Duct Leakage Test in Saddle River, NJ

Enhance your HVAC system’s efficiency and satisfy energy regulations through precise duct leakage test in Saddle River, NJ. Our certified technicians find and measure ductwork air leaks, allowing homeowners and builders to improve indoor comfort, reduce energy waste, and satisfy state standards.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Saddle River, NJ

States and municipalities have put in place the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code for single-family projects and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for multi-family projects. The change will have some significant implications for home builders and HVAC contractors operating in the state. A Duct Leakage Test paired with a Blower Door Test is now expected for newly constructed and remodeled homes in accordance with the 2015 code requirements. Did you know that ductwork is a major cause of air leakage in homes across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can escalate your energy costs, force your HVAC system to work harder, and move insulation and dust throughout your house. This makes duct leakage test a key step for new and older homes alike. Read ahead to see why duct leakage test is needed and what advantages it offers.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To get started with a duct leakage test in Saddle River, NJ, the technician will block every supply and return register except the main return or air handler. A duct blaster, designed as a calibrated testing fan, is then attached to the duct system. Its purpose is to depressurize the ducts and uncover leak points.

The duct blaster pairs with a precision pressure sensor to measure airflow and identify leak locations in the ducts without disrupting your home. A duct leakage test — also known as a duct blaster test — pinpoints where air is escaping from your ducts, helping you choose the best sealing methods.

duct leakage test is fast, debris-free, and completely resident-friendly. Most tests in Saddle River, NJ are done in about 30 to 60 minutes, and the resulting enhancements can support your home’s comfort and efficiency for many 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 detect pressure variations, helping quantify the amount of duct leakage. Understanding this number allows you to pinpoint problem areas, assess needed improvements, and confirm whether your home satisfies local energy code requirements in Saddle River, 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. Air entering from outside—whether warm or cold—makes your HVAC operate harder, causing energy costs to climb and comfort to decrease.

Overworked equipment also heightens the chance of system failures and expensive repairs. 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 cause dust, mold spores, and excess moisture — along with other contaminants — to infiltrate the duct system. This can escalate allergies, lower the overall air quality indoors, and lead to costly damage behind walls or ceilings over time.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC requires new homes to have fully sealed duct systems using modern, energy-efficient materials such as mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what happens when leaks are trapped deep inside wall or ceiling cavities?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) provides a way to seal concealed openings inside the duct system. To complete this method, all vents are closed off except for one access opening. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is linked to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and sends a fine aerosol sealant through the system, closing small gaps that normal sealing approaches can’t reach.

This method is highly effective for small to medium leaks. However, large openings may still require manual sealing with mastic and tape. Technicians perform a duct leakage test both before and after aerosol sealing to determine how much leakage has decreased and confirm the treatment worked.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most typical place for ducts to lose air is at the joints. Ductwork consists of different metal sections pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, yet these joints are not usually airtight.

As your HVAC system heats and cools throughout the year, the ducts expand and contract. Over time, this movement compromises the joints, forming gaps and leaks — which is exactly why duct leakage test is encouraged for new and older homes in Saddle River, NJ.

Many energy auditors identify duct leakage by moving their hands along the ducts and using a small tool to check the width of joint openings. If your duct system has not been sealed with mastic and approved tape, there is a high chance that leakage is occurring.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system has to measure below 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without the air handler. For new construction, builders must ensure the home passes a duct leakage test before an occupancy certificate is granted.

If your home in Saddle River, NJ doesn’t receive a passing duct leakage result, you are likely overpaying for heating and cooling — and putting significant long-term strain on your HVAC setup. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is indispensable not only for compliance purposes but for ensuring strong comfort and energy savings.

Your technician will also offer specialized recommendations to repair leakage issues so you can meet passing requirements, reduce utility bills, and improve your home’s performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Saddle River, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly helps clients across Saddle River, NJ and surrounding communities. We specialize in evaluating duct leakage and energy inefficiencies with blower door and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re developing a new home or enhancing an older 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 by taping off all ducts and registers with duct mask tape on the supply and return sides.

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

The ducts are then reduced to a depressurized state of 25 Pascals. With them depressurized, the nanometer gives us the duct leakage reading.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Saddle River, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system reaches optimal efficiency, satisfies code standards, and performs smoothly with expert duct leakage test in Saddle River, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner focused on comfort or a contractor closing out an inspection, our certified team provides fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and provide on-site assistance to help you pass your test, cut down on energy waste, and extend the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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