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Static Pressure in my HVAC System

Posted on 3/21/18 at 2:54 pm
Posted by SM6
Georgia
Member since Jul 2008
8799 posts
Posted on 3/21/18 at 2:54 pm
Had my semi-annual HVAC tune up this afternoon, the first one I've had done in my new house. The tech said he tested the static pressure (both out and return) and he said the return was high. Quoted me a couple of hundred dollars to run some larger ducts run (8"). Since this is my first time getting this house checked out I was curious if anyone else has been told a similar thing. I'm not necessarily doubting the honesty of the company, they have a lot of good referrals, but I've never heard of this.

Also need to replace three capacitors, which I'll have done.

Is this a mission critical issue? Or can I defer another couple hundred of expenditures (on top of the many new homeowner outlays I've had).
This post was edited on 3/21/18 at 2:55 pm
Posted by OysterPoBoy
City of St. George
Member since Jul 2013
35179 posts
Posted on 3/21/18 at 2:56 pm to
Sorry bout your small ducts.
Posted by Motorboat
At the camp
Member since Oct 2007
22685 posts
Posted on 3/21/18 at 3:09 pm to
If the return is higher, then you could be pulling in moisture. If you do not have moisture issues, then I call BS. If you are noticing moisture problems, then add ducts.
Posted by brucevilanch
Fort Worth, Tejas
Member since May 2011
24333 posts
Posted on 3/21/18 at 3:11 pm to
I had some static pressure for your wife's DSL system last night.
Posted by ktfsh71
lake charles
Member since May 2008
52 posts
Posted on 3/21/18 at 4:13 pm to
If your static pressure is not correct, it will effect dehumidifcation, overall system performance, and will lead to component failures (i.e blower motor and compressor). It will also effect the efficiency of the system.
This post was edited on 3/21/18 at 4:17 pm
Posted by ktfsh71
lake charles
Member since May 2008
52 posts
Posted on 3/21/18 at 4:15 pm to
(no message)
This post was edited on 3/21/18 at 4:18 pm
Posted by MardiGrasCajun
Dirty Coast, MS
Member since Sep 2005
5367 posts
Posted on 3/21/18 at 4:15 pm to
quote:

Is this a mission critical issue? Or can I defer another couple hundred of expenditures (on top of the many new homeowner outlays I've had).


There are way too many unknowns to give you a correct answer over the internet. I don't see a huge gouging by the contractor though. Pricing seems fair. We don't know anything about your system or your house. Because of this I'd go with the contractor's recommendation. Not sure about the replacing of three capacitors though....what's up with that??
Posted by keakar
Member since Jan 2017
30037 posts
Posted on 3/21/18 at 4:20 pm to
static pressure is just the buildup of pressure the system cant move through the ducts.

it is necessary to have "some" on the ductwork side so you can get even, balanced, or extra air to certain ducts so that each room gets the proper cfms of air from the vents for heating and cooling.

the return has negative pressure because its the suction side and often it will be restricted by pleated filters that dont allow enough air to pass through them because they are trying to trap everything like allergens. the best way to reduce restrictions there is to open the hole larger and put in a bigger filter grille and filter but when doing this, make sure the opening in the closet shaft inside the wall is not where the restriction is. a big filter grille and filter can not help you if the hole inside the closet is too small.

sounds like he is feeding you BS there. adding larger ducts wont help reduce return side pressures, all the ducts are on the plenum side going out of the unit to each room and adding ducts to that, only reduces the static pressure in the plenum side, but if you reduce it too much then you lose the ability to balance airflow throughout the rest of the ducts in the house.

the guy is throwing fancy word BS making up excuses to create work so he can make money.

not saying use someone else, but ignore "his" recommendations and tell him its good, leave it like it is
This post was edited on 3/21/18 at 4:25 pm
Posted by keks tadpole
Yellow Leaf Creek
Member since Feb 2017
7580 posts
Posted on 3/21/18 at 4:55 pm to
Are the coils clean? Are you 100% sure he checked them? Three capacitors? Do you have three condensers? Are none of them spinning the fans?
This post was edited on 3/21/18 at 5:16 pm
Posted by SM6
Georgia
Member since Jul 2008
8799 posts
Posted on 3/21/18 at 7:18 pm to
Damn, good points. He did clean the coils, but I have two condensers. Here is the actual work order:

Replace warranty 30/5 capacitor on upstairs AC, labor only.

5 uf blower capacitor. Upstairs and downstairs furnace.

I thought the first portion was just Labor but the quote reads as three capacitors.

22 year old Lennox system, original to the house. 2.5T down stairs 2T upstairs
Posted by keks tadpole
Yellow Leaf Creek
Member since Feb 2017
7580 posts
Posted on 3/21/18 at 9:22 pm to
Gas heat?
If yes, is it firing off or cycling.
If no, I can't help.
What I have is a 3T Goodman w/ gas heat and a friend with a parts house. I've trouble-shot the furnace for sensors and got it running and chaged a capacitor on the outside condenser. Controls and fan motor change outs take too long for me.
Posted by weadjust
Member since Aug 2012
15112 posts
Posted on 3/21/18 at 9:35 pm to
quote:

22 year old Lennox system


All I would do to it is change the filters and clean the coils until it dies
Posted by soccerfüt
Location: A Series of Tubes
Member since May 2013
65714 posts
Posted on 3/21/18 at 9:35 pm to
quote:

22 year old Lennox system



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