Duct Leakage Test in Morton, PA

Guarantee your HVAC system runs efficiently and adheres to local requirements with quality duct leakage test in Morton, PA. Our certified technicians test and measure ductwork air leaks, helping homeowners and builders improve overall comfort, reduce wasted energy, and comply with state mandates.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Morton, 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 result in significant implications for home builders and HVAC contractors doing business in 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 contribute heavily to air leakage in homes throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can raise utility expenses, overburden your HVAC system, and push insulation material and dust through every area of 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 start a duct leakage test in Morton, PA, the technician will close and seal every supply and return register except the main return or 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 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 known as a duct blaster test — shows exactly where your ducts are leaking air so you can apply the right sealing fixes.

duct leakage test is fast, debris-free, and completely resident-friendly. Most tests in Morton, PA are wrapped up in 30 to 60 minutes, with improvements that continue to boost comfort and efficiency for years.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is recorded in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of the conditioned portion of the home. Your technician uses a nanometer to sense slight pressure changes, showing precisely how much air is escaping through the ductwork. Understanding this number helps you detect issues, explore potential fixes, and determine if your home aligns with local energy code requirements in Morton, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re struggling with expensive utility bills, inconsistent indoor temperatures, or continual HVAC problems, duct leakage might be the culprit. According to ENERGY STAR, most homes lose 20% to 30% of their conditioned air through leaking ductwork. Hot or cold outside air creeping into your system forces the HVAC to work inefficiently, increasing energy spending and reducing comfort.

Overworked equipment also leads to more breakdowns and costly repairs. Proper duct sealing helps preserve the long-term efficiency of your HVAC system, boosting its lifespan and cutting down on regular maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also cause dust, mold spores, and excess moisture — along with other contaminants — to infiltrate the duct system. This can increase allergy discomfort, degrade indoor air quality, and eventually cause expensive structural issues 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) is an effective solution for reaching hidden ductwork leaks. 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 injects a fine aerosolized sealant that targets small holes and gaps unreachable by traditional sealing methods.

This method is very effective for minor to moderate leaks. However, substantial openings may still need traditional sealing with mastic and tape. Technicians conduct a duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to measure how much the leakage has been reduced and ensure the treatment is successful.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most typical place for ducts to lose air is at the joints. Ductwork consists of different metal sections pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, yet these joints are not usually airtight.

As your HVAC system changes between heating and cooling during the year, the ducts naturally expand and shrink. 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 Morton, PA.

Many energy auditors look for leaks by feeling the ducts and using a small tool to evaluate how wide the gaps at the joints are. If your duct system does not include sealing with mastic and approved tape, leakage is highly likely.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system must show under 4 CFM per 100 square feet if the air handler is installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet if it is not. For new construction, the home must pass a duct leakage test before qualifying for an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Morton, 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 vital not only for satisfying code rules but also for preserving your home’s comfort and energy performance.

Your technician will also give informed guidance on addressing leakage problems, enabling you to pass the test, reduce energy bills, and enhance your home’s performance.

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

Local Energy Audits proudly serves customers throughout Morton, PA and surrounding areas. We specialize in diagnosing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies through blower door and duct leakage test. Whether your home is new or existing, we’re ready 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 with all ducts and registers being sealed 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 depressurized to 25 Pascals. With the ducts at this pressure, we can use the nanometer to measure the duct leakage.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Morton, PA

Ensure your HVAC system is operating efficiently, compliant with code, and performing optimally with high-quality duct leakage test in Morton, PA. Whether you’re a homeowner focused on comfort or a contractor closing out an inspection, our certified team provides fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and give on-site support to help you pass your test, limit wasted energy, and strengthen the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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