Duct Leakage Testing measures how much conditioned air escapes from a home’s HVAC duct system. Excessive duct leakage wastes energy, reduces comfort, and can prevent compliance with state energy codes in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Energy Geeks provides certified Duct Leakage Testing for new construction, renovations, additions, HERS Ratings, and incentive program eligibility.
Why Duct Leakage Testing Matters
Leaky ducts cause:
- Higher heating and cooling costs
- Reduced airflow to living spaces
- Comfort issues and room-to-room temperature differences
- Increased load on HVAC equipment
- Poor indoor air quality
- Lower HERS Scores
Learn the fundamentals:
What Is Duct Leakage Testing?
Required Duct Leakage Levels in MA & RI
Homes must meet:
Massachusetts (MA 780 CMR / Stretch Code)
- Total leakage: Typically ≤ 4–6 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. (based on configuration)
- Leakage to exterior: Additional limits if ducts are outside conditioned space
Rhode Island (RI IECC 2024)
- Mandatory duct leakage testing for homes with ducts outside the thermal envelope
- Standard limit: ≤ 4 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft.
Learn more:
Duct Testing for Code Compliance
Duct Leakage & HERS Ratings
Duct leakage directly influences:
- Total system efficiency
- Heating & cooling loads
- HERS Score results
- Incentive eligibility
Explore the impact:
Why Duct Leakage Matters for Your HERS Score
Duct Testing for Existing Homes
Testing can identify opportunities to improve comfort and efficiency.
More details:
Duct Testing for Existing Homes
What Happens During the Test
A calibrated fan and pressure gauge are used to pressurize the duct system and measure leakage at 25 Pascals.
Learn what to expect:
Duct Testing – What to Expect
After Testing: Reports & Documentation
You will receive:
- CFM25 leakage values
- Pass/fail documentation
- Recommendations for improvement
- Reports for code officials or HERS raters
Learn more:
Duct Testing Results & Reports
Schedule Your Duct Leakage Test
Schedule Duct Testing
Certified testing for code compliance and HERS Ratings.
