Duct Leakage Test in Surf City borough, NJ

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To perform a duct leakage test in Surf City borough, NJ, the technician begins by sealing every supply and return register except for the primary return or air handler unit. A duct blaster fan, carefully calibrated for accuracy, is then attached to the duct opening. It depressurizes the ductwork, allowing leaks to become more noticeable.

The duct blaster, aided by a precision pressure sensor, accurately measures airflow and reveals duct leaks without interrupting activities in your home. A duct leakage test — often referred to as a duct blaster test — identifies air loss in your ducts, allowing you to find the most effective ways to seal them.

duct leakage test is prompt, clean, and does not interrupt residents’ activities. Most tests in Surf City borough, NJ are done within 30 to 60 minutes, with improvements that strengthen comfort and efficiency for years to come.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is defined in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned space within the structure. Your technician uses a nanometer to detect minimal pressure variations, revealing the amount of air leakage occurring in the duct system. Understanding this number allows you to identify concerns, evaluate upgrade opportunities, and determine whether your home fulfills local energy code requirements in Surf City borough, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re experiencing spikes in utility bills, uncomfortable temperature variations, or ongoing HVAC repair needs, duct leakage may be to blame. According to ENERGY STAR, homes across the country lose 20% to 30% of their conditioned air through duct leakage. When your system pulls in hot or cold outdoor air, the HVAC unit has to work harder, driving up energy usage and reducing comfort indoors.

Overworked equipment also brings more system failures and higher repair expenses. Proper duct sealing helps maintain the long-term health of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and reducing ongoing maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also enable dust, mold spores, elevated moisture, and unwanted contaminants to infiltrate the duct system. This can negatively influence allergies, weaken indoor air quality, and lead to expensive long-term damage behind walls or ceilings.

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 should you do when leaks are located deep within your walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) is one way to reach hidden openings inside ductwork. To perform this method, all vents are sealed off except for one access point. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is connected to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and releases a delicate aerosol sealant that settles into small gaps and holes traditional techniques can’t access.

This method works efficiently for small to medium leaks. However, larger gaps usually require manual sealing using mastic and tape. 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 typical location for air to escape from ducts is at the joints. Duct systems are built from multiple metal pieces pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these joints are seldom completely airtight.

As your HVAC system adjusts temperatures throughout the year, the ducts go through expansion and contraction. Over time, this movement loosens the joints, causing gaps and leaks — which is why both new and older homes in Surf City borough, NJ should consider a duct leakage test.

Many energy auditors locate duct leakage by touching the ductwork and using a small tool to measure the width of separation between 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 needs to be under 4 CFM per 100 square feet when the air handler is installed, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet when it isn’t. For new construction, a passing duct leakage test is mandatory before a home can be granted an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Surf City borough, NJ doesn’t pass a duct leakage test, chances are you’re paying more for heating and cooling — and adding long-term stress to your HVAC equipment. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is fundamental not only for code adherence but for boosting your home’s long-term efficiency and comfort.

Your technician will also offer expert guidance on fixing leakage problems so you can earn a passing score, reduce utility costs, and enhance your home’s overall performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Surf City borough, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly covers Surf City borough, NJ and all nearby towns. We specialize in revealing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies through blower door and duct leakage test. Whether your project is new or existing, we’re here to assist.
If you’d like to book a test, call us during business hours or contact us online to request an appointment.