Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - AC Repair & Replacement St. Louis

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - AC Repair & Replacement St. Louis

Archives for January 2020

How Powerful Winds Affect Your HVAC System and What to Do About It

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As wind blows, it disperses dirt that has gathered inside the HVAC unit which in turn blows around the inside of your home.

Missouri is no stranger to powerful storms which can produce strong winds which in turn can lead to property damage. We know the affects wind can have on the roof and siding of a home, unfortunately, powerful winds can affect your HVAC system as well.

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At first you may picture physical damage, such as your AC unit being blown away. But powerful winds can have other types of damaging effects. As we move into tornado season, which occurs between mid-March through late June, it is good to be aware of potential threats so that you can ensure it’s better protected.

Physical Damage

Physical damage is the obvious threat to your HVAC system. As high-speed winds blow on a unit, parts can become loose, damaged, or dirty. Flying debris caused by strong winds can also damage different parts of your HVAC system. If, after a storm, you notice your unit making strange noises or it stops working correctly, chances are it was damaged and needs repairing.

Affected Indoor Air Quality

As wind blows, it disperses dirt that has gathered inside the HVAC unit which in turn blows around the inside of your home. This can have negative affects on your health as the air circulates and is inhaled. This poor air quality can set off allergic reactions which can lead to asthma attacks or other respiratory issues.

To avoid these problems, it is a good idea to have proper maintenance and HVAC vent cleaning performed on your system.

Dust Can Accumulate

If you notice a musty odor coming our of your AC unit, it may be an indicator that the evaporation coils have a build-up of dust that may be causing blockages. This can create a fertile environment for mold to grow and flourish. Like the dust that enters your home, mold is bad for a person’s health. In order to fix the problem, the AC needs to be unblocked and then cleaned correctly.

St. Louis HVAC

Working with professionals is crucial in ensuring the best HVAC system for the home is selected, whether you are searching for an HVAC installation service or an existing system needs to be upgraded. Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625 for more information. We can help you choose the best heating and cooling system and will provide proper maintenance for the system to ensure it works properly throughout the year.

What Is Static Pressure and How Do You Get Rid of It?

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Static pressure is one of the most important factors in evaluating how your HVAC system works. It is a parameter that you should check frequently and understand at least at a basic level so that you can easily identify problems with your air conditioning.

Let’s go through the basic information about HVAC static pressure and how to get rid of it.

What Is Static Pressure?

When it comes to HVAC systems, static pressure defines the resistance to the airflow in the ductwork system. In order for your HVAC system to function properly, it needs to push the air through the ducts with a greater force than the static pressure in the pipes. If this condition is not met, the airflow will be affected.

Just as high blood pressure is a sign of stress and malfunctioning in our bodies, static pressure indicates a problem with your HVAC system if it exceeds certain values.

To measure the static pressure in your ductwork, your HVAC expert may drill a few test ports and will insert a manometer in the ducts, reading the static pressure values. Just as your blood pressure has an ideal range, your static pressure measurement shouldn’t be too high or too low.

Diagnosis of HVAC Systems Based on Static Pressure

When the static pressure is too high, it means that airflow is restricted. This will make your HVAC system work harder to compensate for the poor airflow, and it will overwork itself. Your electricity bill will go up and the air conditioning system might get damaged.

Possible reasons for high static pressure in your duct system at:

  • A blockage in the ducts
  • Closed dampers
  • Offset flex duct
  • Restrictive filters

When the static pressure is too low, it means that there’s a leak somewhere on the way. Possible reasons for this are:

  • Missing filters
  • Leaks in the duct pipes
  • Low fan speed
  • Separated duct sections

How Important Is the Ductwork in Your HVAC System?

Understanding how important it is to read the static pressure in your ducts will also make you realize how crucial good ductwork is to your system. Many homeowners and even HVAC experts focus a lot on the equipment when they plan an upgrade of the HVAC system, but what would truly add to the value and efficiency of the system is a good ductwork system.

If you are looking for a solution for low or high static pressure, or if you are browsing new HVAC systems, look for a company that has experience with ductwork and can design, install and repair it efficiently. Also, plan static pressure readings as a part of the regular maintenance of your HVAC system and you will be able to detect issues in time and solve them with less time and costs.

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