The Static Pressure Test for HVAC Techs to Improve Diagnostics and Airflow with John Anderson Part 1

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by John Anderson, Senior Regional HVAC Technical Trainer at Sila Services, Formerly Service Manager and Technician at Burns & McBride Home Comfort, to discuss spring HVAC maintenance and the key checks technicians should perform before the cooling season begins. John shares practical methods for inspecting systems using visual checks and technician senses such as sight, sound, smell, and touch to identify problems early. The conversation covers preventive maintenance practices, the importance of clean equipment, and how technicians should verify system operation before taking detailed measurements. Gary and John also talk about airflow diagnostics, the role of static pressure testing, and why proper system checks help technicians find real problems instead of guessing.

In this conversation, John explains how technicians should approach spring maintenance by first checking that the system is clean and operating correctly. He discusses using visual inspection and technician senses such as sight, sound, smell, and touch to quickly spot possible problems. John and Gary talk about how many issues can be noticed before any tools are used, including unusual noises, vibrations, or signs of damage. They also explain why confirming the system is running properly is important before taking measurements. The discussion also covers airflow diagnostics and static pressure testing, and why checking these values regularly helps technicians identify system restrictions and airflow problems early.

Expect to Learn:

• How technicians can use sight, sound, smell, and touch to identify system issues during maintenance.

• Confirming the system is running properly is important before taking measurements.

• How checking for dirt in filters, coils, and condensate lines improves system performance.

• What static pressure readings reveal about airflow problems in HVAC systems.

• Regular airflow checks during maintenance help technicians find restrictions and system issues early.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - CMPX Show Announcement

[00:34] - Intro to John Anderson in Part 1

[02:03] - John Returns & Last Episode Recap

[03:17] - Starting Spring Maintenance Right

[04:53] - Story: The Cost of Ignoring Bad Bearings

[06:45] - Using Your 4 Senses Before Tools

[13:57] - Why Static Pressure Matters Every Time

[16:35] - How to Correctly Check Static Pressure

[19:45] - Understanding Your Static Pressure Readings

Join us at the CMPX Show from March 25 to 27 in Toronto. Use code KNOWITALL to get your free pass. Don't miss it. 👉https://www.cmpxshow.com/register

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:
Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/
Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/
SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guest John Anderson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-anderson-188093251/
Sila Services - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silaservices/
Sila Services - Website: www.silaservices.com
Burns & McBride Home Comfort: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burns-&-mcbride-home-comfort/

Follow the Host:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/
Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/