Duct Leakage Test in Toms River township, NJ

Make sure your HVAC system is performing efficiently and meeting local standards with thorough duct leakage test in Toms River township, NJ. Our certified technicians detect and measure air leakage in ductwork, supporting homeowners and builders in improving comfort, minimizing wasted energy, and meeting state requirements.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Toms River township, 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 present notable implications for home builders and HVAC contractors active throughout 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 duct leakage is one of the most common issues affecting homes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can drive up your utility costs, tax your HVAC equipment, and circulate insulation debris and dust throughout your home. This makes duct leakage test necessary for homes of any age. Keep reading to discover why duct leakage test is so important and the advantages it offers.

What Our Clients Say

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To begin performing a duct leakage test in Toms River township, NJ, your technician closes off all supply and return registers except the main return or air handler system. A specially calibrated device known as a duct blaster is then attached to the duct opening. Its purpose is to depressurize the system so that escaping air can be detected.

The duct blaster uses its precision pressure sensor partner to measure airflow and uncover duct leaks without causing any home disruption. A duct leakage test — frequently called a duct blaster test — reveals air escape points in your ducts, guiding you toward the best sealing options.

duct leakage test is fast, tidy, and causes no disruption for residents. Most tests in Toms River township, NJ require only 30 to 60 minutes, yet the upgrades can improve your home’s comfort and efficiency well into the future.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is recorded in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of the conditioned portion of the home. Your technician uses a nanometer to capture subtle pressure changes, allowing accurate measurement of duct air leakage. Understanding this number allows you to identify concerns, evaluate upgrade opportunities, and determine whether your home fulfills local energy code requirements in Toms River township, NJ.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If high utility expenses, irregular temperatures, or repeated HVAC troubles sound familiar, duct leakage might be the root cause. According to ENERGY STAR, a large portion of homes lose between 20% and 30% of conditioned air due to leaky ducts. When outdoor temperatures enter your system, the HVAC must work harder to compensate, resulting in higher energy costs and reduced comfort.

Overworked equipment also increases the likelihood of breakdowns and drives up repair costs. Proper duct sealing helps improve the long-term health of your HVAC system, boosting longevity and reducing ongoing maintenance requirements.

Duct leaks can also permit dust, mold spores, extra moisture, and other airborne contaminants into 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 use fully sealed duct systems crafted from up-to-date, 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 used to address openings concealed inside duct systems. 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 sends a fine aerosol sealant through the system, closing small gaps that normal sealing approaches can’t reach.

This method is effective at treating small to medium leaks. However, big openings may still need to be addressed with manual 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 common spot where air escapes in duct systems is the joints. Ductwork features several metal pieces pressed together using tight fittings and metal bands, though these areas are seldom airtight.

As your HVAC system transitions between warm and cool air throughout the year, the ducts expand and contract. Over time, this movement shifts and loosens the joints, resulting in gaps and leaks — which is why all homes in Toms River township, NJ, new or older, benefit from duct leakage test.

Many energy auditors inspect duct leakage by feeling the ducts and using a small tool to determine how wide the gaps are between joints. If your duct system wasn’t properly sealed using mastic and approved tape, air leakage is very likely 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, an occupancy certificate cannot be issued unless the home passes a duct leakage test.

If your home in Toms River township, NJ doesn’t pass its duct leakage evaluation, you’re likely paying more for temperature control — and contributing to long-term HVAC strain. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is important not only for the inspector, but also for maximizing energy efficiency and comfort in your home.

Your technician will also provide skilled recommendations to resolve leakage problems so you can reach a passing score, decrease energy costs, and improve home performance.

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

Local Energy Audits proudly provides solutions to customers throughout Toms River township, NJ and surrounding regions. 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 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 with duct mask tape being placed on all ducts and registers on both the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we attach our duct tester to the system’s unit or to the main return.

The ducts are then pulled down to 25 Pascals of depressurization. With the ducts in this state, we take a leakage reading using the nanometer.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Toms River township, NJ

Ensure your HVAC system maintains top efficiency, remains compliant, and delivers strong performance with dependable duct leakage test in Toms River township, NJ. Whether you’re a homeowner boosting comfort or a contractor finalizing an inspection, our certified team delivers fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and offer on-site expertise to help you pass your test, reduce unnecessary energy loss, and protect your HVAC system over the long term.

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