Duct Leakage Test in Spring Lake, NJ

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To start a duct leakage test in Spring Lake, NJ, the technician will close and seal every supply and return register except the main return or air handler. A specially calibrated fan called a duct blaster is then connected to the opening. This fan depressurizes the duct system, making it easier to pinpoint exactly where air is leaking.

The duct blaster, working hand in hand with a precision pressure sensor, measures airflow and identifies leaks in the ductwork without impacting 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, clean, and comfortable for residents throughout the process. Most tests in Spring Lake, NJ are performed within 30 to 60 minutes, and the positive impact on comfort and efficiency can remain for years.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is tracked in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned living area. Your technician relies on a nanometer to read slight pressure variations that show the amount of air leaking through the duct system. Understanding this number helps you uncover weak points, analyze opportunities for upgrades, and check whether your home follows local energy code requirements in Spring Lake, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you are experiencing high utility bills, uneven temperatures, or frequent HVAC repairs, duct leakage may be the cause. According to ENERGY STAR, leaking ducts cause the average home to lose 20%–30% of conditioned air. Air from outside—whether hot or cold—entering your system forces your HVAC to work harder, increasing utility bills and reducing indoor comfort.

Overworked equipment also contributes to repeated breakdowns and pricey repairs. Proper duct sealing helps safeguard the long-term reliability of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and reducing how often maintenance is needed.

Duct leaks can also cause dust, mold spores, and excess moisture — along with other contaminants — to infiltrate the duct system. 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 if the problem areas are buried deep within the walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) allows technicians to seal leaks located inside inaccessible parts of ductwork. 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 handles small to medium leaks very effectively. However, large openings may still require traditional mastic and tape sealing. Technicians test the ducts for leakage before and after aerosol sealing to determine the reduction level and verify success.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most frequent area where ducts lose air is at the joints. Ductwork consists of several metal sections pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, yet these connections are almost never fully airtight.

As your HVAC system moves through annual heating and cooling cycles, the ductwork expands and then contracts. Over time, this movement results in loose joints that create gaps and leaks — making a duct leakage test necessary for new and older homes in Spring Lake, NJ.

Many energy auditors test for duct leakage by feeling along the ducts and using a small tool to gauge how wide the gaps are at the joints. If your duct system was not sealed with mastic and approved tape, there’s a high likelihood that air is leaking.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system must remain below 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet if the air handler is missing. For new construction, an occupancy certificate cannot be issued unless the home passes a duct leakage test.

If your home in Spring Lake, NJ doesn’t achieve a passing duct leakage score, you’re likely overspending on heating and cooling — and putting extended strain on your HVAC unit. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is vital not only for satisfying code rules but also for preserving your home’s comfort and energy performance.

Your technician will also advise you on the best ways to address leakage issues so you can pass the test, reduce utility bills, and enhance your home’s efficiency.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Spring Lake, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly covers Spring Lake, NJ and all nearby towns. We specialize in locating duct leakage and energy inefficiencies with our blower door and duct leakage tests. Whether it’s a new build or an existing home, 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.