How Saint John is built
- Before 1961 34%
- 1961–1990 44%
- 1991–2000 9%
- 2001 or later 13%
Who needs it in Saint John
In the Saint John area, 38% of households heat mainly with electric baseboards and 32% with a heat pump; electricity is the main heating energy for 46% of households (Statistics Canada, 2023).
Of Saint John's 19,705 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 34% were built before 1961 and 78% before 1991, according to the 2021 Census. Ducts in older houses often run through unheated spaces with taped or unsealed joints, and supply runs to the far rooms are the first to suffer.
What the test shows
- Total duct leakage, as a share of the system's airflow, measured with a duct-pressurization fan.
- Airflow at each register, which explains why one bedroom is always cold.
- Whether sealing and balancing will fix comfort problems before you buy bigger equipment.
What it costs
About $200–$450 (a September 2026 planning range; quotes vary). It isn't part of a standard EnerGuide evaluation, so ask for it when you book if comfort is your main complaint.
NRCan-licensed service organizations serving Saint John
Duct leakage testing isn't part of a standard EnerGuide evaluation. Some of these organizations offer it, as do HVAC contractors with duct-testing equipment, so ask when you call.
- Enercheck Solutions
- Homesol Building Solutions
- RU-Green Energy Solutions
- ThermalWise Green Building Cooperative
Programs in Saint John
Duct leakage testing in Saint John: common questions
How much does duct leakage testing cost in Saint John?
Plan on about $200–$450. It is usually a separate service from an EnerGuide evaluation.
Is duct cleaning the same thing?
No. Cleaning removes dust; it doesn't find or seal leaks. A leakage test measures where air is lost.
Should I close vents in unused rooms?
Usually not. Closing registers raises duct pressure and can increase leakage elsewhere in the system.