Duct Leakage Test in Wyncote, PA

Keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency and in full compliance with local codes through expert duct leakage test in Wyncote, PA. Our certified technicians find and measure ductwork air leaks, allowing homeowners and builders to improve indoor comfort, reduce energy waste, and satisfy state standards.

Why Duct Leakage Test is Important In Wyncote, 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 notable implications for home builders and HVAC contractors working throughout the state. A Duct Leakage Test as well as a Blower Door Test in newly constructed or remodeled homes is now required in accordance with the 2015 regulations. Did you know that ductwork is a major cause of air leakage in homes across 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 an essential part of maintaining both new and older homes. Keep reading to discover why duct leakage test is important and how it can support your home.

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How a Duct Leakage Test Is Conducted

To prepare for a duct leakage test in Wyncote, PA, the technician seals every supply and return register, leaving only the main return or air handler unsealed. A specially calibrated duct blaster fan is then secured to the opening. Its job is to depressurize the duct system, allowing air leaks to reveal themselves clearly.

The duct blaster uses a precision pressure sensor to monitor airflow and pinpoint leaks throughout the ductwork without interrupting your home environment. 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 straightforward, clean, and designed to be non-intrusive for residents. Most tests in Wyncote, PA take between 30 and 60 minutes, and the improvements they deliver can elevate comfort and efficiency for years ahead.

How to Measure Duct Leakage

Duct leakage is reported in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned home area. Your technician uses a nanometer to measure tiny pressure differences, making it possible to determine how much air the ducts are losing. Understanding this number lets you identify inefficiencies, weigh improvement options, and confirm your home’s compliance with local energy code requirements in Wyncote, PA.

Cost of Excessive Duct Leakage

If your energy bills are unusually high, your rooms feel unevenly heated or cooled, or your HVAC system needs frequent repairs, duct leakage could be the issue. According to ENERGY STAR, homes with leaky ducts routinely lose 20% to 30% of conditioned air. When outdoor temperatures enter your system, the HVAC must work harder to compensate, resulting in higher energy costs and reduced comfort.

Overworked equipment also causes additional breakdowns and increases repair costs. Proper duct sealing helps ensure the long-term stability of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan and reducing future maintenance work.

Duct leaks can also permit dust, mold spores, extra moisture, and other airborne contaminants into the duct system. This can worsen allergy flare-ups, reduce indoor air quality, and cause long-term structural deterioration behind walls or ceilings.

How to Properly Seal Ductwork in an Old Home

The 2015 IRC/IECC states that new homes must have duct systems sealed completely with energy-efficient products such as mastic, foil tape, and insulation. But what if those leaks are tucked away behind walls or ceilings?

Aerosol sealing technology (AeroSeal) is used to address openings concealed inside duct systems. 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 sprays a fine mist of sealant that fills tiny leaks and holes beyond the reach of conventional sealing.

This method handles small to medium leaks very effectively. However, large openings may still require traditional mastic and tape sealing. Technicians perform a duct leakage test both before and after aerosol sealing to determine how much leakage has decreased and confirm the treatment worked.

Common Areas of Duct Leakage

The most common point where ducts leak air is along the joints. Ductwork is made from multiple metal pieces pressed together with tight fittings and metal bands, but these connections are rarely completely airtight.

As your HVAC system delivers heat and cooling across different seasons, the ducts constantly expand and contract. Over time, this movement causes the joints to loosen, opening gaps and leaks — making a duct leakage test beneficial for both new and older homes in Wyncote, PA.

Many energy auditors check duct leakage by feeling around the ducts and using a small tool to test the width of gaps between joints. If your duct system wasn’t properly sealed using mastic and approved tape, air leakage is very likely occurring.

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, builders must ensure the home passes a duct leakage test before an occupancy certificate is granted.

If your home in Wyncote, 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 provide expert strategies to address leakage concerns, helping you achieve a passing score, bring down utility bills, and boost home efficiency.

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

Local Energy Audits proudly provides service to homeowners and builders throughout Wyncote, PA and the surrounding region. We specialize in locating and diagnosing duct leakage and energy inefficiencies through blower door and duct leakage tests. Whether your home is newly built or older, 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 by ensuring all ducts and registers are sealed with duct mask tape on both the supply and return sides.

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

The ducts are then lowered to a depressurized level of 25 Pascals. With the system at that pressure, the nanometer is used to read the duct leakage.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test in Wyncote, PA

Ensure your HVAC system maximizes efficiency, meets required standards, and performs consistently with thorough duct leakage test in Wyncote, PA. Whether you’re a homeowner focused on comfort or a contractor closing out an inspection, our certified team provides fast, accurate, and affordable testing.

We use industry-standard duct blaster equipment and offer on-site expertise to help you pass your test, reduce unnecessary energy loss, and protect your HVAC system over the long term.

📞 Call 888-213-3975 ✉️ Request a Quote

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