Duct Leakage Test in Washington Crossing, PA

Protect system efficiency and meet local building codes by choosing certified duct leakage test in Washington Crossing, PA. Our certified technicians inspect and measure air leakage in ductwork, enabling homeowners and builders to boost comfort, prevent energy waste, and adhere to state guidelines.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Washington Crossing, PA

States and municipalities have standardized around the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code for single-family builds and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for multi-family builds. The change will impose meaningful implications on home builders and HVAC contractors working regionally within the state. A Duct Leakage Test and a required Blower Door Test are now part of the compliance process for new construction and remodeled homes under 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 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 homeowners with either older or newly built homes. Read ahead to see why duct leakage test is important and what you gain from it.

888 213-3975

What Our Clients Say

How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To commence a duct leakage test in Washington Crossing, PA, your technician will seal every supply and return register except the primary return or air handler. A specially calibrated fan called a duct blaster is then connected to the opening. This fan depressurizes the duct system, making it easier to pinpoint exactly where air is leaking.

The duct blaster system, along with a precision pressure sensor, measures airflow and highlights leaks in the ductwork without inconveniencing you at home. A duct leakage test — also referred to as a duct blaster test — highlights where air is leaking from your ducts to help you choose the proper sealing method.

duct leakage test is hassle-free, clean, and won’t interfere with residents’ daily routines. Most tests in Washington Crossing, PA are performed within 30 to 60 minutes, and the positive impact on comfort and efficiency can remain for years.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is quantified in cubic feet per minute (CFM) for each 100 square feet of conditioned living space. Your technician uses a nanometer to measure tiny pressure changes, revealing how much air is escaping through the ducts. Understanding this number helps you pinpoint leakage points, think through potential improvements, and verify your home’s adherence to local energy code requirements in Washington Crossing, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If you’re dealing with rising utility bills, inconsistent room temperatures, or repeated HVAC issues, duct leakage could be the reason. According to ENERGY STAR, the average duct system loses between 20% and 30% of its conditioned air due to leaks. Hot or cold outside air entering your system forces your HVAC system to work harder, driving up energy costs and reducing comfort.

Overworked equipment also leads to recurring breakdowns and higher repair expenses. Proper duct sealing helps enhance the long-term resilience of your HVAC system, lengthening its lifespan and cutting overall maintenance needs.

Duct leaks can also cause dust, mold spores, and excess moisture — along with other contaminants — to infiltrate 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 ensures that new homes are built with duct systems sealed entirely using efficient materials such as mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what if leaks are concealed deep inside the structure of your walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) can identify and seal leaks that lie deep inside ductwork. To perform the technique, all vents are sealed except a single access opening. The HVAC system is isolated, and a machine is hooked into the duct system. It pressurizes the ducts and emits a fine aerosol sealant that fills tiny gaps and holes that standard sealing methods can’t access.

This method seals small to medium leaks effectively. However, large gaps may still call for manual sealing using mastic and tape. 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 location for air to escape from ducts is at the joints. Duct systems are built from multiple metal pieces pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these joints are seldom completely airtight.

As your HVAC system changes between heating and cooling during the year, the ducts naturally expand and shrink. 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 Washington Crossing, PA.

Many energy auditors verify duct leakage by feeling around the ducts and using a small tool to assess the opening size 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 has to be under 4 CFM per 100 square feet when the air handler is in place, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet without it installed. For new construction, obtaining an occupancy certificate requires passing a duct leakage test first.

If your home in Washington Crossing, PA doesn’t receive a passing duct leakage result, you are likely overpaying for heating and cooling — and putting significant long-term strain on your HVAC setup. 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 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 Washington Crossing, PA

Local Energy Audits proudly covers Washington Crossing, PA and all nearby towns. We specialize in assessing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies with blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether it’s a new build or a current home, we’re here to support 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 by sealing all the ducts and registers with duct mask tape on both the supply and return side.

After the registers are sealed we attached the duct tester to either the unit itself or a main return.

The ducts are then depressurized to 25 Pascals. With the ducts at this pressure, we can use the nanometer to measure the duct leakage.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Washington Crossing, PA

Ensure your HVAC system delivers maximum efficiency, full compliance, and top performance through professional duct leakage test in Washington Crossing, 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 give on-site support to help you pass your test, limit wasted energy, and strengthen the long-term health of your HVAC system.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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