An HVAC damper is a vital component inside your air conditioning and cooling system that helps regulate airflow in your home. It is a movable plate inside the HVAC ducts, also known as a dumper duct. You can use a damper to control the amount of air flowing into various rooms in your house.

How Dampers Work

Dampers are like valves for the HVAC system, and they determine the amount of heated or cooled air that goes into your ductwork, which increases or lowers your room temperature.

The damper also functions as a dam for your heating and cooling system. You can close and open the damper to set the direction through which air flows in your ducts. When you shut the damper, you block the air from flowing in that direction and instead divert it into another direction. In contrast, when you open it, you direct the air to flow into the room, leading to heating or cooling it.

Types of Dampers

There are different dampers depending on their shapes, sizes, and purposes.

Blade Dampers

Blade dampers consist of metal plates and control airflow via ducts or chimneys. There are parallel and opposed blade dampers. The former move in the same direction and are perfect for maintaining airflow. Opposed blades move in opposite directions and are ideal for directing airflow.

Inlet Vane Dampers

Vane dampers are necessary when you need fan shut-off or volume control. They control the air entering the fan by balancing air pressure and airflow. They are ideal for controlling airflow in a room.

Guillotine Dampers

These dampers have a high sealing ability, making them ideal for airflow isolation. However, you can only use them temporarily.

Butterfly Flat Dish Dampers

Butterfly flat dish dampers consist of a seal, round blade, and central hinge. The seal connects the blade edges to the duct’s circumference, and the blade controls the airflow into the ducts. This damper controls airflow in one direction and is perfect for fire prevention. It works better when you use it together with other round ducts.

Louver Dampers

These are the most popular dampers for air conditioning systems. They can fit into most duct sizes and are high quality with a powerful air-blocking element.

Advantages of Having a HVAC Damper

If you need to regulate the temperature in specific areas of your house without affecting other areas, you might want to consider installing an HVAC damper. For instance, you might want to control the temperature inside your kitchen but leave the other rooms constant.

When dampers control the airflow inside your ductwork, your HVAC system operates on low energy. The low energy consumption minimizes the amount of electricity that your air conditioning system uses. This low energy consumption brings down your electricity bill helping you save in the long run.

HVAC dampers generally have a long lifespan. With proper maintenance, they can last you for several decades, depending on how you use them.

Factors to Consider in Selecting the Right Damper

If you are trying to select the right HVAC damper for your space, consider the following factors:

  • Exhaust temperature
  • Size of house
  • Location installation
  • Damper usage
  • Materials needed

Automatic vs. Manual Dampers

An automatic damper can self-regulate depending on the weather, and you can control it remotely using a remote. When you need to close or open it, you will use a motor to control the valves and the plates.

A manual damper is cheaper to purchase and maintain, and you can only operate it manually. When you need to open or close it, you will move the valves outside the ducts either up or down.

When to Open or Close the Damper

Generally, people close their HVAC dampers on the lower level during summer and open them during winter. During summer, the temperature downstairs is cooler than upstairs, resulting in hotter rooms upstairs. Closing some dampers downstairs will help force the cooler air upstairs. Opening them in the winter allows warm air from the upper levels to reach the lower levels of the home.

Contact Us

HVAC dampers are crucial for regulating the temperature and airflow in a home. Their energy efficiency reduces your energy bills significantly. If you need more information about dampers, contact Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling, Inc. in Downers Grove. We are a family-owned business and have been servicing heating and cooling systems since 1977. We also offer air quality products.

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Order Title: Certified Service – How long can a landlord leave you without AC ?
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Article Title: Certified Service – How long can a landlord leave you without AC ?
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Is a Landlord Required to Fix Your AC?

Warm weather can be unbearable if you don’t have a properly functioning air conditioning system. If you’re renting an apartment or home and you suspect that your air conditioning system isn’t working properly, it might be time to contact your landlord to see what your options are.

Lease Agreements and State Laws Regarding AC

Whether a landlord needs to fix your air conditioning system and how long they have to do it depends on what is in the lease agreement and what the laws in your state or location are. Only in a few select areas are landlords legally required to provide working air conditioning. In most other locations, air conditioning is not considered a safety concern and is therefore not a requirement for habitability.

However, most landlords want their tenants to be happy and comfortable, so they’re generally eager to help you get your air conditioning system fixed. An implied warranty of habitability can also help you. An unstated guarantee for most rental situations, this warranty says that any air conditioning or heating systems that were functioning when you signed the lease must be maintained, and it can often be legally binding.

How to Get Your Air Conditioning System Fixed

It’s always best to call your landlord and discuss options. Many landlords are happy to let you choose your own heating and cooling company to repair the air conditioner. Save all of your invoices for the repair or new installation of a new unit. Your landlord might pay the company directly, or they might choose to have you pay and then reimburse you. Some landlords deduct expenses from rent.

Trust the Experts

Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling, Inc. has been helping families in Burbank, CA and the surrounding area with all of their heating and cooling needs since 1972. Contact us today with any questions you might have about heating and cooling installation, maintenance, and repair. Our NATE-certified technicians can service your mini-split system, test your indoor air quality, and perform commercial services as well. Book an appointment online or give us a call today!

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