Services > Building Performance Testing > Duct Leakage Testing
Duct Leakage Testing Services
Poorly sealed ductwork can undermine your comfort, spike your energy bills, and compromise indoor air quality. At Home Energy Consultants, Inc., our duct leakage testing services precisely identify and quantify air leakage in your HVAC duct system, helping you optimize efficiency, maintain compliance, and enhance comfort.
What Is Duct Leakage Testing?
Duct leakage testing is a specialized diagnostic procedure that measures how much conditioned air escapes from your ductwork due to gaps, joints, or poorly sealed connections. Using a calibrated fan (also known as a duct leakage tester) and specialized instruments, we pressurize or depressurize the ducts, typically around 25 Pascals, to quantify air leakage, expressed as CFM25 (cubic feet per minute at 25 Pa).
Testing can reveal two main types of leakage:
- Total duct leakage, representing all loss, including leaks into conditioned spaces.
- Leakage to the outside, focusing on leaks from ducts located in unconditioned areas like attics or crawlspaces, these are the most critical to address.
Why Professional Duct Leakage Testing Services Matter
Significant Energy Savings
Leaky duct systems can waste up to 10–30 % of the air you’ve paid to heat or cool. By pinpointing and fixing those leaks, you’re able to reduce wasted energy and lower your utility bills substantially.
Improved HVAC Performance & Comfort
When your ducts lose conditioned air before it reaches your living areas, your system must work harder, reducing performance and comfort. Our duct leakage testing services help uncover and eliminate the causes, so heating or cooling is more even and responsive.
Safer, Healthier Indoor Air
Leaky return ducts can draw in pollutants such as dust, allergens, or moisture from unconditioned spaces, potentially posing health concerns. Sealing those leaks helps maintain cleaner, safer air inside.
Regulation Compliance & Quality Assurance
Many building codes and energy programs, including IECC and RESNET protocols, require duct leakage testing. For example, the 2009 IECC limits leakage to outdoors or total leakage to 8 cfm or 12 cfm per 100 ft² of conditioned area, while the 2012 IECC tightens those thresholds further. Our testing ensures your system meets or exceeds these requirements.
In New York, building codes require strict compliance with duct air leakage test standards to ensure HVAC efficiency and indoor air quality. According to the state’s energy code, newly installed ductwork must undergo air leakage testing to verify airtightness. Typically, ductwork pressure testing is performed at 25 Pascals using industry-approved equipment such as duct testers and manometers.
The New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code (NYSECCC), based on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), mandates that total duct leakage must not exceed 4 CFM per 100 square feet of conditioned floor area when tested at rough-in with the air handler installed, or 8 CFM per 100 square feet when tested at post-construction. Compliance is verified through a duct air leakage test performed by certified professionals.
Meeting these code requirements not only ensures compliance but also improves HVAC performance, reduces energy waste, and enhances occupant comfort.
Reliable Diagnostics & Reporting
Using industry-standard equipment such as the Retrotec Duct Tester or Minneapolis Duct Blaster, our technicians measure leakage with precision, deliver actionable insights, and provide reports that help you seal effectively and prioritize repairs.
What to Expect: Our Duct Leakage Testing Process
- Preparation
Our team seals off supply registers or return grills, except the ones used for testing and readies the HVAC system for accurate measurement.
- Testing
We attach the duct leakage tester to the ductwork, creating controlled pressure changes. The amount of airflow required to maintain the pressure gives us the CFM25 reading and additional quantitative insight into leakage to the outside, if needed.
- Leak Detection Analysis
Sometimes, smoke machines, infrared tools, or airflow diagnostics help locate specific leak locations allowing targeted, efficient sealing.
- Reporting & Recommendations
We deliver a clearly documented report including quantified leakage metrics, tested locations, and recommended sealing strategies, empowering you to make cost-effective improvements.
Who Should Consider Duct Leakage Testing?
- New or Renovated Homes: Testing at rough-in or post-construction stages avoids costly rework later.
- Existing Homes Experiencing Inefficiencies: If you’ve noticed uneven heating/cooling, high bills, or dusty vents, our duct leakage testing services can help uncover hidden inefficiencies.
- For Certification or Code Compliance: If your project needs to meet the latest IECC, RESNET, or ENERGY STAR requirements, this test is essential.
With expert duct leakage testing services from Home Energy Consultants, Inc., you’re equipped to boost efficiency, increase comfort, and ensure the health and performance of your HVAC system. Contact us today to schedule your test and seal in your savings!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does a duct leakage test take?
On average, the full test including preparation, measurement, and reporting takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on your home’s size and system complexity.
- What equipment do you use for testing?
We use calibrated duct leakage testers such as Retrotec DucTester or Minneapolis Duct Blaster, along with manometers and temporary register seals to accurately pressurize and measure duct airtightness.
- What should I do after the test?
After receiving results, schedule air sealing based on prioritized areas identified in your report, focus on ducts in unconditioned spaces first to maximize energy savings and comfort.