What is furnace vibration damper and Why Do We Use Them?

Often enough, we are not really aware of what is in our HVAC systems. Not a smart move as owners. After all, how can we avoid mishaps occurring from mishandling when we don&#;t even know what a specific component is supposed to do? And vibration dampers are no different.

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Here is the basic information about vibration dampers.

What Is A Vibration Damper?

You have a vibration dampener, and then you have a vibration damper. Although used in different places, they still have a lot of similarities.

Vibration dampeners are used on road bridges. They are automotive shock absorbers that absorb shock oscillations from vehicles, preventing excessive movement in the road bridge. Just like that, vibration dampers in the HVAC system absorb vibrations. But from where? There is no vehicle in there now, is it?

The HVAC system does mechanical work, which produces a lot of vibrations. You can actually see this phenomenon occurring in simple plumbing pipes when water runs through them. Exposed pipes and vents are ok because there is no active transference of vibrations. But for the networks hidden in walls, ceilings, and floors, the result can be disastrous. The transfer of vibrations can make the building shake, no matter how subtle. Over time, this will weaken the interior and structural integrity, hence the need for a vibration damper. It will absorb the vibrations and transform them into heat, preventing them from transferring to walls or ceilings.

Definition Of Vibration Damper:

In the most simplistic terms, a vibration damper is a device that prevents the vibration from transferring to floors and walls. Additionally, it is a vibration isolator in more precise terms. Rather than transmitting the energy somewhere else, it will convert it into heat.

Where Are Vibration Dampers Used In HVAC?

Vibration dampers are used alongside a huge variety of machines. This includes power presses, compressors, conveyors, etc. Aside from that, their applications do not end there. It is also used for the protection of sensitive instruments during transportation from external vibrations.

How Do Vibration Dampers Work?

Vibration dampers are attached to the machine in question. When the vibratory movement of that specific machine exceeds the threshold, the damper does its job of absorbing shock. The device contains a viscoelastic substance (that has the property of both liquid and solid) like Sorbothane. These types of substances would absorb the energy from the vibration. Rather than transferring it somewhere else, it would be converted into heat energy, some of which would be stored. The process would continue until the pressure lessens and the machine is in the safe zone again.

Are HVAC Vibration Dampers Necessary?

Yes, it is. Again, HVAC does a lot of mechanical work, which can produce a lot of vibrations and noise. Even if you are not interested in the mechanics of it, as an owner, you will always want the quieter option. Thus, this is a necessary piece of equipment for your safety and peace of mind.

How Can SuperAir Help You?

Our business specializes in HVAC supplies and fabrication options. We can provide you with the best vibration dampers suitable for most brands.

Visit our website now to check out our catalog

You&#;ve got furnace damper questions; we&#;ve got answers! Learn about your HVAC damper &#; what it is, how it works, and when to open and close it.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit furnace vibration damper.

What is an HVAC damper?

An HVAC damper is a plate within your ductwork that regulates airflow and directs it to different areas of your home. It may also be called a duct damper or a furnace damper.

There is a lever that controls the metal plate in your HVAC damper. Turning the lever rotates the plate, which alters the airflow through that duct.

When your damper is open, heated air from your furnace or cool air from your AC can flow through it. When it&#;s closed, your heated/cooled air cannot enter that portion of your ductwork. 

Dampers are an essential part of a zoned HVAC system. Even if you don&#;t have a smart-zoned system, your central air and heating ducts likely have dampers. 

Where is the HVAC damper?

In a traditional HVAC system, dampers are typically located in the main supply trunks of your ductwork just before and after major junctions. You&#;re likely to find furnace dampers on either side of the large metal box (the plenum) near the furnace. If you have a two-story home, there&#;s probably another one where the ductwork leads upstairs.

In a smart-zoned HVAC system, you&#;ll also find dampers to open and close off the different zones. Your home automation system usually controls opening and closing these. You control traditional dampers manually.

The number of dampers in your home depends on its size and the specifications of your HVAC system. In fact, your home may not have dampers at all.

When to open and close your HVAC damper

Opening and closing a manual damper is as easy as turning a nob. Look out for a lever attached to a wingnut outside your duct joints.

How to tell if my HVAC damper is open or closed

Some HVAC installers may do you a favor and label your ductwork, illustrating when the dampers are in the open and closed positions.

If yours aren&#;t labeled, look at the stem from the damper plate, which is visible in the center of the wingnut. When it&#;s in a horizontal position, the damper is open. When it&#;s vertical, the damper is closed.

If your damper doesn&#;t have a lever to move the wingnut, you may need to use a pair of pliers to change its position. 

Should my furnace damper be open or closed in winter?

If you have a two-story home, it&#;s customary to close the damper leading to your upstairs ductwork in the winter. Your heat will enter the first floor of your home and rise naturally.

Sometimes, if you leave the upstairs damper open in the winter, your upstairs rooms will get too hot.

Should my furnace damper be open or closed in summer?

In a two-story home, you should open the damper to the upstairs ductwork in the summer. Since heat rises, you&#;ll want to be sure your AC delivers cool air to the upstairs rooms through the ductwork.

HVAC damper FAQs

Dampers control the airflow and pressure of the heated air entering different areas of your home ductwork from the furnace.

What does the damper do on a furnace?

Dampers control the flow and pressure of the cool air leaving your air conditioner and entering your home through your ductwork.

What does the damper do on an air conditioner?

For more information, please visit types of active suspension system.