Most people assume that controlling the flow of air from an HVAC system is as simple as adjusting their air vents. However, this is not necessarily the case. Most modern HVAC systems are equipped with dampers, which are used to balance the flow of air throughout your home. “What is an HVAC damper?”, you may be asking, “I’ve never heard of this equipment, so how come I didn’t know it was so important to my heating and cooling system?” Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about HVAC dampers, and remember to check back with Premier Indoor Comfort Systems’ blog for more helpful tips and tricks.
Dampers 101
Dampers are designed to close and open parts of your duct system to pump air as needed in your home. This equipment is not to be confused with your registers, which release air where your ducts meet the floor, ceiling, or wall. Instead, a damper is located closer to your central HVAC unit, so unlike a vent, which only controls the flow of air in one room, closing a damper forces your system to redirect air somewhere else in your house.
If you live in an older home, dampers may or may not already be a part of your HVAC system. Sometimes, dampers in older homes also get blocked by drywall during remodeling jobs. If this is the case in your house, chances are you will not be able to find your dampers without checking a blueprint or tearing down an existing wall—in which case you will have to settle for using your vents to direct the flow of air. Meanwhile, in newer homes, contractors will sometimes put an access panel over your vents, allowing you to reach your dampers if you take the covering off. With more expensive HVAC systems, you may also be able to adjust your dampers electronically.
Tips for Controlling Your HVAC Dampers
- If you are able to access your dampers through your vents, use a flashlight so you can better see what you are doing.
- Play around with your dampers to see which rooms they send air to, and consider labeling them.
- Remember that hot air rises and cold air sinks, meaning that you will likely want to close the dampers that lead to the lower parts of your home during the winter, and do the opposite during summer.
- Experiment with your dampers to see if the adjustments you made work for your home comfort needs. If you have never used this equipment before, it can take a little while to make sure your changes are just right.
- Create more labels and set reminders so you know how to adjust your dampers for each season, and when to make those adjustments.
Call Premier Indoor Comfort Systems for Dampers & Other HVAC Zoning Services.
At Premier Indoor Comfort Systems, we are proud to be experts when it comes to HVAC zoning, which is the practice of adjusting your heating and cooling equipment to achieve better air distribution and greater energy efficiency. We offer zone control systems to ensure you receive the proper airflow in each room of your house, and can perform necessary damper services as well. Call us today to schedule an appointment, and achieve the balanced temperatures you deserve in every room of your house.
Premier Indoor Comfort Systems is available anytime at (770) 268-2422, or you can contact us online.