Duct Leakage Test in Thornton, PA

Ensure your HVAC system is sealed, efficient, and fully compliant with local regulations through duct leakage test in Thornton, PA. Our certified technicians locate and assess air leaks in ductwork to help homeowners and builders improve comfort, reduce energy consumption, and comply with state regulations.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Thornton, PA

Various states and municipalities have adopted the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code for single-family houses, along with the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for multi-family units. The change will result in several substantial implications for home builders and HVAC contractors engaged in work across the state. A Duct Leakage Test and a required Blower Door Test are now part of the compliance process for new construction and remodeled homes under the 2015 regulations. Did you know that ductwork often causes some of the highest levels 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 beneficial for all homes, new or old. Keep reading to find out why duct leakage test is essential and how it can improve your home.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To begin performing a duct leakage test in Thornton, PA, your technician closes off all supply and return registers except the main return or air handler system. A calibrated duct blaster fan is then mounted to the opening. This fan creates negative pressure inside the ducts, making air leakage locations easier to find.

The duct blaster, combined with a precision pressure sensor, measures airflow and detects leaks in the duct system without causing any disturbance in your home. A duct leakage test — sometimes called a duct blaster test — detects air loss in the duct system, allowing you to apply the most suitable sealing solutions.

duct leakage test is swift, clean, and carried out with no disturbance to residents. Most tests in Thornton, PA 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 defined in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned space within the structure. Your technician uses a nanometer to sense slight pressure changes, showing precisely how much air is escaping through the ductwork. Understanding this number allows you to identify concerns, evaluate upgrade opportunities, and determine whether your home fulfills local energy code requirements in Thornton, PA.

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, leaking ducts cause the average home to lose 20%–30% of conditioned air. Outside hot or cold air leaking into your system puts extra strain on your HVAC unit, raising energy bills and decreasing comfort.

Overworked equipment also accelerates wear and tear, resulting in more breakdowns and costly repairs. Proper duct sealing helps ensure the long-term stability of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and reducing future maintenance work.

Duct leaks can also allow dust, mold spores, moisture buildup, and multiple contaminants to enter the duct system. This can increase allergy discomfort, degrade indoor air quality, and eventually cause expensive structural issues behind walls or ceilings.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC outlines that new homes must be built with fully sealed duct systems, utilizing materials like mastic, foil tape, and insulation to enhance energy efficiency. But what happens when leaks are hidden deep inside walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) can access interior duct leaks that are difficult to reach manually. To start this method, all vents are blocked except for one access location. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is attached to the ducts. It pressurizes the ducts and injects a fine aerosolized sealant that targets small holes and gaps unreachable by traditional sealing methods.

This method is very effective for minor to moderate leaks. However, substantial openings may still need traditional sealing with mastic and tape. Technicians use a duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to evaluate how much leakage has been lowered and verify the results.

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 operates in varying temperatures across the year, the ducts undergo expansion and contraction. Over time, this movement causes joints to lose their seal, creating gaps and leaks — making a duct leakage test valuable for any home in Thornton, PA, whether new or old.

Many energy auditors look for leaks by feeling the ducts and using a small tool to evaluate how wide the gaps at the joints are. If your duct system lacks proper sealing with mastic and approved tape, there is a high chance that leakage is taking place.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system needs to register under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler attached, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without it attached. For new construction, the home must pass a duct leakage test before qualifying for an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Thornton, PA fails duct leakage test, you are probably spending unnecessarily on heating and cooling — and placing ongoing stress on your HVAC equipment. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is significant not only for meeting local code but also for maintaining optimal comfort and efficiency in your home.

Your technician will also provide expert strategies to address leakage concerns, helping you achieve a passing score, bring down utility bills, and boost home efficiency.

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

Local Energy Audits is honored to serve customers in Thornton, PA and all surrounding areas. We specialize in testing for duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door and duct leakage methods. Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading your home, we’re here to assist.
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 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 lowered to a depressurized level of 25 Pascals. With the system at that pressure, the nanometer is used to read the duct leakage.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Thornton, PA

Ensure your HVAC system maximizes efficiency, meets required standards, and performs consistently with thorough duct leakage test in Thornton, PA. Whether you’re a homeowner improving home comfort or a contractor finishing required inspections, our certified team delivers fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and deliver on-site guidance to help you pass your test, limit energy waste, and preserve your HVAC system’s long-term health.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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