When it comes to HVAC design, static pressure is an important factor to take into consideration. This refers to the resistance to airflow in your system’s ductwork and equipment. Normally, the pressure of the air should be greater than the resistance to the flow for it to circulate through your ducts properly. Usually the calculations are done by the technician, but there are times when certain problems lead to high static pressure, which puts undue stress on your system. 

Problems with static pressure aren’t actually that uncommon, so it helps to gain some general knowledge of the matter. Expert air conditioning and heating repair contractor Air Comfort explains what you need to know here.

Understanding Static Pressure

The concept of static pressure isn’t that difficult to understand once you think of it in simpler terms, such as the doctor measuring your blood pressure. A blood pressure reading gives the doctor a good indication of your overall health. The same is true of a static pressure reading, since it will give the technician an idea of your system’s condition.

How to Check Your Unit for High Static Pressure

High static pressure is contributed to by subpar system design, improper ductwork installation and poor filter choices. It can also be caused by a combination of these factors, and your system won’t be fully effective and could even fail unless they’re addressed by a professional air conditioning installation technician. 

So, if you notice any of the following happening with your HVAC system, they may indicate high static pressure:

Hot and cold spots. If you feel that your home’s heating or cooling is uneven, this could be an indication of high static pressure. When the air isn’t moving through a balanced system, you’ll end up with too much cooled air in one part of your home and not enough in another.

Excessive noise. If your system seems louder than usual, this can be a sign of higher static pressure. The air moving at high pressure through the return grille, ducts and vents creates some noise since it’s moving faster. 

In addition, incecreased airflow from high static pressure forces your unit’s blower motor to work harder to move air through the system, which will ramp it up to maximum speed to try to keep the air flowing like it’s supposed to. When this happens, the noise can be significantly louder.

Remember, an HVAC system with high static pressure won’t be as energy-efficient as one with balanced pressure. If you need a reliable air conditioning and heating service technician to check yours out, there’s only one name to trust: Air Comfort. To get started, give us a call at (409) 833-5665 or fill out our convenient contact form. Talk to us today!