Duct Leakage Test in Worcester, PA

Keep your HVAC system energy-efficient and up to code with accurate duct leakage test in Worcester, 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 Worcester, PA

In most states and municipalities, the 2015 IECC, International Energy Conservation Code is required for single-family homes, while the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code is required for multi-family homes. The change will bring forward important implications for home builders and HVAC contractors working in the state. A Duct Leakage Test as well as the required Blower Door Test must now be performed on new or remodeled homes following 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 drive up energy bills, put extra stress on your HVAC system, and circulate dust and insulation throughout your living space. This makes duct leakage test highly important for homes of any age. Read on to learn why duct leakage test matters and the benefits you can gain.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To begin a duct leakage test in Worcester, PA, your technician will seal off all supply and return registers except for the main return or the air handler. A specially calibrated duct blaster is then installed onto the opening. The fan lowers the pressure inside the ducts, helping reveal any leakage 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 — widely known as a duct blaster test — pinpoints air leakage in your ducts so you can choose the best sealing methods.

duct leakage test is swift, clean, and carried out with no disturbance to residents. Most tests in Worcester, 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 measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned space. Your technician uses a nanometer to identify subtle pressure differences, helping determine how much air is leaking from the ducts. Understanding this number helps you recognize where issues exist, plan meaningful improvements, and check your home against local energy code requirements in Worcester, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If your utility bills keep climbing, temperatures vary from room to room, or your HVAC needs constant fixing, duct leakage may be the cause. According to ENERGY STAR, the typical home loses between 20% and 30% of its conditioned air due to duct leaks. Air from outside—whether hot or cold—entering your system forces your HVAC to work harder, increasing utility bills and reducing indoor comfort.

Overworked equipment also accelerates wear and tear, resulting in more breakdowns and costly repairs. 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 introduce dust, mold spores, excess humidity, and other contaminants into the duct system. This can escalate allergies, lower the overall air quality indoors, and lead to costly damage behind walls or ceilings over time.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC mandates that new homes include fully sealed duct systems built with energy-efficient materials like mastic, foil tape, and proper insulation. But what if the problem areas are buried deep within the walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) offers a method to access hidden leaks deep within 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 distributes a fine aerosolized sealant that seals small openings traditional methods cannot 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 conduct a duct leakage test before and after aerosol sealing to measure how much the leakage has been reduced and ensure the treatment is successful.

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 regulates temperatures through the seasons, the ducts expand when heated and contract when cooled. Over time, this movement results in loose joints that create gaps and leaks — making a duct leakage test necessary for new and older homes in Worcester, PA.

Many energy auditors inspect duct leakage by feeling the ducts and using a small tool to determine how wide the gaps are between joints. If your duct system has not been properly sealed with mastic and approved tape, it’s very likely that leakage exists.

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

To achieve a passing duct leakage result, your system must measure under 4 CFM per 100 square feet with the air handler in place, or 3 CFM per 100 square feet if the air handler is not installed. For new construction, no home can receive an occupancy certificate without first passing a duct leakage test.

If your home in Worcester, PA does not pass a duct leakage test, you are likely paying more than necessary for heating and cooling — and placing long-term strain on your HVAC equipment. Meeting the 3–4 CFM requirement is required not only for code approval but for keeping your home efficient and comfortable.

Your technician will also give informed guidance on addressing leakage problems, enabling you to pass the test, reduce energy bills, and enhance your home’s performance.

Local Energy Audits — affordable duct leakage test in Worcester, PA

Local Energy Audits proudly provides service to homeowners and builders throughout Worcester, PA and the surrounding region. We specialize in identifying and addressing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies using blower door tests and duct leakage tests. Whether you’re constructing a new home or optimizing an existing one, we’re here to help.
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 all ducts and registers being sealed using duct mask tape on the supply and return sides.

After the registers are sealed, we secure the duct tester to the HVAC unit or to a main return.

The ducts are then depressurized until they reach 25 Pascals. With them depressurized, the nanometer measures the amount of leakage.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Worcester, PA

Ensure your HVAC system is efficient, compliant, and performing at its best with professional duct leakage test in Worcester, 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 direct on-site guidance to help you pass your test, lower energy waste, and protect your HVAC system’s long-term health.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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