Static pressure refers to the resistance to airflow in your air ducts. You need the right balance when it comes to static pressure in your HVAC system since too little or too much pressure can result in problems such as energy inefficiency and system failure. HVAC static pressure issues are sometimes worse to the extent that they can make you have an AC repair company in Sedona, AZ prematurely replace the system. Consider a hose whenever the water flow is unimpeded. Place your thumb over the tip partially and slowly change the diameter of the pipe. That speeds up the water flow. That happens in your air ducts in case of high static pressure.

Causes of High HVAC Static Pressure

During the air conditioning service, your AC repair company will inspect your HVAC system for high static pressure in two points on your air duct system. Doing this helps the AC repair technician to determine or narrow down where airflow resistance arises. Below are the main causes of high static pressure in your HVAC system.

Poor Duct Design

Poorly designed or improperly installed ductwork that is too narrow has too many bends, and those which are dipping or sagging will result in air resistance. This is likely to happen if you hire an inexperienced handyperson or do the air duct installation and design job yourself. DIY air conditioner repairs, installations, and maintenance jobs will only result in other issues like high static pressure later. It also will mask the underlying issue or even worsen it. Additionally, you could injure yourself during the repair or installation job. Hence, it is recommended that you hire a reputable, experienced AC repair company for any HVAC job.

Dirty Air Ducts

Clogging in the air ducts also can result in significant resistance to airflow. Unfortunately, this creates a high static pressure problem. Too much dust and debris in the air ducts will narrow them, preventing a balanced air movement. Unfortunately, high static pressure isn’t the only problem that can stem from dirty air ducts. It also can make the HVAC system work harder to heat or cool your home, resulting from increased wear and tear. To prevent these problems, it is recommended that you hire a trusted heating and AC repair company in Sedona, AZ for a duct cleaning service at least once after every two years.

Undersized Air Returns

Generally, undersized air ducts increase the static pressure, as explained above. If the air intake returns are undersized, your HVAC system could start experiencing high static pressure issues. The air return ductworks draw air from your indoor space and send that air back into your HVAC system. Undersized air returns make it harder for your HVAC system blower motor to pull air into your unit for continuous circulation. This issue is much more apparent after having an AC repair company install a new heating and air conditioning system or even repairing or sealing the air ducts. Heating, cooling, and air conditioning involve a coolant circulation through the HVAC system from the condenser to the refrigerant. A lack of sufficient return air throws the refrigerant loop off. This problem may cause a major issue, including system breakdown or expensive repairs.

Single-Inch Pleated Filter

Another reason for the increased static pressure in your air ducts is if you’ve installed a- inch-pleated filter. Thicker air filters in your HVAC system result in higher airflow resistance. So, do you have these filters installed in your HVAC system? You can replace it with a media filter that has a low-pressure drop. You even can have an AC repair company upgrade the one-inch pleated filter with a HEPA filter.

Dirty or Small Coil

Clogged air ducts impede air flow, raising the static pressure in your HVAC system. An excessive amount of dust or debris in your ducts can hinder a balanced airflow. Small coils can also bring on static pressure issues. Your coil will impede airflow if it is not large enough, similar to what happens with the air return vents. The coil usually handles heat transfer. It warms the air later circulating across your home in the winter. When the AC repair company comes for a maintenance service, they will clean the coils to prevent heat transfer problems.

In summer, the refrigerant carries heat from your Sedona, AZ home and evaporates outside while flowing in the coil. This heat is transferred through the HVAC system’s coil so that the refrigerant can transform into liquid form and then return through the unit to draw in additional heat. Therefore, if the coil has a problem, the entire device will have a problem. Similar to the filter, the coil also creates some air resistance, but not sufficient to cause any issues. But if the system’s coil is unclean, that’s a different matter. Don’t take any chances. Have your HVAC system inspected by an AC repair company. Buildups of dust, dirt and other things on the coil can hamper airflow within your HVAC unit and ductwork.

Clogged or Restrictive Air Filters

Air filters screen and prevents pollutants such as dirt, dust, and other contaminants from circulating in your air vents and air ducts. As the conditioned air passes via the filters, the particle is trapped by the component. With time, the filter can be clogged by this dirt and debris, blocking the flow of air. For this reason, it is recommended that you replace your air filters after 1-3 months. This resistance results in increased static pressure in your HVAC system. Talk to your AC repair company about installing air filters with a higher MERV rating.

High static pressure in your heating and air conditioning system can arise from various problems, as explained above. Fortunately, routine air conditioning service can help. Do you need static pressure inspection and other HVAC services? Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Prescott.

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