This article is intended to provide some insight into various types of damper used in the HVAC system. Dampers are the devices that regulate the airflow from one side of the damper to the other. The airflow can be anywhere in the duct-work, between both the inner and outer sides of a building or between rooms. Moreover, dampers are far more than simple airflow regulators. They are significantly very important to control the cool, warm, and high temperatures as well as dirty and toxic air.
Dampers are also utilized to protect properties against fire. These devices maintain the quality of air and keep the workplace safe. However, they are essentially used for industrial airflow regulation.
7 Types of Damper for HVAC Systems
HVAC systems used in construction with many rooms like commercial buildings or schools can be relatively larger and complicated. Ductwork is not enough to let air flow in each of the areas or rooms. That’s where you need dampers. So, what exactly is a damper?
Well, it is a device formed of blades embodied in a rectangular or square frame. The design can differ in accordance with the model and type of the damper. Like, there are dampers with round frames used specifically for circular ductwork.
While there are various types of dampers and each of them performs different tasks, below are 7 damper types used in the HVAC industry.
1. Control Dampers
Control dampers allow the airflow through the system and are installed at different points in the ductwork. These devices are also used in air mixing zones to get hot and cold air.
Control dampers can fully open or close the blades multiple times in a day to carry out the given task. You can monitor the movement of the blades by installing different actuators.
2. IRIS dampers
Iris dampers are the best and simple solutions to measure, control, and balance the airflow. This smart application allows airflow to regulate quickly and properly at a single station.
This type of dampers saves time and money both in the initial stage of installation, set-up, as well as follow-up charging.
The Iris dampers are the ideal airflow regulators suitable for all spaces that require proper airflow control, provision and exhaust tracking control, discrete comfort control, or devices that need air balancing regularly.
3. Balancing Dampers
Balancing dampers control air pressure in rooms that are connected with the ductwork. For occupants, imbalance air pressure can cause minor annoyances like a door slamming or random air gusts, but for the entire system, it can cause serious problems.
Moreover, an imbalanced room can be more complicated to heat or cool down, putting excess pressure on the air handling units.
Also read: Dampers vs Louvers
Furthermore, balancing dampers can be modified or adjusted by expert technicians. The technicians will evaluate the air pressure in the room and adjust the angle of the blades of the dampers.
As soon as the exact air pressure is evaluated, the blades of the balancing dampers are locked consequently to maintain the required air pressure.
Automatic balancing dampers are the airflow regulators that automatically accommodate the environmental challenges in stack pressure and regulate the airflow accurately.
4. Backdraft Dampers
Backdraft dampers are ideal to install in certain areas in the ductwork to limit the flow of the air in a single direction.
They have shafts fixed on the ends of each blade and the design evolves into a flap that opens only when the airflow is in the right direction. The dampers will close if there is an opposite airflow or if there isn’t any air passing through.
5. Multi-Zone Dampers
Multi-zone dampers are installed in the buildings where there is a single unit to handle airflow. These buildings can be schools or small-scale commercial constructions.
These devices are large assemblies embraced with multiple dampers, each connected with a specific zone.
Multi-zone dampers involve multiple ducts and can control the airflow for the entire system. Also, they will have many actuators controlling a specific zone.
6. Industrial Dampers
The purpose of installing industrial dampers is to resist huge air pressures and consistent temperatures. The device is designed with thick gauge materials usually steel made to resist intense conditions.
All components welded in industrial dampers guarantee maximum durability. Generally used in power plants, factories, and workshops, and other places that require significant airflow. Read more.
7. Life Safety Dampers
These dampers are particularly designed and used in fire protection systems. They shut the damper off at the very first symptoms of smoke and fire.
This prevents the fire and smoke from passing through ductwork and provides the occupants with the opportunity to vacate the building in the event of a fire.
Fire dampers, fire-smoke dampers, smoke dampers, and ceiling radiation dampers, are the types of life safety dampers.
There are various types of dampers available. Each type has a special purpose to use. Your HVAC system might need all dampers working together apart from the single multi-zone damper.
Such types of damper installed with a single Air Handling Unit (AHU). Albeit you may want to use all types of dampers it is crucial to understand what each device does and how it will fit in your HVAC system.
EB Air Control Inc. 
