THE BAD NEWS:
- Old ductwork may not have been properly sealed when installed, or the seals have failed over time. This is equally possible for nearly new ductwork.
- Improperly installed, or undersized ductwork may result in airflow reduction (less air coming out than going into the system).
THE GOOD NEWS:
Determining if this condition exists is easy.When looking for HVAC service
What Does A Static Air-Pressure Test Tell You?
Static pressure is the measure of the Air Leakage OR Airflow-Resistance within the duct system.
How An Air-Pressure Test Works:
Al's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning takes two pressure readings:
- The air pressure entering the system
- The air pressure leaving the system.
- We add the two pressures together for the total pressure.
Results:
On the Supply-Air Side (air coming out the ducts in the rooms):
- If the pressure reading is Too Low, there is air leakage in the ductwork bringing air to the rooms.
- If the Static Air-Pressure reading is Too High, there is restricted airflow in the ductwork bringing air to the rooms.
- If the Static Air Pressure reading is Too LOW -- there is a disconnected return-air duct, or ductwork is too large.
- If the Static Air-Pressure reading is Too High -- there are not enough return air ducts or ductwork is too small.
Unsealed pipes carrying air to rooms resulting in air leakage.
Improperly installed (compressed) ductwork resulting in an air-flow restriction.
The Goal Is Simple:
The amount of air coming out of all the rooms' ducts should be quite similar to the amount going into the return-air vents (adjusting for the airflow resistance caused by the furnace itself -- that information is provided by the furnace manufacturer)
Learn how High-Merv Air Filters can dramatically reduce system air flow High MERV Filter and System Air Flow
