Why Duct Leakage Testing Matters in Reading, PA
Ductwork that conveys conditioned air throughout your home is crucial for optimal HVAC performance. But, the escape of conditioned air from leaky ducts can compromise both the comfort and efficiency of your home. This leakage results in significant consequences:
- Discomfort: Uneven temperatures, hot and cold spots, and drafts are consequences of leaky ducts, making your home feel either uncomfortably warm or cool, despite the HVAC system operating correctly.
- Higher energy bills: The presence of leaks in the ducts requires your HVAC system to operate with greater intensity to uphold desired temperatures, causing a surge in energy usage and higher utility expenses.
- Poor indoor air quality: Leaks in the ducts can also result in the intake of dust, pollen, and other outdoor pollutants, compromising the indoor air quality and potentially causing allergies and respiratory challenges.
Duct Leakage Testing: A Proactive Approach
Testing for duct leakage is a simple yet highly effective way to identify and measure air leaks within your duct system. A certified specialist employs a blower door and specialized tools to pressurize the duct system, measuring the quantity of air that escapes. CFM25 is used to express the test results, signifying the amount of cubic feet of air per minute leaking at a pressure of 25 Pascals.
Cost of Ignoring Duct Leakage in Reading, PA
Excessive duct leakage may result in considerable costs. In compliance with the NJ Residential Building Code, newly developed homes are obligated to maintain a duct leakage rate that does not exceed 8 CFM25 per 100 square feet of conditioned space. Breaking this specified limit may lead to:
- Failed inspections: Residences with notable duct leakage may run into issues in passing final inspections, causing delays in occupancy and potentially requiring costly duct repairs.
- Financial penalties: Specific municipalities in New Jersey have begun imposing fines on homes that go beyond the established duct leakage limit.
- Wasted energy: Homeowners in Reading, PA could incur an average yearly energy waste cost of $180-$550 because of leaky ducts.
Investing in Peace of Mind and Savings
The cost of duct leakage testing is relatively low compared to the potential financial consequences of ignoring the problem. The cost of a precise duct leakage test in Reading, PA is on the lower side. Nonetheless, the long-term savings in energy costs and enhanced comfort far outweigh the initial investment.
Quickly dealing with duct leaks enables you to:
- Improve home comfort: Maintain consistent temperatures in every room of your home, saying goodbye to drafts and heat irregularities.
- Bring Down energy bills: Trim down your energy consumption to decrease expenses on utility bills.
- Enhance indoor air quality: Inhale with ease as the air in your home is refreshed and cleaned.
- Raise home value: A residence that passes a duct leakage test is more likely to catch the interest of potential buyers.
Local Energy Audits: Your Partner in Ductwork Efficiency
At Local Energy Audits, we comprehend the importance of ductwork efficiency in Reading, PA homes. Comprehensive duct leakage testing services are offered to ensure your home meets required standards and operates at its peak performance. Additionally, we extend expert advice on duct sealing and repair solutions to minimize leaks, aiming to enhance your comfort and savings.
Secure your comfort and energy efficiency by dealing with the challenge of leaky ducts.