Your HVAC system has a small, movable metal plate or valve called a damper, which opens and closes to different degrees, depending on the system settings. The HVAC damper controls the airflow and directs the appropriate amount of ventilation to different rooms or zones of your home.
Sometimes, your HVAC dampers may need repair or maintenance. If your dampers or any other part of your HVAC system isn’t operating as it should, contact the team at 1st Choice Mechanical Cooling & Heating. We offer heat and AC installation, maintenance, and repair services throughout greater Phoenix and the surrounding area.
The Basics of HVAC Dampers
What is an HVAC damper? The damper is the piece inside the mouth of the distribution pipe that either stops or allows airflow. They look like small movable plates and are designed to open and close like a valve.
When the furnace or air conditioner is turned on, the blower pushes air through the pipes, causing air pressure that’s then directed by the dampers to where you want the air to go. This accurate air direction gives the system more precise climate control capabilities.
Types of HVAC Dampers
There are several types of HVAC dampers available, each performing a unique job in your HVAC system.
Control dampers
Control dampers are found throughout your ductwork. They’re installed to regulate HVAC airflow and mix hot and cold air to attain your ideal temperature. Small motors called actuators move the damper blades depending on settings, opening and closing them several times per day.
Backdraft dampers
Backdraft dampers only allow air to flow in one direction. Shafts on each blade only let the damper open when air is going the right way, and they’ll close again if no air passes through or if air flows in the opposite direction. There are no actuators on these dampers. In some cases, they’ll have a counterbalance to keep them closed.
Balancing dampers
Balancing dampers are adjusted and locked in place by HVAC technicians after they measure the room’s air pressure. These dampers are helpful when gusts of wind, drafty rooms, or other issues make a room’s heating and cooling difficult to modulate. The blade angle can be adjusted by a professional if necessary.
Multi zone dampers
Multi-zone dampers aren’t often found in single-family residences and are more common in small-scale workplaces or schools. These dampers have multiple actuators, each controlling its own zone, regulating system airflow from one air handling unit to multiple parts of the building.
In Arizona, fire and smoke safety dampers must also be installed in these types of buildings and multi-unit housing, such as apartment buildings. These dampers are made using fusible links engineered to melt at a certain temperature. This closes the damper, stopping smoke and fire from spreading through the ductwork.
Factories and power plants may use industrial dampers, which are designed to withstand temperatures over 250°F and extreme air pressure.
How HVAC Dampers Operate
How do HVAC dampers work in your system? Some dampers are adjusted by hand, while others are controlled by electronic systems like a thermostat.
Your HVAC system uses dampers to control the amount of conditioned air that flows into different zones or rooms in your home by opening and closing them as needed. An open damper allows air to flow freely, and a closed damper blocks air from reaching a specific room or zone in your house.
Benefits and Practical Applications of HVAC Dampers
HVAC dampers offer several practical benefits for Arizona homeowners, including:
- More consistent temperatures in your home.
- Better energy efficiency because conditioned air is only sent where it’s needed.
- Enabling different parts of the house to maintain different temperatures.
Considerations for Selecting and Installing HVAC Dampers
As a homeowner, you likely haven’t thought about the types of dampers in your HVAC system. If you’re having work done on your heating and cooling system, the 1st Choice Mechanical team can help find the right size, shape, and type of dampers for your vents. We’ll consider your system requirements, such as the application, size, and location in the ductwork.
Our experienced technicians will determine the best setup for your system’s layout. We install HVAC dampers to code so they operate efficiently and meet ventilation and safety requirements. We’ll adjust them according to your home’s unique needs.
Maintenance and Upkeep of HVAC Dampers
Regular maintenance on your residential or commercial HVAC system helps keep the heat on and the AC running when you need it. We recommend having your air conditioning system serviced in the early spring before temperatures soar, and a heater tune-up in early fall before the chilly weather hits.
HVAC maintenance is more than just filter changes. At 1st Choice Mechanical, we’ll clean and inspect all parts of the system, including the dampers. We remove dust and grime, lubricate moving parts, check seals, inspect actuators, and look for loose parts or rust. If we notice anything amiss, we’ll give our expert repair recommendations.
Contact the Team at 1st Choice Mechanical To Learn How We Can Help
Our team is prepared to assist you with a comprehensive range of HVAC services, including HVAC damper installation, maintenance, and repair. Contact us today to schedule a service and find out why 1st Choice Mechanical Cooling & Heating is a top HVAC contractor in the greater Phoenix area.