize in identifying duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re building a new home or improving an existing one, we’re here to help.
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 by sealing all the ducts and registers with duct mask tape on both the supply and return side.

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

The ducts are then depressurized to 25 Pascals. At that point, the nanometer allows us to get an accurate duct leakage measurement.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Merion Station, PA

Ensure your HVAC system functions efficiently, adheres to codes, and stays in top condition through reliable duct leakage test in Merion Station, PA. Whether you’re a homeowner aiming for better comfort or a contractor completing final approval, our certified team ensures fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and deliver on-site help to ensure you pass your test, lower energy waste, and maintain your HVAC system’s long-term reliability.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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