Duct Leakage Test in Runnemede, NJ

Keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency and in full compliance with local codes through expert duct leakage test in Runnemede, NJ. Our certified technicians locate and quantify air leaks in duct systems so homeowners and builders can enhance comfort, lower energy loss, and comply with state regulations.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Runnemede, NJ

In most states and municipalities, the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code is required for single-family homes, while the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code is required for multi-family homes. The change will have some significant implications for home builders and HVAC contractors operating in the state. A Duct Leakage Test plus the required Blower Door Test are now necessary for newly built or remodeled homes in line with 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 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 critical for both modern and older homes. Continue reading to explore why duct leakage test is important and how you benefit from it.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To set up a duct leakage test in Runnemede, NJ, the technician begins by sealing all supply and return registers, leaving only the air handler or main return open. A specially calibrated fan known as a duct blaster is then put in place at the opening. It depressurizes the ductwork so escaping air can be accurately identified.

The duct blaster operates alongside a precision pressure sensor to track airflow and identify duct leaks without disrupting your home. A duct leakage test — sometimes labeled as a duct blaster test — finds where your ducts are leaking air so you can decide on the best sealing strategy.

duct leakage test is quick, clean, and non-intrusive for residents. Most tests in Runnemede, NJ are wrapped up in 30 to 60 minutes, with improvements that continue to boost comfort and efficiency for years.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of the home’s conditioned area. Your technician uses a nanometer to measure tiny pressure differences, making it possible to determine how much air the ducts are losing. Understanding this number helps you reveal problem areas, consider enhancement strategies, and validate that your home meets local energy code requirements in Runnemede, 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 majority of homes lose 20% to 30% of conditioned air through duct leaks. 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 leads to recurring breakdowns and higher repair expenses. Proper duct sealing helps enhance the long-term resilience of your HVAC system, lengthening its lifespan and cutting overall maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also let in dust, mold spores, added moisture, and other harmful contaminants. 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 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) offers a method to access hidden leaks deep within ductwork. To carry out this method, every vent is sealed except a single access point. The HVAC system is separated, and a machine is attached 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 provides strong results for small and medium leaks. However, significant openings may still require mastic and tape by hand. Technicians administer a duct leakage test prior to and following aerosol sealing to measure leakage changes and ensure the method was successful.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most common point where ducts leak air is along the joints. Ductwork is made from multiple metal pieces pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these connections are rarely completely airtight.

As your HVAC system warms and cools over the seasons, the ductwork expands and then contracts. Over time, this movement causes joints to lose their seal, creating gaps and leaks — making a duct leakage test valuable for any home in Runnemede, NJ, whether new or old.

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 is missing mastic and approved tape sealing, there’s a significant chance that air leakage is happening.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system must measure under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler in place, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet if the air handler is not installed. For new construction, builders must ensure the home passes a duct leakage test before an occupancy certificate is granted.

If your home in Runnemede, NJ cannot pass a duct leakage test, you are likely wasting money on heating and cooling — and causing long-term wear on your HVAC system. 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 provide expert insights into correcting leakage issues so you can meet passing standards, lower your utility expenses, and improve overall home performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Runnemede, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly provides solutions to customers throughout Runnemede, NJ and surrounding regions. We specialize in pinpointing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re constructing a new house or upgrading your current one, we’re here for you.
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 securing duct mask tape over every duct and register on the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we attach the duct tester to either the unit itself or a main return.

The ducts are then depressurized to exactly 25 Pascals. Once this is achieved, the nanometer is used to read the duct leakage.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Runnemede, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system remains efficient, code-compliant, and functioning optimally with skilled duct leakage test in Runnemede, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner optimizing comfort or a contractor completing mandatory inspections, our certified team ensures fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and give on-site support to help you pass your test, limit wasted energy, and strengthen the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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