Zone damper installation

You will notice a discernable temperature change in your house in the summer with the air conditioning on or in winter with the heater on. This can be balanced using a manual or electric damper. The basic installation will be addressed going forward. However, it is better to consult the manufacturer when installing the electric damper.

It is better to clean your ducts before you install HVAC zone control dampers because there might be dust, dander, or allergens trapped within your ductwork. Observe your ductwork or furnace. After determining the duct where you want to install the damper, you have to measure its diameter.

After measuring, you will require a damper of the same size. If you are installing an electric damper, make sure that it is not in line with any spray or water source. You can adjust the damper according to the season, diverting air to various parts of your home where it may be required.

Some HVAC systems come equipped with manual dampers to regulate the air. Furthermore, manual dampers are easy to maintain and operate. However, suppose you want a precision control system and prefer auto-regulation of the air. In that case, you should go for automatic dampers. These are controlled via thermostats and are positioned inside air ducts. The two-stage zone system reduces the output of your HVAC system. When you have low heating or cooling demand in various zones, the system will also run on a low setting, reducing energy use and cost.

You cannot reduce energy even though you are only using a single zone. Additionally, because they function at full capacity, it is common to see excessive heating or cooling, leading to mechanical failures and temperature swings. However simple it may be to install HVAC zone control dampers, your system can still develop problems with it.

If a damper is closed or open but provides limited airflow, there is a fault in the damper zone. Immediately seek professional help. You should never close your dampers completely as it creates excess static pressure inside the HVAC system. Depending on the number of zones, you will get an idea of the cost to install dampers in HVAC.

Get a free quote below by using the form we have provided. Dampers are an efficient way to control the airflow into your house. An effective two-stage zone system can ultimately result in reducing the energy cost. Therefore, installing dampers in existing ductwork is a process to consider. Learn more about the team here. AC Condenser Pads. Page Contents show. Comparing Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage Zone Systems.

Spreading the central air conditioning to other rooms Regulating the temperature in each room. Butterfly Dish Dampers. Blade Dampers. Guillotine Dampers. Louver Dampers. Inlet Vane Dampers. Zone Control Panel. Thermostats They read air temperature in each zone of the house. Zone Dampers. Step 1 — Understanding the Terminology. Step 2 — Cleaning The Ductwork. Step 3 — Installation Location Determination.

Step 4 — Measuring. Step 5 — Installing the Damper. Open the duct. Drill two holes on the opposite ends of the duct the holes must line up with predrilled damper holes. Remove fasteners from the damper, connect via the new holes and tighten. Seal both sides by using duct tape.

Modulated dampers are more expensive, of course, but will make the system even more efficient. Along with the size of your ductwork, you need to purchase dampers that match the size of your ducts so the system works properly.

The airflow rate is measured in cubic feet per minute CFM. This measurement tells you how much air is being moved in a particular space, or the capacity of a system.

When it comes to zoned systems, the CFM will generally have two measurements. The first is total CFM. Total CFM gives you an idea of how much air can be moved, in total, by the system. Assuming there are no dampers closed, this is the overall capacity of the system.

You also have the Zone CFM. This is the reading or capacity, per zone, that the system can move. The higher the numbers, the more air is moved, resulting in faster cooling or heating. However, if your system is rated too high for the space, you can lose some of the efficiency a zoned system offers. The material of your ductwork will also come into play. The most common type is galvanized steel or aluminum. However, there are about a dozen different materials used for HVAC ductwork.

Other options are fiberboard, pre-insulated polyurethane, fiberglass, and even PVC. Some dampers will not work properly or be able to seal some materials. Not only do you need to know what type of ducting material you have or will install , but you also need to know the limitations of the dampers based on the chosen materials. Another initial cost factor is room sensors. Depending on the control board and thermostat types, you may be required to install room sensors.

Sensors will report to the control board and the thermostat the actual temperature in the room. In a traditional system, the temperature is read at the thermostat only. This means that you can set the temperature to 75 degrees F , and the system will shut off when the thermostat reads Sensors help prevent this by reporting the actual temperature across the zone. Finally, you will want to look at the warranty offered by the system you select.

The warranty should cover the dampers, thermostats, and sensors. The term will depend on other factors as well, such as installation type DIY or professional , type of system the zoned set up is added to, or if it is a new install versus a retrofit. You will also need to perform certain steps to enact the warranty in most cases.

This can be as simple as registering your product online, or you may need to supply proof of purchase; the proof is professional installation or other factors.

Make sure you read all of the fine print before you buy. Below we offer you the 6 best HVAC zone dampers and controllers reviewed and compared for your convenience. Take a look at the options and find out which one is best for you. The SmartZone-2x is a dual-zone controller designed for universal integration. This controller is ideal for new installs, retrofits, upgrades, and replacement. The controller is universal for all 24v dampers. It runs on a dedicated 24v line with bright LEDs to let you know f any connection failures, status, and troubleshooting.

The controller will power two dampers per board but can be paired to hold up to 20 dampers for a single HVAC system. It is. This control board will work with any electrical, gas, dual-fuel, single-stage, multi-stage, or heat pump. It also comes with a temperature probe to replace any current system that may require one to operate.

Your existing thermostat will also work, and if you choose to upgrade that, the new one will work as well, including smart thermostats or wireless programmable thermostats. With the SmartZone-2x you can take full control of your new multi-zone HVAC system, dampers and thermostats without having to worry about compatibility or functionality. The board also sports a 5-year warranty to help you keep peace of mind while you make your system more efficient.

