Duct Leakage Test in Upper Black Eddy, PA

Maintain top HVAC efficiency and stay aligned with local energy codes using trusted duct leakage test in Upper Black Eddy, PA. Our certified technicians pinpoint and measure ductwork air leaks, helping homeowners and builders boost comfort, cut energy waste, and meet state compliance standards.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Upper Black Eddy, PA

States and municipalities now follow the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code for single-family residences, as well as the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for multi-family structures. The change will bring notable implications for home builders and HVAC contractors working throughout the state. A Duct Leakage Test plus a Blower Door Test are now compulsory in newly constructed or renovated homes according to the 2015 regulations. Did you know that duct systems contribute heavily to air leakage in homes throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can push your energy bills higher, pressure your HVAC system, and spread dust and insulation inside your house. This makes duct leakage test a key step for new and older homes alike. Read ahead to see why duct leakage test is needed and what advantages it offers.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To get started with a duct leakage test in Upper Black Eddy, PA, the technician will block every supply and return register except the main return or air handler. A duct blaster — a precision-calibrated fan — is then fitted to the duct opening. By depressurizing the system, it makes all air leaks much easier to detect.

The duct blaster teams up with a precision pressure sensor to measure airflow accurately and locate duct leaks without affecting your home. A duct leakage test — sometimes called a duct blaster test — reveals where your ducts are losing air so you can determine the most effective sealing solutions.

duct leakage test is swift, clean, and carried out with no disturbance to residents. Most tests in Upper Black Eddy, PA finish within 30 to 60 minutes, and the benefits to your home’s comfort and efficiency can last for years.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is rated in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of the home’s conditioned zone. 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 identify problem areas, evaluate potential improvements, and determine whether your home meets local energy code requirements in Upper Black Eddy, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re struggling with expensive utility bills, inconsistent indoor temperatures, or continual HVAC problems, duct leakage might be the culprit. According to ENERGY STAR, homes with leaky ducts routinely lose 20% to 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 causes additional breakdowns and increases 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 allow dust, mold spores, excess moisture, and other contaminants into the duct system. This can make allergies more severe, reduce the quality of indoor air, and produce costly structural harm behind walls or ceilings as time progresses.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC requires that all new homes feature fully sealed duct systems utilizing updated, energy-efficient materials like mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what if the leaks are buried far inside your walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) is an effective solution for reaching hidden ductwork leaks. 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 distributes an ultra-fine aerosol sealant to fill small gaps and holes that manual sealing methods can’t access.

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 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 typical place for ducts to lose air is at the joints. Ductwork consists of different metal sections pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, yet these joints are not usually airtight.

As your HVAC system operates in both heating and cooling modes year-round, the ducts continuously expand and contract. Over time, this movement weakens the joints, creating gaps and leaks — a key reason duct leakage test is recommended for new and older homes in Upper Black Eddy, PA.

Many energy auditors look for duct leakage by running their hands along the ducts and using a small tool to measure the width of gaps at the joints. 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 should come out under 4 CFM per 100 square feet in tests with the air handler, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without the air handler. For new construction, no home can receive an occupancy certificate without first passing a duct leakage test.

If your home in Upper Black Eddy, 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 matters not only for code compliance, but also for protecting your home’s comfort and reducing energy waste.

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 Upper Black Eddy, PA

Local Energy Audits proudly serves homeowners, contractors, and builders throughout Upper Black Eddy, PA and nearby regions. We specialize in uncovering duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using both blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re starting a new build or improving a current home, 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.

The Duct Leakage Test Steps Explained

A duct leakage test begins by closing off every duct and register with duct mask tape across both the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we mount the duct tester onto the unit or onto a main return.

The ducts are then depressurized to 25 Pascals. With this pressure applied, we use the nanometer to measure how much leakage is present.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Upper Black Eddy, PA

Ensure your HVAC system stays efficient, compliant, and operating at peak performance with expert duct leakage test in Upper Black Eddy, PA. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking better comfort or a contractor wrapping up a final inspection, our certified team delivers fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and offer on-site guidance to help you pass your test, improve energy efficiency, and safeguard your HVAC system’s long-term health.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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