Static Pressure test

Started by Brian270, May 30, 2026, 07:28:11 AM

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Brian270

Hi,
We converted our home from in floor hydronic to forced air which included running ductwork and installing a furnace/HRV/AC.
Looking back and doing research throughout, there were no manual J,D or S completed, it was designed solely by Installer experience and the least intrusive way to the home.
Now that we are at this point, I believe the only thing we can do to ensure the system is working optimally is perform a static pressure test for furnace efficiency and wait for winter to hope that we have appropriate heat throughout our home..
Everything I read, mentions checking the Total External Static Pressure with a monometer to ensure the system is balanced and not overworking the fan.
My HVAC installer didn't do this yet and we are ready to close out this install.
Should I request this test?
Thoughts please.
Cheers

Hgye

Can you post some pictures of the installation?

Brian270

Quote from: Hgye on May 30, 2026, 08:51:29 AMCan you post some pictures of the installation?
Sure will shortly.

Brian270

Sorry but Im kinda floored nobody replied to this question.
My HVAC guy says nobody does TESP tests yet all I read and watch on internet is HVAC pros doing this like a doc taking your blood pressure.
Thoughts? Cheers

Admin

I verify the temperature rise, and only if it's out of range will I start checking ductwork and fan speeds.

Hgye


Brian270

Quote from: Admin on June 03, 2026, 04:51:58 AMI verify the temperature rise, and only if it's out of range will I start checking ductwork and fan speeds.
Thats an easy check to start off. Thanks for bumping me in that direction. I'll start there.
Cheers

Brian270

Quote from: Hgye on June 03, 2026, 06:14:07 AM
Quote from: Brian270 on May 30, 2026, 10:51:12 AM
Quote from: Hgye on May 30, 2026, 08:51:29 AMCan you post some pictures of the installation?
Sure will shortly.

Where are the pictures?
Doesn't look like I can. No file or image upload button. Maybe I need a certain number of posts?
Not sure what pictures would do to help answer my question. What pics would help? Furnace? Whatever exposed ducts we still have? Just asking if it would be a good test after a reno install to ensure system is within Trane specs so we dont fry the blower motor.
Cheers

Admin

This should be fixed now.  You will see the ADD FILES button next to PREVIEW & POST buttons.  Thanks for pointing that out!

Brian270

Quote from: Hgye on June 03, 2026, 06:14:07 AM
Quote from: Brian270 on May 30, 2026, 10:51:12 AM
Quote from: Hgye on May 30, 2026, 08:51:29 AMCan you post some pictures of the installation?
Sure will shortly.

Where are the pictures?
[/quote



Brian270

Quote from: Admin on June 03, 2026, 08:54:46 PMThis should be fixed now.  You will see the ADD FILES button next to PREVIEW & POST buttons.  Thanks for pointing that out!
Great, no problem and thanks!

Hgye

No red flags there as far as static pressure.  It looks like you have plenty of ductwork.  If you are going to use the high MERV filters, then just change them regularly.  Did they record the startup numbers in your manual?

Brian270

Quote from: Hgye on June 05, 2026, 06:19:43 AMNo red flags there as far as static pressure.  It looks like you have plenty of ductwork.  If you are going to use the high MERV filters, then just change them regularly.  Did they record the startup numbers in your manual?
Thanks Hgye,
Start up numbers? What numbers should they have recorded?? I haven't seen anything.

Porcupinepuffer

I would have liked to see the return air to the furnace done differently. I would have used two large radius elbows back to back between the filter rack and return air plenum. That would cut down static pressure on the return side.
I also would have made a proper starting collar and transition from the supply plenum for the two supply trunks leaving the pair of pants. It shouldn't feed two trunks from a smaller opening if those two supply trunks were sized for what's needed. I do see the damper mostly closed for the smaller trunk, so maybe all that flow isn't needed.

Brian270

Quote from: Porcupinepuffer on June 06, 2026, 08:42:07 AMI would have liked to see the return air to the furnace done differently. I would have used two large radius elbows back to back between the filter rack and return air plenum. That would cut down static pressure on the return side.
I also would have made a proper starting collar and transition from the supply plenum for the two supply trunks leaving the pair of pants. It shouldn't feed two trunks from a smaller opening if those two supply trunks were sized for what's needed. I do see the damper mostly closed for the smaller trunk, so maybe all that flow isn't needed.
Thanks for your comments.
I also would have liked to see some radius elbows used. Will know more once we do a heat rise and likely static pressure tests.
Yes, the damper is closed a bit to try and force a bit more to the upper floor. We are experimenting still but really need to know if the static pressures will allow us to pinch these back.
My installer is a great guy and did a really good job of helping with this rather large undertaking with minimal intrusion. It was a balancing act of getting enough heating/cooling to extreme parts of the house without ripping into walls and ceilings too much. We are hoping its going to work out.
So far it seems to work ok, in heat mode the upper bedrooms are a bit cooler than lower levels (hence damping the one trunk)and the whole system is rather loud but we aren't used to forced air so may take some getting used to yet. Cheers