Ecojoy is back with the SmartXone-4x control board. Just like the top pick, this is a universal board designed for all types of installations. Whether you are performing a new multi-zone install or upgrading from a single-zone system, the SmartZone-4x is worth a look.

This control board will power and monitor four different dampers. You can use virtually any damper as well, as long as it is 24v, the damper will work. This includes 2- and 3-wires connections. When it comes to thermostats, the 4x is compatible will all major brands, including Honeywell, Nest, Ecobee, and even standard, wired, thermostats if needed.

If you need to add more than 4 dampers, this control board allows you to do just that. Using the SmartLink BUS, you can connect up to 5 4x control boards together for a total of 20 dampers. If you need a different number, you can combine the SmartZone-2x control board our top pick into the BUS controller, too, to get any number between 2 and 20 dampers installed in your system.

The 4x has the same 5-year warranty as the 2x does. The standard warranty restraints apply. The Ecojoy SmartZone-2L is a great control board kit for simple 2-zone systems. With the 2 nd stage lockout, you can eliminate the need for a bypass duct that can hold moisture and grow mold.

The board is more affordable than the X line our top picks but lacks the ability to pair with other boards for adding more dampers. If you have a single system with two zones, you will love the easy installation and set up of this control board. It features a push-button display to cycle through troubleshooting, modes, and system statuses. It is advised to go with the better-equipped 2X of 4X boards instead. However, the 2L does allow you to use any type of system, including gas, electric, or dual-fuel.

You can also connect 2 or 3-wire dampers as long as they are 24v models. This controller kit comes with easy to follow installation instructions that will have you heating and cooling your zones in no time.

If you do have any trouble, the people at Ecojoy are more than happy to help you. A simple phone call is all it takes to get the assistance you need.

This control board is almost fool-proof, and if you can push a wire into a connection hole, you can install this board. Like all Ecojoy products, the warranty covers normal use and wear and tear for 5-years.

You should register your product and maintain proof of purchase during the warranty period, though. It will make a claims process much easier if you do. For the best actuated damper, SmartZone has you covered. The 8-inch model is one of the most popular motorized power dampers on the market, though they offer 5 different diameters to accommodate almost any installation. You will find the round dampers in 6, 8, 9, 10, and 16 inches, which should fit almost any commercial and residential application.

The galvanized steel construction ill hold up to temperature swings all year round and will help you prevent drafts, air leaks, and other efficiency loss aspects of a conventional HVAC system. The high torque Bellimo motor only requires 1.

You can use these dampers to create zones or to prevent heat from escaping your vents in the winter. They will work with any 24v control board that operates with 3-wire mounting. Not only is this damper efficient, but it will save on energy consumption, too.

The full-seal gasket on the blade ensures minimal leaking and requires in pounds of torque to open. Once installed, you will also notice there is a quieter operation of your HVAC system as the damper also works to help reduce noise from your fan, attic vent, or other zones. If you are looking for a simple design in your backdraft damper, the Fantech models will give you excellent airflow protection and require little modification to install.

The dampers are made from a galvanized steel collar and aluminum blade. The backdraft damper requires at least CFM to open, and the spring-loaded closure is light but functional. Instead, you get a solid design, rugged construction, and paired with a Fantech fan, you will have a worry-free operation for years. However, if you purchase through Amazon, the dampers are returnable if something is wrong. When installing, you should be cautious of the blade direction.

You will want to install these dampers in a vertical blade orientation instead of horizontal. This will help ensure a proper close and more effortless opening.

You have many sizes to choose from, including 1-inch variances from 4 to 8 inches and 2-inch variance from 10 to 16 inches. With 8 sizes to choose from, your perfect fit is just one order away. If you are in a hurry, the Speedi-Collar balance damper is made to install in a matter of minutes.

The construction is solid, too. With the Speedi-zip system, the collar will attach to the ducting end with a few tugs, and you can have the entire project completed in minutes.

Of course, there are a few downsides. Mainly because of the machine-molded resin, there may be burrs or edges that need to be trimmed before installing.

Eventually, you will need to readjust the balance. The balance is easy to set and will hold for quite a while without needing any adjustments. Initially designed for a temporary fix, the construction and production process has enabled you to use the Speedi-Collar in a more permanent setting.

Control dampers are installed in the ductwork along the airflow lines. Using actuators, these dampers will be fully open to allow air to flow by, or fully closed, to prevent any airflow from getting past. Balancing dampers are installed much the same as control dampers. However, they are set in place once the correct airflow and pressure is observed. Once set, they do not open or close any further.

If future adjustments are needed, the balance dampers will require adjustment before being set again. Backdraft dampers are almost identical to control dampers, with the exception that their blades only open in one direction. These dampers prevent airflow from moving in both directions and will work without actuators. Instead, they will have weighted bars on the blades to keep them closed when no air pressure is present and only open when the air is moving. Multi-zone dampers are using in buildings with many rooms, such as a school, office space, or multi-family dwelling.

Each damper is connected to an actuator and control board and operate independently of each other. Industrial dampers, as the name implies, are large, rugged dampers. They are designed from steel and welded together to aid in durability. Not only can they withstand extreme temperatures, but they also handle a lot of airflow. Zone damper installation will vary depending on the type of dampers and system you have or are installing.

Some dampers require installation into the ductwork, while more straightforward methods are installed at the registers in each room. Some systems will only need a damper installed in each major branch of the ductwork. Likewise, there will be installs with more than two dozen dampers. For a basic installation of a register located wireless damper, check out this video from This Old House to see how a simple installation on an existing system can be.

The needed size of your dampers is determined by the size and style of your ductwork. It also requires calculation of the square footage of the zone itself. Most dampers range in size from 2 inches to about 2-feet.