Most people use their heating, ventilation, and cooling system without giving it much thought. But when something goes wrong, it may be because of the HVAC damper, a small plate or valve that directs the flow of air either manually or automatically throughout the space.
How Does an HVAC System Work?
HVAC systems contain a furnace, a thermostat, refrigerant lines, an evaporator coil, automated zone dampers, and the actuators that control the dampers. The system also contains a condensing unit along with multiple room vents.
The furnace of an HVAC system, which is powered by combustion, electric resistance, a heat pump, or solar energy, heats household air before it is distributed to one or more zones via ductwork.
To provide cool air to interior rooms, the system employs an evaporator coil, refrigerant lines, and a condensing unit where the spent coolant is transformed back to gas. Each room has at least one vent that allows warm or cool air to flow in.
Why Are Automated Zone Dampers and Actuators Important?
A typical HVAC system delivers climate control via multiple zones by using an automated zone damper or duct damper. This specialized component involves a movable plate hidden within the ductwork that regulates airflow while directing it to specific rooms.
Automated zone control is especially useful in two-story structures where upstairs rooms may easily become overheated. Individual zone control is also helpful for people who prefer a particular area to be warmer or cooler compared to the rest of the space.
HVAC dampers are sometimes confused with vents, but the two components are not the same. A damper can be manually opened and closed, but that does not prevent the furnace or cooling system from sending warm or chilled air into a room. Only by using an actuator-controlled automatic zone damper can the system regulate the amount of air the HVAC system produces.
Actuators in HVAC systems control the dampers. By utilizing a low voltage signal, the actuator places the damper at any point between fully open and fully closed. A critical element of an HVAC system, proper actuators ensure that zone dampers function properly – without them, the dampers won’t function at all.
When used in conjunction with a programmable thermostat, an automated zone damper can lead to energy savings of up to 35% as it does not waste heated or cooled air.
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