03 / Evidence before assumptions

Duct Leakage Testing

We don’t just guess. We measure.

How much air is leaking, and what does that number mean? A properly documented test gives the repair or sealing conversation a measurable starting point.

Request an Appointment

Start with your service and property. No appointment is reserved.

01 / Leakage Testing

What the test measures

A duct leakage test uses a calibrated fan and pressure measurements to quantify air escaping from the test boundary. A common residential result is airflow in cubic feet per minute at a 25-pascal test pressure, often written CFM25. That is a test condition, not a direct reading of your monthly energy loss.

Reference: DOE / PNNL Building America Solution Center ↗

02 / Leakage Testing

Total leakage is not leakage to outside

Total leakage includes leakage across the tested duct system. Leakage to outside isolates losses beyond the home’s conditioned space and requires additional setup. The two results answer different questions and should be labeled clearly.

Ask which test was performed and what equipment or duct sections were included. A percentage needs its denominator; an unexplained percentage is not a useful comparison.

Reference: DOE / PNNL Building America Solution Center ↗

03 / Leakage Testing

Where testing fits in the service journey

Inspection may reveal an obvious disconnected run before a test is useful. After repair, testing can help assess remaining leakage and whether sealing deserves consideration. A technician should explain why the proposed test is relevant to your concern.

The DuctRx Score records what you report about your home. It does not replace a test, estimate a leakage percentage or measure a professional outcome.

04 / Leakage Testing

Before and after, on the same basis

For a useful comparison, retain the test method, pressure, units, system boundary and dates alongside both results. Changes in setup should be disclosed, not hidden behind an impressive-looking percentage.

A useful service report separates observations, recommendations, approvals and completed work. Ask for the actual readings and an explanation of what changed in your system.

Before you decide

Questions about leakage testing

Does a leakage result tell me exactly what I will save?

No. Energy use depends on the home, equipment, weather and operation, among other factors. A test is evidence of leakage under stated conditions, not a utility-bill promise.

Is testing the same as an airflow check?

No. Duct leakage and room airflow are different measurements. Discuss the question you want answered so the technician can choose an appropriate evaluation.

Should I test before or after repair?

That depends on the findings and purpose of the test. An obvious physical defect may need repair first; a before/after sealing project needs a documented baseline.

Your home. A clearer next step.

Ready to find out what’s really going on?

Start with your concerns. Let the findings guide the work.