You probably don’t give much thought to anything other than how hot or cold your house gets when you switch on your heating or cooling system. But it turns out, a lot of other factors are involved in making these systems work well. Understanding how your HVAC system works requires a grasp of how duct static pressure impacts it.
Educating yourself about static pressure, its functions, and how it impacts your HVAC unit may help you maximize efficiency and prevent issues later on. Continue reading to find out more about the effects that pressure dips, high static pressure, and low static pressure may have on your HVAC system’s performance.
What Is Static Pressure in HVAC?
Static pressure in HVAC controls the air resistance within an air duct system. The force a fluid applies to a surface per unit area is measured by static pressure. A manometer, which gauges the pressure differential between two places, can be used to determine the static pressure of a duct system. Since static pressure has an impact on the flow of air through a duct system, it is crucial in HVAC units.
An excessively high AC static pressure value might impede airflow and lead to HVAC system issues. A leak in the duct system might be indicated by an excessively low static pressure. Pounds per square inch (psi) are used to measure static pressure.
Ideal Level of Static Pressure
The optimal static pressure is 0.5 pounds per square inch according to many HVAC contractors. Problems can arise from both excessive and lack of static pressure. The noise level of HVAC systems can increase significantly while this monitoring is off. They won’t last as long and will become less effective.
HVAC systems don’t experience increased wear at this level. Additionally, while heating or cooling systems are operating, noise levels are modest. HVAC ducting benefits from maintaining static pressure at 0.5 psi as well. At this level, pressure-related leaks and other types of damage to HVAC air ducts are less likely to occur.
Understanding High and Low Static Pressure in Your Ductwork
What Causes High Static Pressure in Ductwork?
1. Clogged Air Filters
By acting as screens, the air filters stop allergies, dust, and other pollutants from passing through your ducting and air vents. When particles are trapped , additional resistance is created as air flows through the filter. That is usually not an issue. But if you don’t change your filters for a few months, they’ll become clogged and increase resistance. Invest in higher MERV-rated filters and change your unit’s filters regularly to avoid that.
2. Undersized Air Returns
Static pressure is increased by ductwork that is undersized or improperly constructed. Static pressure issues can also result from undersized air intake returns. Air return ducts pull air back into your heating and cooling system from the rooms.
It will be more difficult for the blower motor of your HVAC system to draw air into the unit to maintain circulation if your air returns are small. After installing new HVAC equipment or fixing and sealing air ducts, this issue becomes more noticeable.
3. Oversized Air Returns
Problems with air conditioners might also result from oversized air returns. Refrigerant is pumped through your air conditioner in a closed-loop system, and this system will become unbalanced if there is insufficient return air. Over time, this condition may lead to more serious problems, such as costly repairs and system failures.
4. Dirty or Small Coil
Elevated static pressure is caused by airflow resistance created by clogged ductwork. An excessive amount of dust or dirt within your ducts might obstruct proper airflow. Static pressure issues can also be brought on by small coils. Similar to the air return vents, an inadequate coil size impedes airflow.
Heat transmission is typically handled by the coil. The coil warms the air that subsequently flows around your house in the winter. The refrigerant liquid that transfers heat from your living area to the coil evaporatively cools throughout the summer. This heat is transferred by the HVAC system’s coil to the refrigerant, allowing it to transform into a liquid and return via the unit to absorb further heat. The entire machine will malfunction if there is a problem with the coil.
Similar to the filter, the coil will produce some air resistance, but not enough to be problematic. That’s a whole other problem, though, if the system’s coil is unclean. Airflow within the unit and ductwork may be restricted by buildups of dust, dirt, and other materials on the coil.
What Causes Low Static Pressure in Ductwork?
While it does happen from time to time, low static pressure is not usually a problem for homeowners. Some of the more common causes of this problem include:
- Leaky ducts
- Missing air filters
- Poor fan speed
- Separations in ductwork
Look out for These 3 Signs of Static Pressure Issues in Your HVAC System
Higher Energy Bills
Your air conditioner will run nonstop to keep the room chilly if it isn’t producing cold enough air. Similarly, your furnace will continuously run to maintain a specific temperature if it isn’t hot enough. Regretfully, you will use more energy and pay more for utilities as a result of these two acts. Unexpected increases in energy expenses can be the result of your HVAC system having to work harder to make up for problems with static pressure.
Uneven Heating or Cooling
When there is insufficient airflow in specific parts of the house, generally as a result of clogged vents or ductwork, static pressure problems arise. This may result in hot and cold areas as well as the perception of temperature differences between rooms.
Make sure that air is moving freely through your ductwork and that your vents are open and unobstructed to avoid static pressure issues in your heating and cooling system.
Noisy Operation
High static pressure may be indicated if your HVAC system makes loud mechanical noises while spreading conditioned air around your house. The ducts, vents, and return grille of your unit all circulate air more quickly than usual. The blower motor will have to work harder to force air through it because of the reduced airflow, which will result in loud sounds. The blower motor is operating at its full speed right now, which is why you are hearing the strange sounds.
Get Ahead of HVAC Troubles with Eck Services
At Eck Services, we’re committed to keeping our Kansas neighbors in Wichita, Kingman, Salina, Hutchinson, Pratt, Medicine Lodge, and Anthony cool and comfortable all summer long. Our technicians are ready to handle any problem your system sends our way.
Why Choose Eck Services?
For over 15 years, the people in our region have been served by our locally owned and run business. We are a BBB-accredited HVAC servicing company that can handle any task. By completing every task correctly the first time, we can keep our A+ grade. Our experts are capable of fixing any brand or model of air conditioner thanks to their extensive training.
The professionals at Eck Services offer comprehensive HVAC services, including air conditioning service, AC repair, and AC maintenance. We also provide HVAC servicing around the clock to relieve the burden of handling emergencies. We’ll determine the root of any problem and provide you with an estimate for the necessary repairs. We’ll put in a lot of effort to restore your cooling system to peak performance.
Breathe Easier with Cleaner Air with Our Indoor Air Quality Services
If you need air filters, we can help you with that, too. We have some of the greatest air purifiers available in Wichita right now at Eck Services. Once implemented, these systems will protect your air quality against impurities that are invisible to the naked eye. These pollutants may be aggravating respiratory issues or triggering allergies. You might be surprised to learn that the air inside your house may be far more contaminated than the outside air. Imagine that air is constantly being pumped around your house.
How Our Air Purifiers Improve Indoor Air Quality
Our air purifiers break the cycle and provide the whole house with cleaner air. They reduce the symptoms of asthma, lower the incidence of airborne illnesses, remove offensive scents, and assist with sleep-related issues. So whether your HVAC system needs a tune-up with maintenance or repairs, or you need new air filters, our team is here to help. Don’t wait for a minor issue to become a major one.
