Duct Leakage Test in Neptune, NJ

Make sure your HVAC system is performing efficiently and meeting local standards with thorough duct leakage test in Neptune, NJ. Our certified technicians find and measure ductwork air leaks, allowing homeowners and builders to improve indoor comfort, reduce energy waste, and satisfy state standards.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Neptune, NJ

Across the country, states and municipalities enforce the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code for single-family buildings and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for multi-family buildings. The change will lead to several key implications for home builders and HVAC contractors working across the state. A Duct Leakage Test and a Blower Door Test are now mandatory for newly built or renovated homes under the 2015 regulations. Did you know that ducts are a significant source of air leakage in residential properties across 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 initiate testing, your technician will seal all supply and return registers except for the main return or air handler during a duct leakage test in Neptune, NJ. 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 uses a precision pressure sensor to monitor airflow and pinpoint leaks throughout the ductwork without interrupting your home environment. A duct leakage test — also called a duct blaster test — locates the points where duct air escapes, helping you implement the right sealing solution.

duct leakage test is fast, tidy, and causes no disruption for residents. Most tests in Neptune, NJ are done in about 30 to 60 minutes, and the resulting enhancements can support your home’s comfort and efficiency for many years.

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 identify subtle pressure differences, helping determine how much air is leaking from the ducts. Understanding this number helps you uncover weak points, analyze opportunities for upgrades, and check whether your home follows local energy code requirements in Neptune, NJ.

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, many homes lose as much as 20% to 30% of conditioned air through duct leaks. 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 keep your HVAC system healthy over the long run, prolonging its lifespan and lowering continued maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also introduce dust, mold spores, moisture, and additional contaminants into the duct system. This can worsen allergy conditions, affect indoor air quality, and result in costly damage forming behind walls or ceilings over time.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC ensures that new homes are built with duct systems sealed entirely using 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 designed to reach and seal hidden gaps throughout the duct system. To use this method, technicians seal all vents except one access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is hooked up to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and sprays a fine mist of sealant that fills tiny leaks and holes beyond the reach of conventional sealing.

This method is great for handling small to medium leaks. However, larger holes often require manual sealing with 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 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 warms and cools over the seasons, the ductwork expands and then contracts. Over time, this movement causes the joints to loosen, creating gaps and leaks — which is why a duct leakage test is recommended for both new and older homes in Neptune, NJ.

Many energy auditors detect duct leakage by physically checking the ducts and using a small tool to assess the width of joint gaps. If your duct system is missing mastic and approved tape sealing, there’s a significant chance that air leakage is happening.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system must measure under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler in place, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet if the air handler is not installed. For new construction, passing a duct leakage test is required before a home can receive an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Neptune, NJ doesn’t pass a duct leakage test, chances are you’re paying more for heating and cooling — and adding long-term stress to your HVAC equipment. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is essential not only for code compliance but also for protecting your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.

Your technician will also provide expert insights into correcting leakage issues so you can meet passing standards, lower your utility expenses, and improve overall home performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Neptune, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly offers services throughout Neptune, NJ and neighboring areas. 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 the technician sealing all ducts and registers using duct mask tape across the supply and return sides.

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

The ducts are then taken down to 25 Pascals. With the ducts depressurized, the nanometer is used to determine the leakage level.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Neptune, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system maintains top efficiency, remains compliant, and delivers strong performance with dependable duct leakage test in Neptune, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking better comfort or a contractor wrapping up a final inspection, our certified team delivers 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 Neptune, NJ with dependable and energy-efficient testing solutions.