Duct Leakage Test in Upper Saddle River, NJ

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To initiate testing, your technician will seal all supply and return registers except for the main return or air handler during a duct leakage test in Upper Saddle River, NJ. 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 collaborates with a precision pressure sensor to evaluate airflow and locate leaks throughout the ductwork without disturbing your household. A duct leakage test — sometimes labeled as a duct blaster test — finds where your ducts are leaking air so you can decide on the best sealing strategy.

duct leakage test is fast, tidy, and causes no disruption for residents. Most tests in Upper Saddle River, NJ are completed in roughly 30 to 60 minutes, and the resulting enhancements can support your home’s comfort and efficiency long-term.

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 measure tiny pressure changes, revealing how much air is escaping through the ducts. Understanding this number lets you identify inefficiencies, weigh improvement options, and confirm your home’s compliance with local energy code requirements in Upper Saddle River, 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. Hot or cold outside air creeping into your system forces the HVAC to work inefficiently, increasing energy spending and reducing comfort.

Overworked equipment also brings more system failures and higher repair expenses. Proper duct sealing helps protect and extend the long-term lifespan of your HVAC system, minimizing the need for repeated maintenance.

Duct leaks can also introduce dust, mold spores, moisture, and additional contaminants into the duct system. This can heighten allergy issues, compromise indoor air quality, and slowly cause expensive structural damage behind walls or ceilings.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC instructs that new homes incorporate fully sealed duct systems using high-efficiency materials, including mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what if some leaks are hidden within the depths of your walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) enables effective sealing of leaks hidden inside ducts. To complete this method, all vents are closed off except for one access opening. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is linked to the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and pushes a fine aerosol sealant through them, sealing small holes that ordinary sealing methods can’t reach.

This method works very well for small to medium leaks. However, larger openings may still need to be sealed manually with mastic and tape. Technicians complete a duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to track leakage reduction and confirm the treatment’s success.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most common area where ducts leak air is around the joints. Ductwork uses several metal parts pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, though these points are rarely airtight.

As your HVAC system transitions between warm and cool air throughout the year, the ducts expand and contract. Over time, this movement leads the joints to loosen, resulting in gaps and leaks — making a duct leakage test important for new and older homes in Upper Saddle River, NJ.

Many energy auditors investigate duct leakage by running their hands over the ducts and using a small tool to determine the width of joint gaps. If your duct system has not received sealing with mastic and approved tape, leakage is very probable.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system should fall under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet when the air handler is absent. For new construction, a passing duct leakage test is a required step before final occupancy certification can be awarded.

If your home in Upper Saddle River, NJ falls short in a duct leakage test, you are probably paying extra for heating and cooling — and placing lasting pressure on your HVAC equipment. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is indispensable not only for compliance purposes but for ensuring strong comfort and energy savings.

Your technician will also provide expert insights into correcting leakage issues so you can meet passing standards, lower your utility expenses, and improve overall home performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Upper Saddle River, NJ

Local Energy Audits proudly helps clients across Upper Saddle River, NJ and 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.