Tips for Adjusting a Duct Damper

A duct damper is present along the inside of air ducts of air conditioners and most ventilating systems. It is essentially a control mechanism that is used for controlling the rate at which the air passes through the duct. The duct damper is controlled via an external handle. The handle is easy-to-use. However, some care should be taken when adjusting the duct damper. Helpful tips in this regard include:

1. Get Temperature Readings

Firstly, you need to get accurate temperature readings of the room where the ducts are present. You need to establish which rooms need a faster movement of air to ensure greater ventilation or limited air flow for greater temperature insulation. To ensure you have accurate readings, use a thermometer. Note down the thermometer readings over a period of about four days. This creates a range of readings that helps to establish an accurate range of temperature within the room.

2. Check Position of Duct Damper

Ensure that the orientation of damper handle is correct. A handle that is positioned parallel to the heat run suggests open ducts, i.e. ventilation is maximum and there is less degree of temperature insulation within the room. A handle that is perpendicular to the heat run represents ducts that are totally shut.

3. Adjust Control Damper Handle with Care

Adjust the damper handle by moving it to the minimal extent, each time. Re-check for the air-flow and temperature readings before re-adjusting the damper handle. In some ventilation systems, you might need to adjust the damper by loosening the wing nut that controls the movement of the handle. This is rather easy-to-do and can be done with basic household tools.