What Is Head Pressure HVAC?

Let’s take a look at high head pressure in HVAC and see what homeowners can do to prevent this from happening.

What Is Head Pressure In HVAC?

Head pressure is the pressure that is created by the gas compressor within the air conditioning unit. This is something that is typically measured when there is believed to be a refrigerant issue.

Head pressure that is within a reasonable range is no cause for concern. High head pressure creates problems for the AC system. If you think high head pressure exists in your system, it’s best to call the cooling professionals.

What Causes High Head Pressure?

Once you have been told that there is high head pressure, it’s wise to figure out what might have caused this issue. Below are a few reasons why you may be dealing with high head pressure.

Refrigerant Problems

When there is a refrigerant leak, it can easily result in high head pressure. Leaking refrigerant can ultimately lead to the demise of your home AC system.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Coils within the AC system can become dirty as time goes on. If this is an issue, it is likely due to the fact that your system has not been maintained in a while. It’s recommended to have your unit inspected each and every spring.

Non-Condensing Gases

Doing DIY work on your unit is fine, but it is possible that you can get confused when it comes to the refrigerant system. The result is usually some high head pressure. Hooking up this part of the system is quite complicated.

Bad Fan Motor

A bad fan motor can also result in high head pressure. Unfortunately, fan blades can wear down over time and end up spreading debris outside the unit.