Duct Leakage Test in Revere, PA

Guarantee your HVAC system runs efficiently and adheres to local requirements with quality duct leakage test in Revere, PA. Our certified technicians inspect and measure air leakage in ductwork, enabling homeowners and builders to boost comfort, prevent energy waste, and adhere to state guidelines.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Revere, PA

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 present notable implications for home builders and HVAC contractors active throughout 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 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 a crucial step for maintaining comfort in new and old homes alike. Continue reading to learn why duct leakage test is valuable and how it benefits you.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To start the duct testing process in Revere, PA, the technician seals all supply and return registers except for the main return or the air handler. A specially calibrated duct blaster is then installed onto the opening. The fan lowers the pressure inside the ducts, helping reveal any leakage points.

The duct blaster and its precision pressure sensor work together to measure airflow and detect duct leaks without causing any disruption in your home. A duct leakage test — also referred to as a duct blaster test — highlights where air is leaking from your ducts to help you choose the proper sealing method.

duct leakage test is rapid, clean, and performed without inconvenience to residents. Most tests in Revere, PA take between 30 and 60 minutes, and the improvements they deliver can elevate comfort and efficiency for years ahead.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is evaluated in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned space inside the home. Your technician uses a nanometer to detect minimal pressure variations, revealing the amount of air leakage occurring in the duct system. Understanding this number helps you reveal problem areas, consider enhancement strategies, and validate that your home meets local energy code requirements in Revere, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If your home has elevated utility bills, temperature imbalances, or frequent HVAC service calls, duct leakage may be responsible. According to ENERGY STAR, the typical home loses between 20% and 30% of its conditioned air due to 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 produces more frequent issues that require costly repairs. Proper duct sealing helps support the long-term durability of your HVAC system, lengthening its lifespan and minimizing ongoing maintenance demands.

Duct leaks can also bring dust, mold spores, excess moisture, and other impurities into the duct system. This can intensify allergy symptoms, harm indoor air quality, and cause long-term structural damage behind walls or ceilings.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC sets a requirement that all new homes feature ducts sealed completely with modern materials like mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what about leaks that are hidden far behind walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) is designed to reach and seal hidden gaps throughout the duct system. To set up this method, all vents are sealed off except for a single access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is fitted to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and emits a fine aerosol sealant that fills tiny gaps and holes that standard sealing methods can’t access.

This method is very effective for minor to moderate leaks. However, substantial openings may still need traditional sealing with mastic and tape. Technicians conduct duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to see how much the leakage dropped and ensure the treatment worked properly.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most common location for air leakage in ducts is the joints. Ductwork includes several metal sections pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but those connections are almost never airtight.

As your HVAC system provides heating and cooling year-round, the ducts repeatedly expand and contract. Over time, this movement gradually loosens the joints, creating leaks and gaps — highlighting the importance of duct leakage test in both new and older homes in Revere, PA.

Many energy auditors look for duct leakage by running their hands along the ducts and using a small tool to measure the width of gaps at the 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 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, passing a duct leakage test is required before a home can receive an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Revere, PA falls short in a duct leakage test, you are probably paying extra for heating and cooling — and placing lasting pressure on your HVAC equipment. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is needed not only for passing inspections, but also for improving home comfort and energy efficiency.

Your technician will also provide expert recommendations on how to address leakage issues so you can achieve a passing score, lower your utility bills, and improve your home’s overall performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Revere, PA

Local Energy Audits proudly covers Revere, PA and all nearby towns. We specialize in identifying duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re building a new home or improving an existing one, we’re here to help.
If you’d like to schedule 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 attach our duct tester to the system’s unit or to the main return.

The ducts are then set to a depressurized pressure of 25 Pascals. Once there, we use the nanometer to capture the leakage reading.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Revere, PA

Ensure your HVAC system reaches optimal efficiency, satisfies code standards, and performs smoothly with expert duct leakage test in Revere, PA. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for improved comfort or a contractor preparing for a final inspection, our certified team provides fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and offer on-site guidance to help you pass your test, improve energy efficiency, and safeguard your HVAC system’s long-term health.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

Serving homeowners, builders, and contractors across Revere, PA with dependable and energy-efficient testing solutions.