A Beginner’s Guide to Motorized Dampers
Motorized dampers are a key part of energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Properly placed motorized dampers can respond to directions from a thermostat or centralized control system, directing airflow exactly where it’s needed. In this article, learn more about what motorized dampers in HVAC systems do, the benefits they provide, and their common uses.
What Are Motorized Dampers?
Motorized dampers control the flow of cooled and heated air through an HVAC system. Each damper comes with a specialized motor to control the rotation of the damper blades. While many motorized dampers have multiple blades with a linkage system connecting the driving blade to the others, there are exceptions. For instance, a round motorized damper will generally have one blade and no linkage system.
Benefits of Motorized Dampers
Motorized dampers can help HVAC systems provide better temperature control in a building. They can modulate air flow by dampening or restricting air movement and then opening to allow air through. This allows for more responsive control of temperature based on the thermostat’s settings. These dampers can create HVAC zones for more independent temperature control, allowing or preventing air to move through the zoning system based on what each zone needs. For instance, there may be storage areas that need to stay in reasonably cool temperature ranges, while occupied areas may need to be cooler and thus require more ventilation.
Motorized dampers are also designed to be more energy-efficient. Zones that don’t need cooled or heated air can be temporarily closed off so the air isn’t wasted, and that air can instead go to a different zone for faster temperature improvement. Since treated air goes only where it’s needed, the cost of HVAC use decreases over time.
Dampers can help reduce noise pollution in HVAC systems by controlling or limiting airflow, which can decrease noise generated by high-velocity air, fans, and compressors. They can also help mitigate the transmission of ambient noise traveling through ductwork between adjacent spaces. However, dampers alone do not fully “stop” noise from fans or compressors; they primarily regulate airflow, which indirectly reduces noise levels. For environments requiring significant or complete noise reduction, dampers should be used in combination with dedicated acoustic treatments, such as duct silencers, acoustic lining, and sound attenuators, to effectively minimize sound transmission.
Common Applications for Motorized Dampers
Motorized dampers can be used in a range of different applications. Some of the most common applications of motorized dampers in HVAC systems are:
- Directing conditioned air to specific rooms
- Moving stale air to the exhaust ports
- Maintaining good air quality through regular movement and ventilation, especially in industrial spaces
- Balancing air distribution, especially in large commercial facilities
HVAC technicians can even install motorized dampers into older HVAC systems to add new energy efficiency and performance capabilities.
Comparing Motorized and Manual Dampers
HVACs can have either manual dampers or motorized dampers. Each system offers unique advantages. For example, manual dampers have a lower initial cost and require less maintenance over time. However, they must be adjusted manually if seasonal airflow changes are needed, such as when switching between heating and cooling modes in certain systems. As a result, they are most suitable for simple HVAC configurations that are easy to reach.
Motorized dampers, on the other hand, are fully automated and work with centralized control systems. While initially more expensive to install, they facilitate more convenient control and energy efficiency in large systems, and they work well in hard-to-access systems. With regular servicing and maintenance, motorized dampers can make buildings much more comfortable. Modern technologies such as wireless controls, smart home systems, and remote-controlled systems make it even easier to maintain efficient temperature and air quality control.
Motorized Dampers at Alan Manufacturing
Alan Manufacturing specializes in building long-lasting, high-performance motorized dampers, manual dampers, and control systems. We provide custom HVAC ducts and damper solutions for more energy-efficient temperature control, and we have designed thousands of products since we first opened our doors in 1992.
Contact us today to discuss your building’s HVAC system needs.