What Are the Types of Dampers in HVAC, and What Do They Do?

Need info on dampers and how they help keep you comfortable? Call Gladiator Services at 201-419-6090!

Dampers are plates that work with HVAC ductwork to control volume and airflow in your home or business. Considering that the types of dampers in HVAC systems have significant variety, it’s essential to understand them and their functions. Several industries utilize HVAC dampers to control the flow of liquid, air, and gas.

Selecting the correct dampers for your needs is crucial. Some help you avoid fires, while others facilitate materials’ spread. Different shapes and sizes make it possible to get the perfect damper for your HVAC system.

When you work with air conditioner repair contractors in Franklin Lakes, NJ, you get access to different types of dampers. Read on as our professionals explain the different types of dampers and what they do.

1. Motorized Fire Dampers

Motorized fire dampers are one of the types of dampers in HVAC systems that prevent fire and smoke from spreading between rooms via ductwork. When a fire occurs, the HVAC system’s safety features trigger the actuator, which closes the damper. These dampers remain functional despite blazing temperatures. 

Without other components, this solution won’t activate and isolate fires correctly. Actuators are motors necessary for facilitating this movement. They cut off the airflow supply by quickly opening or closing the HVAC damper. 

2. Blade Dampers

Blade dampers are thin barriers that control airflow in HVAC ducts. Depending on your system type, you may have traditional or opposed blade dampers, which move in complementary or opposing directions, respectively. Spring operation automatically controls the damper movement, allowing a one-way airflow with multiple damper blades.

These types of dampers in HVAC systems seal tightly to cut off airflow. In doing so, they reduce HVAC system noise in the ductwork. Their excellent strength makes them a top option for those wanting directional control over airflow.

3. Volume Control Dampers

Volume control dampers allow HVAC technicians to control airflow volume through HVAC ducts. These dampers provide the primary airflow control for HVAC systems.

These manual dampers offer easy access for homeowners and technicians with a handle between the ducts. Turning the handle activates damping blades to control airflow and the volume of air that goes into each room. 

While most volume control dampers are manual, some offer automatic operation. Automatic dampers require actuators to send signals to activate them. Unlike fire dampers, volume control dampers don’t provide fire protection or prevention as they close slower than motorized options.

4. Butterfly Flat Dish Dampers

Butterfly flat dish dampers are another of the common types of dampers in HVAC applications due to their increased efficiency. Their single-blade design with hinged operation allows ducts to fill and seal better than other dampers. They help facilitate airflow in a single direction. 

These dampers work well with poor air quality sources, making them perfect for HVAC applications. They are highly effective at preventing fires and facilitating even heating throughout homes. In addition to being a more affordable, high-efficiency option, these solutions come in multiple-blade styles and many shapes.

5. Louver Dampers

Louver dampers are another standard type of damper popular for their airtight sealing capabilities and quick operation. They offer parallel and opposite operations to accommodate your needs. Parallel louver dampers have blades that open in the same direction, while opposed louver dampers open in opposite directions.

Depending on the HVAC application, louver dampers can facilitate airflow throughout the entire length of ductwork or control airflow to one side. Flat blades on hinges operate manually or automatically.

6. Fusible Link Fire Dampers

Fusible link fire dampers are similar to motorized fire dampers, but:

• Offer passive fire and smoke protection
• Require no power supply
• Have an easy installation
• Need little space

Motorized fire dampers undergo significantly more testing. Despite lower testing standards, fusible link fire dampers offer top-quality performance. Fusible link dampers respond quickly to high heat in your HVAC system or ductwork and close to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

7. Guillotine Dampers

Guillotine dampers are one of the most popular types of dampers in HVAC applications due to their excellent sealing power. They make airflow isolation easy by blocking it entirely and reducing pressure changes in HVAC systems. 

Technicians can install these dampers in your heating system as a safety mechanism. If your furnace has a gas leak in its flue, HVAC guillotine dampers stop the gas flow completely to reduce fire and explosion risk while technicians perform repairs.

8. Inlet Vane Dampers

Inlet vane airflow control dampers provide excellent pressure and airflow control in large-scale HVAC applications. This damper system features a main center point that utilizes spinning movement for further control over the directional flow of your air before it reaches the system’s blower. Multiple blades create lower air pressure, enabling more efficient operation.

Inlet vane dampers are standard in industrial furnaces and other applications where significant ventilation systems are necessary. Manual and automatic actuator operations are available depending on client needs.

9. Non-Return Dampers

Non-return dampers only allow air to flow one way, keeping the air circulating throughout the HVAC system. They remain closed and rely on gravity to open the damper blades. Weak airflow will not open the blades, decreasing the chance of airflow return. 

In HVAC systems, most non-return dampers come after the fan to facilitate constant circulation while the blower unit runs. If your system catches fire or overheats, smoke or burning smells will exit your home instead of circulating throughout your ducts.

Contact Gladiator Services For Service and More Information Today

Consider learning about the dangers of a freon leak, then contact Gladiator Services in Hillsdale, NJ, to get additional information. Our friendly HVAC technicians have the knowledge and skill to determine the best types of dampers in HVAC systems for your home, no matter your requirements.

Don’t select the wrong damper for your HVAC system. You’re in the best hands with our team. Contact Gladiator Services today for expert insight and parts installations at 201-419-6090 for a free consultation.