EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Aircraft
Climbing through FL200; it was noticed that the cabin altitude was at 8;000 feet and differential pressure was at 3.9. The aircraft had been already been operating with an MEL of pack 1. Noticing this; the Captain then asked for a descent back to FL180. ATC was notified that our pressurization system was not functioning as it should; and a descent was approved back down to FL180. While descending back down to FL180 the cabin altitude continued to climb slowly. The crew then decided to be proactive and ask for a descent down to 10;000 feet. On the way down to 10;000 feet; the cabin altitude increased to 10;500 feet. and gave an alert until level at 10;000 feet. Subsequently; the aircraft began to pressurize again. Dispatch was notified and asked if at the new altitude fuel was efficient to continue to our destination and confirmed it was. Shortly after a pack 2 overheat was presented on the EICAS. The checklists were followed and the remainder of the flight was uneventful.
EMB-145 First Officer reported the pressurization system was having difficulty maintaining cabin pressure; but eventually began to work properly.