Duct Leakage Test in North Brunswick, NJ

Enhance your HVAC system’s efficiency and satisfy energy regulations through precise duct leakage test in North Brunswick, NJ. 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 North Brunswick, NJ

States and municipalities have standardized around the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code for single-family builds and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for multi-family builds. The change will present notable implications for home builders and HVAC contractors active throughout the state. A Duct Leakage Test paired with a Blower Door Test is now expected for newly constructed and remodeled homes in accordance with the 2015 code requirements. Did you know that ducts are one of the primary sources of air leakage in homes throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can lead to rising energy bills, added strain on your HVAC system, and unwanted insulation and dust spreading 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 performing a duct leakage test in North Brunswick, NJ, your technician closes off all supply and return registers except the main return or air handler system. A duct blaster — a specially calibrated fan — is then connected to the opening. It depressurizes the duct system to expose areas where air is leaking.

The duct blaster, combined with a precision pressure sensor, measures airflow and detects leaks in the duct system without causing any disturbance in your home. A duct leakage test — often referred to as a duct blaster test — identifies air loss in your ducts, allowing you to find the most effective ways to seal them.

duct leakage test is quick, clean, and non-intrusive for residents. Most tests in North Brunswick, NJ finish within 30 to 60 minutes, and the benefits to your home’s comfort and efficiency can last 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 detect pressure variations, helping quantify the amount of duct leakage. Understanding this number allows you to pinpoint problem areas, assess needed improvements, and confirm whether your home satisfies local energy code requirements in North Brunswick, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re facing higher energy bills, uneven heating or cooling, or recurring HVAC repairs, duct leakage could be to blame. According to ENERGY STAR, leaking ducts cause the average home to lose 20%–30% of conditioned air. Outside air that’s too hot or too cold entering your system strains your HVAC, resulting in higher energy consumption and less comfort.

Overworked equipment also results in more frequent breakdowns and expensive repair bills. Proper duct sealing helps safeguard the long-term reliability of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and reducing how often maintenance is needed.

Duct leaks can also let dust, mold spores, moisture, and other pollutants enter the duct system. This can make allergies worse, impact indoor air quality, and result in costly structural damage behind walls or ceilings as time passes.

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 the leaks you’re dealing with are deep inside the walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) can access interior duct leaks that are difficult to reach manually. To carry out the procedure, technicians seal off all vents except one access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is linked to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and circulates a fine aerosolized sealant that locates and fills tiny leaks beyond the reach of typical sealing.

This method handles small to medium leaks very effectively. However, large openings may still require traditional mastic and tape sealing. Technicians use before-and-after duct leakage tests to measure improvement and make sure the aerosol sealing process was successful.

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 runs through seasonal heating and cooling, the ducts experience ongoing expansion and contraction. Over time, this movement leads to joint loosening, generating gaps and leaks — a clear reason duct leakage test is recommended for new and older homes in North Brunswick, 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 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 is required to measure under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet when it isn’t installed. For new construction, a passing duct leakage test is essential before the home can qualify for an occupancy certificate.

If your home in North Brunswick, NJ 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 indispensable not only for compliance purposes but for ensuring strong comfort and energy savings.

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 North Brunswick, NJ

Local Energy Audits is proud to serve customers across North Brunswick, NJ and the nearby communities. We specialize in locating duct leakage and energy inefficiencies with our blower door and duct leakage tests. Whether it’s a new build or an existing home, 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 closing off every duct and register with duct mask tape across both the supply and return sides.

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

The ducts are then depressurized to a level of 25 Pascals. Once depressurized, the nanometer provides an accurate duct leakage reading.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in North Brunswick, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system continues to perform efficiently, meets compliance, and runs at its best with specialized duct leakage test in North Brunswick, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner wanting better comfort or a contractor reaching the final inspection stage, our certified team provides 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 North Brunswick, NJ with dependable and energy-efficient testing solutions.