For your air conditioning system to perform at its best, it is important that you set your air handler blower speed at the proper speed. If you are still in the process of installing an AC, consider working with Tempe Arizona HVAC install specialists that will regularly service your system and ensure it is functioning to its utmost ability. If you already have a system and suspect possible issues with its air handler blower speed, here’s what you should do.
Does Your AC Have Issues with Improper Blower Speed?
It might seem like the best speed for your AC blower is as strong as possible, right? You would not be the first to assume that putting your AC on its “high” setting would provide you with the system’s most powerful cooling. However, this is often not the case.
If a blower speed is set too high, your AC might not be operating optimally. This is because the evaporator coil will not be able to adequately dehumidify the space in need of cooling.
On the other hand, if the blower speed is too low, your evaporator coil is at risk of “freezing.” This could result in liquid refrigerant floodback that would likely cause compressor failure.
It is possible that your AC’s air handler blower is functioning at the improper speed, and to maximize its performance, you should make sure that is not the case.
How to Calculate Your Current Blower Speed
The first step is determining the current speed of your blower so that you can see if it matches the speed recommended for your model.
To calculate your blower’s speed, you will need to measure its external static pressure (ESP). This reading will indicate whether your system has blocked registers or dirty filters.
This measurement can be difficult to gather, we recommend working with a technician who has the training needed to understand your system fully. Once you have gathered the necessary data, you can use the ESP and CFM measurements to read your manufacturer’s blower performance chart. Where the ESP reading meets the blower speed use, you will see the current CFM being delivered.
If you are unable to locate a blower performance chart from your manufacturer, then you will need to use an alternative method that calculating results from your measurements using a formula. Because this process is complicated, working with an expert in AC repair and maintenance is a worthwhile venture.
What is the Recommended Speed for Your Blower?
For peak performance, most AC manufacturers suggest that 400 cubic feet per minute (CFM) per ton of air conditioning should be used, meaning that 800 CFM should be moving through the evaporator coil for a 2-ton system, and so on.
With the help of a technician, you can easily raise or lower your air blower speed to meet these target requirements.
If you do not have a cooling system but are considering a Tempe AC unit install, make sure that whoever puts in your new system sets the blower to its appropriate speed. An experienced installer should have the knowledge and skill to set your blower correctly, ensuring your AC will operate to the best of its ability.
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Contact the Tempe air conditioning installation experts at Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling to learn more about getting your new AC unit installed correctly. Email us or call 480-359-7141 now!
Read related articles:
- How to Test Your HVAC Unit After a New Installation
- AC Unit Installation Follow-Up: What You Should Expect
- 5 Must-Ask Residential HVAC Unit Installation Questions
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