Duct Leakage Test in Monroe township (Camden), NJ

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To begin the process of a duct leakage test in Monroe township (Camden), NJ, your technician seals off all supply and return registers apart from the main return or air handler. A duct blaster, designed as a calibrated testing fan, is then attached to the duct system. Its purpose is to depressurize the ducts and uncover leak points.

The duct blaster system, along with a precision pressure sensor, measures airflow and highlights leaks in the ductwork without inconveniencing you at home. A duct leakage test — sometimes called a duct blaster test — reveals where your ducts are losing air so you can determine the most effective sealing solutions.

duct leakage test is rapid, clean, and performed without inconvenience to residents. Most tests in Monroe township (Camden), NJ take 30 to 60 minutes to complete, and the benefits to comfort and efficiency can endure 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 pick up minor pressure shifts that indicate the level of air leakage within the ducts. Understanding this number helps you identify problem areas, evaluate potential improvements, and determine whether your home meets local energy code requirements in Monroe township (Camden), NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If your energy bills are unusually high, your rooms feel unevenly heated or cooled, or your HVAC system needs frequent repairs, duct leakage could be the issue. According to ENERGY STAR, most households lose 20% to 30% of their heated or cooled air because of duct leaks. If outdoor hot or cold air infiltrates your system, your HVAC struggles to maintain temperatures, raising energy costs and lowering 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 create openings for dust, mold spores, moisture, and various contaminants to enter the duct system. This can trigger more severe allergies, diminish indoor air quality, and create expensive structural problems behind walls or ceilings over time.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC requires all newly constructed homes to have fully sealed ductwork with modern, energy-saving 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) provides a way to seal concealed openings inside the duct system. To apply this method, every vent is sealed aside from one access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is connected to the ducts. It pressurizes the ducts and distributes an ultra-fine aerosol sealant to fill small gaps and holes that manual sealing methods can’t access.

This method handles small to medium leaks very effectively. However, large openings may still require traditional mastic and tape sealing. Technicians test the ducts for leakage before and after aerosol sealing to determine the reduction level and verify success.

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 provides heating and cooling year-round, the ducts repeatedly expand and contract. Over time, this movement leads the joints to loosen, resulting in gaps and leaks — making a duct leakage test important for new and older homes in Monroe township (Camden), NJ.

Many energy auditors examine duct leakage by touching the ducts and using a small tool to measure the gap width between joints. If your duct system lacks sealing with mastic and approved tape, there is a strong chance that leakage is present.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system must read under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without the air handler. For new construction, a passing duct leakage test is essential before the home can qualify for an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Monroe township (Camden), NJ does not pass a duct leakage test, you are likely paying more than necessary for heating and cooling — and placing long-term strain on your HVAC equipment. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is key not only for staying code-compliant but for maintaining energy efficiency and consistent comfort in your home.

Your technician will also recommend effective ways to fix leakage issues so you can earn a passing score, save on utilities, and improve home performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Monroe township (Camden), NJ

Local Energy Audits is proud to assist customers across Monroe township (Camden), NJ and its surrounding communities. We specialize in testing for duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door and duct leakage methods. Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading your 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.