Duct Leakage Test in Valley Forge, PA

Keep your HVAC system energy-efficient and up to code with accurate duct leakage test in Valley Forge, PA. Our certified technicians identify and quantify air leaks in duct systems so homeowners and builders can optimize comfort, reduce energy waste, and meet state-level requirements.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Valley Forge, PA

Across different states and municipalities, the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code regulates single-family structures, and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code is used for multi-family structures. The change will have some significant implications for home builders and HVAC contractors operating in the state. A Duct Leakage Test and the mandated Blower Door Test apply to all new or renovated homes under the 2015 regulations. Did you know that duct leakage is one of the most common issues affecting homes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware? Leaked air can boost your energy bills, overload your HVAC system, and send dust and insulation particles throughout your home. This makes duct leakage test critical for both modern and older homes. Continue reading to explore why duct leakage test is important and how you benefit from it.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To start a duct leakage test in Valley Forge, PA, the technician will close and seal every supply and return register except the main return or air handler. A duct blaster, designed as a calibrated testing fan, is then attached to the duct system. Its purpose is to depressurize the ducts and uncover leak points.

The duct blaster works together with a precision pressure sensor to measure airflow and pinpoint leaks in the ductwork without disturbing your home. 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 quick, neat, and intentionally non-intrusive for anyone living in the home. Most tests in Valley Forge, PA take just 30 to 60 minutes, and the resulting improvements can enhance your home’s comfort and efficiency long-term.

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 uses a nanometer to detect small pressure differences, which indicate how much air is leaking through the ducts. Understanding this number helps you detect issues, explore potential fixes, and determine if your home aligns with local energy code requirements in Valley Forge, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you notice high energy costs, hot and cold spots, or ongoing HVAC repairs, duct leakage might be the underlying problem. According to ENERGY STAR, many homes lose as much as 20% to 30% of conditioned air through duct leaks. When hot or cold outside air enters your system, your HVAC has to work harder, increasing energy costs and lowering overall comfort.

Overworked equipment also increases the likelihood of breakdowns and drives up repair costs. Proper duct sealing helps support the long-term durability of your HVAC system, lengthening its lifespan and minimizing ongoing maintenance demands.

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 enforces that new homes incorporate fully sealed ducts made with modern, energy-efficient materials including mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what do you do about leaks that sit deep within walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) allows technicians to seal leaks located inside inaccessible parts of ductwork. To begin this method, every vent is sealed except for one access opening. The HVAC unit is isolated, and a machine is installed onto the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and applies a fine aerosol sealant that fills tiny openings where standard sealing cannot reach.

This method provides strong results for small and medium leaks. However, significant openings may still require mastic and tape by hand. Technicians run a duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to quantify the reduction in leakage and verify the success of the process.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most typical place where ducts leak air is at their joints. Ductwork is built from multiple metal sections pressed tightly with fittings and metal bands, yet these joints are rarely airtight.

As your HVAC system regulates temperatures through the seasons, the ducts expand when heated and contract when cooled. Over time, this movement causes the joints to loosen, creating gaps and leaks — which is why a duct leakage test is recommended for both new and older homes in Valley Forge, PA.

Many energy auditors evaluate duct leakage by feeling around the duct system and using a small tool to check the size of joint gaps. If your duct system does not include sealing with mastic and approved tape, leakage is highly likely.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system must come in under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet when the air handler is removed. For new construction, homes are required to pass a duct leakage test before an occupancy certificate can be issued.

If your home in Valley Forge, PA does not meet duct leakage standards, you are likely overpaying for heating and cooling — and adding unnecessary strain to your HVAC equipment. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is necessary not only for meeting code standards but also for ensuring strong energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

Your technician will also share expert recommendations for fixing leakage problems, helping you achieve a passing score, save on utilities, and improve home performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Valley Forge, PA

Local Energy Audits is proud to serve families and builders across Valley Forge, PA and the surrounding local areas. We specialize in pinpointing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re constructing a new house or upgrading your current one, we’re here for you.
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 with sealing all ducts and registers using duct mask tape 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 set to a depressurized pressure of 25 Pascals. Once there, we use the nanometer to capture the leakage reading.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Valley Forge, PA

Ensure your HVAC system delivers maximum efficiency, full compliance, and top performance through professional duct leakage test in Valley Forge, PA. Whether you’re a homeowner aiming for better comfort or a contractor completing final approval, our certified team ensures fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and provide on-site assistance to help you pass your test, cut down on energy waste, and extend the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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