2-zone system air leakage question


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Old 04-29-17, 06:55 AM
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2-zone system air leakage question

I have a project where we installed a 2-zone damper system for a home. When one zone is on and the other off, there is still minimal air coming through the two vents closest the air handler/damper control in the zone which is off. My HVAC contractor says this is normal as the dampers don't positively shut off allowing a small amount of air back through.

My homeowner is not accepting this answer feeling the there is something wrong with the install.

Any HVAC installer input about any damper systems would be appreciated.
 
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Old 04-29-17, 10:34 AM
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Years ago 10% blow-by was OK. If sized right.
 
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Old 04-29-17, 01:05 PM
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I agree.... some air coming out of the closed off damper is normal.
You would need a very expensive commercial grade damper to have 100% shutoff.

That little bit of leakage should not affect the system greatly.


Just a little aside....
I think the multizone air systems are a great idea but they have their downfalls. When only one zone is calling for conditioned air it puts a load on the air flow system. Some use a calibrated bypass damper but even that is not always the answer.

I would have put it in my house.... but instead I use manual dampers to set the system. I make adjustments to them during the season.
 
 

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