Duct Leakage Test in Trumbauersville, PA

Keep your HVAC system energy-efficient and up to code with accurate duct leakage test in Trumbauersville, PA. Our certified technicians assess and measure air leaks in ducts to help homeowners and builders increase comfort, reduce energy inefficiencies, and ensure state compliance.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Trumbauersville, PA

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 together with a Blower Door Test has become mandatory for any newly constructed or remodeled home under the 2015 code. Did you know that ducts are among the biggest contributors to air leakage in homes all across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can cause your energy bills to rise, strain your HVAC system, and move dust and insulation around your living spaces. This makes duct leakage test crucial for new and old homes alike. Keep reading to learn why duct leakage test is important and how you can benefit from them.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To perform a duct leakage test in Trumbauersville, PA, the technician begins by sealing every supply and return register except for the primary return or air handler unit. A specially calibrated duct blaster fan is then connected to the opening. This fan depressurizes the ducts to help locate where air is escaping.

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 — often known as a duct blaster test — exposes duct air loss, allowing you to apply the most effective sealing techniques.

duct leakage test is fast, clean, and comfortable for residents throughout the process. Most tests in Trumbauersville, PA 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 determined in cubic feet per minute (CFM) for every 100 square feet of conditioned interior space. Your technician uses a nanometer to pick up minor pressure shifts that indicate the level of air leakage within the ducts. Understanding this number enables you to recognize problem areas, consider efficiency improvements, and verify that your home meets local energy code requirements in Trumbauersville, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If your home suffers from costly utility bills, uneven comfort levels, or persistent HVAC repairs, duct leakage may be contributing. According to ENERGY STAR, many homes lose as much as 20% to 30% of conditioned air through duct leaks. Hot or cold outdoor air infiltrating your system makes your HVAC system work overtime, which boosts energy costs and reduces comfort.

Overworked equipment also makes breakdowns more common and repairs more expensive. Proper duct sealing helps preserve the long-term efficiency of your HVAC system, boosting its lifespan and cutting down on regular maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also pull in dust, mold spores, moisture, and numerous contaminants into the duct system. This can worsen allergy flare-ups, reduce indoor air quality, and cause long-term structural deterioration 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 do you do about leaks that sit deep within walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) makes it possible to seal leaks found deep within the 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 fine sealant mist that finds and fills small holes that traditional sealing methods cannot access.

This method excels at sealing small to medium leaks. However, bigger holes often must be sealed manually with mastic and tape. Technicians run leakage tests both before and after aerosol sealing to gauge how much air loss decreased and confirm proper results.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most frequent point of air leakage in ductwork is the joints. Multiple metal parts are pressed together using tight fittings and metal bands, although these junctions are seldom airtight.

As your HVAC system regulates temperatures through the seasons, the ducts expand when heated and contract when cooled. Over time, this movement shifts and loosens the joints, resulting in gaps and leaks — which is why all homes in Trumbauersville, PA, new or older, benefit from duct leakage test.

Many energy auditors detect leaks by checking the duct surfaces by hand and using a small tool to measure joint gap width. 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 should stay under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler attached, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without it. For new construction, passing a duct leakage test is required before a home can receive an occupancy certificate.

If your home in Trumbauersville, PA does not meet the duct leakage requirement, you’re likely paying elevated heating and cooling costs — and overburdening your HVAC system. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is essential not only for code compliance but also for protecting your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.

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 Trumbauersville, PA

Local Energy Audits is proud to assist customers across Trumbauersville, PA and its surrounding communities. We specialize in finding duct leakage and energy inefficiencies through blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re constructing a new home or upgrading an older one, we’re ready 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 blocking all ducts and registers with duct mask tape across both the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we attach the duct tester directly to the unit or to one primary return.

The ducts are then placed under 25 Pascals of negative pressure. With the ducts depressurized, we obtain the leakage reading using the nanometer.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Trumbauersville, PA

Ensure your HVAC system maintains top efficiency, remains compliant, and delivers strong performance with dependable duct leakage test in Trumbauersville, PA. 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 give on-site guidance to help you pass your test, minimize energy waste, and support the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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