Duct Leakage Testing in Orange County
Stop Wasting Money on Leaky Ducts. Pass Your Title 24 Inspection, Guaranteed.
Did you know that a typical home in Orange County can lose up to 30% of its conditioned air through leaks in the ductwork? That’s air you’ve paid to cool or heat, escaping into your attic or crawlspace. This energy waste leads to higher utility bills, reduced comfort, and can cause you to fail a mandatory Title 24 inspection. At HERS Testing Orange County, we are certified HERS Raters specializing in precise, state-of-the-art duct leakage testing. We provide homeowners and HVAC contractors with the accurate data and official documentation needed to ensure systems are efficient, compliant, and cost-effective.
Why Duct Testing is Crucial for Orange County Homes
Pass Mandatory Title 24 Inspections
If you're installing a new HVAC system or altering more than 40 feet of ductwork, California's Title 24 energy code requires a duct leakage test. Our certified testing is your key to passing inspection and getting your permit finalized.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Leaks in your duct system don't just let air out; they can also pull dirty air in. Dust, insulation particles, and other pollutants from your attic, garage, or crawlspace can be drawn into your ductwork and circulated throughout your home.
Lower Your High Energy Bills
Leaky ducts force your AC and furnace to run longer and harder to maintain the temperature on your thermostat. Sealing these leaks is one of the fastest ways to reduce your energy consumption and lower your monthly bills.
Enhance Overall Home Comfort
Do you have rooms that are always too hot or too cold? Poorly sealed or disconnected ducts are often the culprit. Proper testing and sealing ensure that conditioned air is delivered where it's supposed to go, eliminating uneven temperatures.
Our HERS Duct Leakage Testing Process
We make the testing process simple, fast, and transparent. Our HERS Raters use calibrated, high-precision equipment to give you results you can trust.
System Preparation & Consultation
We start by preparing your HVAC system for the test. This involves temporarily sealing all supply and return registers with a non-damaging adhesive film. We'll walk you through the entire process and answer any questions you have.
Connect the Duct Blaster® Equipment
Our technician will connect a calibrated fan and high-precision pressure sensors, known as a Duct Blaster®, to your home's duct system through a central return vent. This equipment allows us to safely pressurize the entire duct network.
System Pressurization & Measurement
The Duct Blaster® fan is turned on to put the ductwork under a slight, uniform pressure. The system's sensors then measure the exact amount of air escaping through any leaks, providing a precise leakage rate in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute).
Instant Results & Official Documentation
You get a pass or fail result on the spot. Upon passing, we immediately provide the necessary CF2R documentation that your building department requires to close your permit. If the system fails, we provide data on the extent of the leakage to help your HVAC contractor locate and seal the problem areas.
Not sure if you need it?
Send your permit scope and ZIP. We’ll confirm required tests and bundle with Charge & Airflow, Fan Watt, or Blower Door if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Duct Testing
What exactly is duct leakage?
Duct leakage refers to the escape of conditioned air from your HVAC duct system through cracks, holes, or poorly connected joints. It results in wasted energy, as this heated or cooled air fails to reach its intended living spaces.
When is duct leakage testing required in Orange County?
According to California's Title 24 energy code, duct leakage testing is mandatory whenever you install a new furnace, air conditioner, or complete duct system. It is also required for alterations that involve replacing more than 40 feet of ductwork in an unconditioned space like an attic.
What happens if my duct system fails the test?
If your system doesn't meet the required leakage standard, it fails the test. We will provide you with the results, and your HVAC contractor will need to perform duct sealing to fix the leaks. Afterward, we will return to perform a re-test to verify the repairs and issue the passing paperwork.
How long does a duct leakage test take?
For an average-sized home, the entire testing process typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes. This includes setup, the test itself, and explaining the results to you.
Get Everything You Need to Pass Your HERS Inspection
Ensure a smooth and successful project completion by bundling all your required HERS tests. We provide comprehensive services to meet every Title 24 requirement.
Blower Door Testing
Now mandatory for all new home construction, this test measures your home's overall airtightness. It's a critical step in verifying a home's energy efficiency and is required to close out your permit.
Refrigerant Charge Verification
To maximize your HVAC system's efficiency and meet Title 24 standards, we verify that the refrigerant charge is correct, preventing energy waste and premature system failure.
Airflow Measurement
Proper airflow is key to both comfort and efficiency. We measure your system's airflow (CFM) to ensure it complies with energy code and delivers conditioned air effectively throughout your home.
Ready to Pass Your Inspection and Lower Your Bills?
Don't let compliance issues or energy waste slow down your project. Our certified HERS Raters are ready to provide fast, accurate testing with all the official documentation you need. Get the peace of mind that comes with a professional, guaranteed pass.
Proudly Serving All of Orange County
Our HERS Raters are local and ready to provide fast, professional duct leakage testing to homeowners and contractors throughout Orange County, including:
Anaheim • Cypress • Garden Grove • La Palma • Lake Forest • Orange • San Juan Capistrano • Tustin • Brea • Dana Point • Huntington Beach • Laguna Beach • Los Alamitos • Placentia • Santa Ana • Villa Park • Buena Park • Fountain Valley • Irvine • Laguna Hills • Mission Viejo • Rancho Santa Margarita • Seal Beach • Westminster • Costa Mesa • Fullerton • La Habra • Laguna Niguel • Newport Beach • San Clemente • Stanton • Yorba Linda