One of the most important aspects of your HVAC’s airflow is static pressure, yet you probably almost never think of it. Poor static pressure can waste energy, damage your system, and more. What is static pressure, and what does it do? Here’s why a balanced static pressure HVAC system is important for your home.
What Is Static Pressure HVAC?
Static pressure refers to how well air is able to flow through your ducts and ultimately circulate through your home. Higher pressure forces air to flow harder and more quickly, while lower pressure makes it flow more weakly.
There are a number of things that can cause a static pressure imbalance. One of the most common is poorly sized ductwork. If your ducts are too big or too small, air can’t flow through them at the correct pressure. Similarly, a wrongly sized HVAC system for your home leads to poor static pressure. Even a clogged air filter can create a pressure imbalance, as it restricts airflow through your system.
Problems Caused by Static Pressure HVAC Imbalance
Poor static pressure can lead to a variety of problems. If the pressure is too high, it can cause leaks in your ductwork, which result in energy losses of up to 30%. It can also lead to hot and cold spots throughout your home and difficulty getting a uniform temperature throughout.
If pressure is too low, it will cause your system to work harder to make up the difference. The unit runs longer, using more energy. Over time, the system becomes overworked, breaking down more frequently and ultimately resulting in a shorter life span. Finally, low pressure can make your system noisy. You may hear loud, rumbling noises through your ductwork as a result of the unit working harder.
If you are experiencing any of these problems or suspect your home might have poor static pressure, your HVAC technician can inspect the system and ductwork to determine how to fix the issue.
For help ensuring a balanced static pressure HVAC system, contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We provide quality home-comfort solutions to Indianapolis.
