Duct Leakage Test in Nutley, NJ

Make sure your HVAC system performs at its best and satisfies local energy standards with certified duct leakage test in Nutley, NJ. Our certified technicians detect and measure air leakage in ductwork, supporting homeowners and builders in improving comfort, minimizing wasted energy, and meeting state requirements.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Nutley, NJ

In many jurisdictions, the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code governs single-family buildings, while the 2018 IECC applies to multi-family buildings. The change will create several important implications for home builders and HVAC contractors operating within the state. A Duct Leakage Test along with the required Blower Door Test must now be conducted on any newly built or remodeled home as per 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 spike your energy costs, wear down your HVAC system, and spread dust and insulation throughout various parts of your home. This makes duct leakage test crucial for new and old homes alike. Keep reading to learn why duct leakage test is important and how you can benefit from them.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To conduct a proper duct leakage test in Nutley, NJ, your technician first seals all supply and return registers except the main return or air handler. A specially calibrated duct blaster fan is then connected to the opening. This fan depressurizes the ducts to help locate where air is escaping.

The duct blaster, working hand in hand with a precision pressure sensor, measures airflow and identifies leaks in the ductwork without impacting your home. A duct leakage test — sometimes identified as a duct blaster test — shows where your ducts lose air, helping you plan the right sealing approach.

duct leakage test is fast, tidy, and causes no disruption for residents. Most tests in Nutley, NJ are done within 30 to 60 minutes, with improvements that strengthen comfort and efficiency for years to come.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is specified in cubic feet per minute (CFM) for each 100 square feet of conditioned space. Your technician uses a nanometer to read small pressure variations, helping determine the volume of air escaping through the ducts. Understanding this number helps you pinpoint leakage points, think through potential improvements, and verify your home’s adherence to local energy code requirements in Nutley, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re experiencing spikes in utility bills, uncomfortable temperature variations, or ongoing HVAC repair needs, duct leakage may be to blame. According to ENERGY STAR, the average home loses 20% to 30% of conditioned air through leaky ducts. 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 puts extra stress on the system, resulting in breakdowns and increased repair costs. Proper duct sealing helps protect the long-term performance of your HVAC system, increasing its lifespan and lowering future maintenance requirements.

Duct leaks can also permit dust, mold spores, extra moisture, and other airborne contaminants into the duct system. This can negatively influence allergies, weaken indoor air quality, and lead to expensive long-term damage behind walls or ceilings.

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 about leaks that occur deep behind walls or ceilings out of sight?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) reaches interior duct leaks that traditional sealing methods can’t access. 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 injects fine aerosol particles that seal tiny gaps and holes that typical sealing techniques miss.

This method performs well for small and medium leaks. However, larger openings typically require manual sealing with mastic and tape. Technicians perform pre- and post-aerosol sealing duct leakage tests to measure the improvement and confirm treatment effectiveness.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most frequent source of duct air leakage is the joints. Ductwork uses many metal pieces pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these joining points are rarely airtight.

As your HVAC system operates in both heating and cooling modes year-round, the ducts continuously 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 Nutley, NJ.

Many energy auditors assess duct leakage by touching the ductwork and using a small tool to check the width of gaps where joints connect. If your duct system is unsealed with mastic and approved tape, air leakage is almost certainly occurring.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system must come in under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet when the air handler is removed. For new construction, a duct leakage test must be successfully passed before the home can obtain an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Nutley, NJ fails duct leakage test, you are probably spending unnecessarily on heating and cooling — and placing ongoing stress on your HVAC equipment. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is important not just for compliance, but for safeguarding your home’s comfort and long-term energy efficiency.

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 Nutley, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly offers services throughout Nutley, NJ and neighboring areas. We specialize in identifying and addressing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re constructing a new home or optimizing 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 with sealing all ducts and registers using duct mask tape on both 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 brought to a depressurized pressure of 25 Pascals. Once depressurized, we use the nanometer for a leakage reading.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Nutley, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system stays efficient, compliant, and operating at peak performance with expert duct leakage test in Nutley, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner working to improve comfort or a contractor closing out a project with a final inspection, our certified team provides fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and supply on-site guidance to help you pass your test, reduce energy loss, and maintain the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

Serving homeowners, builders, and contractors across Nutley, NJ with dependable and energy-efficient testing solutions.