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.