DUCT SYSTEM TESTING FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS
Leaky ducts in multifamily buildings can lose 20-30% of conditioned air before it reaches a tenant's unit. That is air you heated or cooled, escaping into wall cavities, attics, and unconditioned crawl spaces. Pressure testing identifies the problem with precision. Sealing fixes it. Both are utility rebate eligible.
LEAKING DUCTS ARE ENERGY YOU NEVER SEE
Duct pressure testing quantifies the problem. We use calibrated equipment to pressurize the duct system and measure leakage in cubic feet per minute (CFM25), the industry standard metric. The test results identify exactly where leakage is happening, how severe it is, and what rebate-qualifying improvements will deliver the highest return. We then seal the leaks using mastic and foil-backed tape, retest to verify performance, and submit the documentation for utility rebate funding.
— WHY IT MATTERSYou cannot see duct leakage. You cannot feel it through your floors or walls. But it is one of the largest invisible energy losses in any building with forced-air HVAC. Industry studies consistently show that typical residential and small commercial duct systems lose 20-30% of conditioned airflow through joint leaks, disconnected sections, and seam separations. In multifamily buildings, where duct runs span multiple floors and pass through unconditioned spaces, the losses can be even higher.
The multifamily Building test
✓ CFM25 pressure testing, industry-standard quantitative diagnostic
✓ Before and after measurements documented for rebate submission
✓ Mastic-sealed joints, the only sealant material that lasts decades
✓ Foil-backed tape on accessible joints and seams
✓ Identifies disconnected ducts, crushed sections, and structural damage
✓ Often delivers 15-20% reduction in heating and cooling energy use
✓ Rebate eligible across applicable Illinois utility programs
— THE SCOPEWhat Changes After Air Sealing
Lower Energy Bills
Reducing uncontrolled air infiltration directly reduces the load on your heating and cooling systems. Lower load means lower bills, consistently, every month.
Fewer Comfort Complaints
Drafty units are the number one comfort complaint in older multifamily buildings. Air sealing addresses the root cause, not just the symptom.
Better Soundproofing
Air gaps between units are sound gaps too. Sealing penetrations and bypasses noticeably reduces unit-to-unit sound transmission.
Pest Infiltration
The same gaps that let air in let pests in. Comprehensive air sealing around the building perimeter significantly reduces rodent and insect infiltration paths.
Moisture Control
Controlled ventilation, achieved only after air sealing, allows you to manage moisture intentionally rather than having outside air randomly infiltrate throughout the building.
Documented Results
We use blower door testing before and after every air sealing project. Your improvement is measured, documented, and provided in your final report.
We Are One of the Only Contractors in Illinois with This Designation
Building Energy Experts is an authorized insulation and air sealing contractor for Nicor Gas, ComEd, Peoples Gas, and NorthShore. We are a small, vetted group of contractors in Illinois, which means qualifying buildings in our service territory have direct access to the most comprehensive weatherization rebate programs available.