Duct Leakage Test in Randolph, NJ

Ensure long-term HVAC performance and code compliance with expert duct leakage test in Randolph, NJ. Our certified technicians analyze and measure duct leaks to assist homeowners and builders in improving comfort, reducing energy waste, and fulfilling state requirements.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Randolph, 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 have some significant implications for home builders and HVAC contractors operating in the state. A Duct Leakage Test as well as the required Blower Door Test must now be performed on new or remodeled homes following the 2015 regulations. Did you know that ducts are a leading factor in home air leakage 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 indispensable no matter the age of your home. Continue reading to understand why duct leakage test is important and the benefits it provides.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To start conducting a duct leakage test in Randolph, NJ, the technician seals all supply and return registers other than the main return or the 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 functions with a precision pressure sensor to analyze airflow and spot leaks in the duct system without affecting your home’s comfort. A duct leakage test — often described as a duct blaster test — identifies leaking areas in your ducts so you can determine the most efficient sealing fix.

duct leakage test is straightforward, clean, and designed to be non-intrusive for residents. Most tests in Randolph, NJ take around 30 to 60 minutes, but the efficiency and comfort improvements can last for many years.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 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 spot leakage issues, evaluate corrective measures, and determine if your home is meeting local energy code requirements in Randolph, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you notice high energy costs, hot and cold spots, or ongoing HVAC repairs, duct leakage might be the underlying problem. According to ENERGY STAR, the average duct system loses between 20% and 30% of its conditioned air due to 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 brings more system failures and higher repair expenses. Proper duct sealing helps maintain the long-term health of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and reducing ongoing maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also allow the entry of dust, mold spores, moisture, and a range of 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 specifies that newly constructed homes must use fully sealed duct systems with modern, efficient materials such as mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what about leaks that lie far within enclosed wall or ceiling spaces?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) enables effective sealing of leaks hidden inside ducts. To perform the process, technicians seal all vents but leave one access point open. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is connected to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and releases a fine sealant mist that finds and fills small holes that traditional sealing methods cannot access.

This method is effective at treating small to medium leaks. However, big openings may still need to be addressed with manual 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 common leakage area in duct systems is the joints. Ductwork involves numerous metal parts pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these connections are almost never fully airtight.

As your HVAC system operates in varying temperatures across the year, the ducts undergo expansion and contraction. Over time, this movement causes joints to lose their seal, creating gaps and leaks — making a duct leakage test valuable for any home in Randolph, NJ, whether new or old.

Many energy auditors investigate duct leakage by running their hands over the ducts and using a small tool to determine the width of joint gaps. 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 has to be under 4 CFM per 100 square feet when the air handler is in place, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without it installed. For new construction, obtaining an occupancy certificate requires passing a duct leakage test first.

If your home in Randolph, 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 essential not only for following building code, but for keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient.

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 Randolph, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly offers services throughout Randolph, NJ and neighboring areas. 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.

The Duct Leakage Test Steps Explained

A duct leakage test begins with duct mask tape being placed on all ducts and registers on both the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we mount the duct tester onto the unit or onto 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 Randolph, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system is operating efficiently, compliant with code, and performing optimally with high-quality duct leakage test in Randolph, 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 offer on-site guidance to help you pass your test, reduce energy waste, and protect the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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