If you’re looking for the most effective and cost-efficient way to regulate the airflow of your HVAC, it’s time to learn more about dampers. Dampers are practical, economical devices that can help control the amount of air flowing through various parts of your HVAC system. Dampers come in many different styles and sizes to accommodate various needs.
Dampers are devices installed between the receiving register and return grills in a duct system. They are typically spring-loaded or hydraulically operated with lever handles or heavy weights that allow them to be manually closed, resulting in increased pressure on one side of the damper blade opposing decreased pressure on the other side. This increased pressure is reflected in the air stream passing by the damper and causes it to alter in intensity.
Dampers are critical components of the HVAC system, regulating airflow through your home or commercial building. They are designed to limit airflow by obstructing it completely, reducing it, or redirecting it away from areas where it is not wanted.
Types of Dampers
Several types of dampers are used in HVAC systems, and they differ in how they control airflow. The control methodology includes automatic or manual operation. Automatic dampers require a motor to control the valves and plates and can be operated remotely. Valves outside the ducts manage manual dampers; you need to move them up and down when opening and closing a damper. Let’s go more specifically into the various types.
Louver Damper
These are the most common and preferred dampers because they are easy to use, durable, and less expensive. Louver dampers can be manual or automatic, depending on their design. Louver dampers have an angled metal plate that allows air to pass through. The plate and the damper are spring-loaded, allowing them to receive positive pressure.
Inlet Vane Damper
A vane damper consists of a stationary or fixed-position vane with attached spring-loaded armature plates. Air flows into the duct system through the duct and is expelled out of it through the vane shaft, which is compressed by the spring and forced out in front of the vane plate. The vanes close in response to increasing pressure.
Guillotine Damper
Guillotine dampers are large. They are usually installed in a duct but can also be put into walls or other places. They open and close by sliding up and down. Guillotine dampers are a common option used in HVAC systems as they offer optimal control over the airflow with a simple design that makes them easy to install.
Butterfly Flat Dish Damper
Flat dish dampers have a round rotor and square or rectangular blades. They are used to maintain airflow at low speed, such as when the room is empty. Generally, the airflow is controlled through airflow balancing.
Blade Damper
Blade dampers have multiple blades, which can rotate around the rotor to prevent air from flowing through it. Blade dampers are a common component of commercial HVAC systems, and they’re used for heating, cooling, and ventilation airflow control. They control airflow via ducts and chimneys. They come in two types, parallel and opposed-blade dampers.
Benefits of HVAC Dampers
Dampers can be used for a variety of reasons. For instance, many HVAC systems have damper valves in the ductwork. These go up and down to open or close the passages selectively. Dampers are also used in heating and cooling systems to regulate the airflow coming out of vents and into rooms.
Dampers control the energy efficiency and indoor climate in a building by regulating airflow in and out. They also improve the comfort level of your home, as they are not only used for temperature regulation but also for ventilating your interior space. Dampers may be simple devices installed into ducts, but they perform numerous functions that directly impact the quality of life in your residence or business.
There are various types of dampers on the market, and they come in various shapes and sizes, each with a specific purpose. They range from small to large and are made for either residential and commercial use. Dampers are essential components of the HVAC system, regulating the airflow and pressure to ensure that these are distributed effectively within your home or office. By controlling the airflow volume, they reduce the amount of energy used by the HVAC system.
Our experts at Quality Cooling & Heating can assist you by installing dampers in your system anywhere in the Greater Austin area. We have years of experience and an A+ rating from the BBB. You can trust us with all your heating, cooling, and indoor air quality needs, including testing, maintenance, installation, and repair. We also clean ductwork. For any of these options, call us today.
