Duct Leakage Verification

ECC / HERS Duct Leakage Testing in Northern California

Duct leakage is one of the most common reasons HVAC systems fail energy code compliance in California.

Under the California Energy Code, any time ductwork is installed, replaced, or altered, a duct leakage verification test is required to prove the system meets efficiency standards before the project can pass final inspection.

Pacific Airflow provides certified ECC / HERS duct leakage verification throughout Northern California for new construction, additions, alterations, and HVAC changeouts.

When Is Duct Leakage Testing Required?

Duct leakage testing is required when:

  • New ductwork is installed

  • Existing ductwork is replaced or significantly altered

  • An HVAC system is installed as part of new construction

  • An HVAC changeout triggers energy code compliance

  • A project requires verification for a building permit or final inspection

Passing this test is not optional — it is required for code compliance and final sign-off by the building department.

What Is a Duct Leakage Test?

A duct leakage test measures how much conditioned air is escaping from your duct system before it ever reaches the rooms it’s meant to heat or cool.

We use a calibrated duct blaster fan, register sealing system, and precision manometer to pressurize the duct system and measure air loss at seams, joints, connections, and fittings.

If too much air leaks from the system, the installation fails the test and the leaks must be corrected before certification can be issued.

The entire setup takes about 30 minutes and the actual test takes only a few minutes.

Why Duct Leakage Matters

Leaky ducts don’t just cause a code failure — they cause real problems in buildings:

  • Higher energy bills (up to 30% more heating and cooling loss)

  • Uneven temperatures from room to room

  • Reduced system performance

  • Poor indoor air quality from dust and attic/crawlspace air being pulled into the system

  • Excess wear on HVAC equipment

A tight duct system ensures the right air, at the right temperature, gets to the right place..

ECC / HERS Verified Testing

As a certified ECC Rater, Pacific Airflow performs duct leakage verification that is:

  • Registered with the ECC Provider (CHEERS)

  • Accepted by all Northern California building departments

  • Performed according to California Energy Code standards

  • Documented for permit approval and final inspection

You are not just “testing ducts” — you are certifying the system for legal energy code compliance.

What Happens If the System Fails?

If the duct system fails:

  1. Leaks must be sealed

  2. The system is retested

  3. A passing verification is registered with the ECC Provider

  4. You receive your Certificate of Verification for inspection

We work directly with contractors and installers to identify where leakage is occurring so it can be corrected quickly.

Serving Contractors, Builders, and Homeowners Across Northern California

Pacific Airflow provides duct leakage verification for:

  • Residential new construction

  • Additions and alterations

  • HVAC changeouts

  • Multifamily projects

  • Light commercial projects (where applicable)

We make the process simple, fast, and inspection-ready.

Schedule Your Duct Leakage Verification

If your project involves ductwork, this test will be required before final sign-off.

Pacific Airflow is your local ECC / HERS testing partner for fast, compliant duct leakage verification across Northern California.

Contact us today to schedule your test.