Your HVAC system is designed to carry a certain volume of air, and it requires a specific level of pressure inside the ductwork to function properly. If the pressure is too low or too high, it can change the air resistance and lead to numerous different issues with your heating and cooling systems. With this in mind, here is a quick overview of static pressure and what it means for your HVAC system.
Static Pressure Explained
Static pressure basically refers to how much resistance there is to the airflow inside your ductwork. For the system to work properly, the static pressure must be balanced so that there is not too much or too little resistance in the ducts.
If the pressure is too high, it restricts the airflow through the ductwork. This makes it much harder for the blower fan to fully circulate air throughout the entire length of the duct system. As a result, the system will have to work much harder, which can lead to increased energy costs, greater wear and tear and even shorten the lifespan of your HVAC equipment. The same problem can also make it much more difficult to fully heat or cool every room in the home. This typically results in hot and cold spots or uneven heating and cooling.
The same issues can also result if the static pressure is too low. In this case, there simply won’t be sufficient air flowing through the system to properly heat or cool the house. This means that your furnace or AC may need to run almost constantly.
What Causes Static Pressure Changes?
The most common cause of a pressure imbalance is due to the HVAC equipment being either too large or too small for the building. If the system is too small, it cannot produce enough air volume, whereas too large of a unit will produce too much air and increase the pressure. Pressure imbalances can also have numerous other causes, such as a clogged air filter, poorly designed ductwork or leaks in the ducts.
If you’re experiencing any issues with your home’s heating and cooling system, the team at J.J. Agnello Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can check to see if a pressure imbalance is the cause. We repair and maintain all types of heating and cooling systems from any manufacturer, and we also work on gas fireplaces, water heaters, boilers and indoor air quality equipment. We have been proudly serving customers in Erie and the surrounding areas since 1952, and we would be happy to show you what makes us one of the area’s best HVAC companies so give us a call today.