How does an increase in static pressure affect the performance of a fan?

An increase in static pressure affects the performance of a fan by reducing airflow. As static pressure rises, the fan must work harder to overcome this resistance to move air through the system. The optimal operating range of a fan is designed for specific static pressures; if the static pressure surpasses this range, the fan can become less effective at moving air. When static pressure increases beyond a certain limit, it can choke off airflow, causing the volume of air being moved to decrease. The relationship between static pressure and airflow is inversely proportional; as one increases, the other typically decreases, which is why this answer is accurate in the context of fan performance. Understanding this relationship is crucial for troubleshooting and optimizing HVAC systems and ensuring they operate within designed specifications.