Knowledge Builders

what is a backdraft damper used for

by Ethel Wolff Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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A backdraft damper is one of the minute pieces needed to help the overall function and purpose of the ventilation system do its job correctly. A backdraft damper is able to allow contaminated air to flow out of the home but prevents contaminated air from sweeping back in to the home.

Full Answer

What are the dangers of backdraft?

What Are The Dangers Of Backdraft? Carbon monoxide is a deadly danger to homeowners. This gas is both invisible and odorless, making it difficult to detect without a carbon monoxide alarm. It is very important to avoid the gas since just a few minutes of exposure could lead to death. Usually, appliances that generate this gas will be vented ...

What is the cost of a damper actuator installed backwards?

The true cost of a backwards damper is paying for a system that doesn’t do what it is expected to do, in this case provide ventilation air. A ventilation air handler such as this one costs approximately $30,000 to purchase and install.

What is a draft damper in a Larde boiler?

Draft regulators or barometric dampers are devices used to regulate the draft on oil-fired furnaces, boilers, and water heaters. You adjust the weight to control the amount of the opening of this damper which in turn controls the amount of excess air that can enter the flue and chimney when the oil burner is operating.

What is a top Mount Damper?

Typical Use & Summary:

  • Top Mount Dampers are used to seal a wood burning fireplace when not in use - preventing outside air & animals from entering the home
  • Stove Pipe Dampers are installed in single wall connector stove pipe to help control draft
  • Chimney balloons are a great option for wood fireplaces - easily inflate to block off the flue and install from within the home

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Why do we need a backdraft damper?

How does a dryer blade work?

Does Famco have a backdraft damper?

Can a backdraft damper be used in a laundry room?

Can a FAMCO butterfly backdraft damper be vertical?

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Are backdraft dampers necessary?

Why Do I Need a Backdraft Damper? A backdraft damper is beneficial if you are looking to control and enhance the air quality of your home or office. Installing a damper keeps temperature-controlled or purified air within your space while simultaneously keeping outside air from coming in.

Where do you install backdraft damper?

Install back-draft dampers where the exhaust duct meets the exhaust fan in each fan unit. The dampers should open when the fan is actively exhausting and should shut when the fan is off (Figures 1 and 2).

Do bathroom fans need a damper?

Contractors install exhaust dampers within exhaust fans in bathrooms to help pull the hot, moist air out of the space and direct it outside of your home. It's essential to utilize your exhaust damper because it helps draw the moisture out of the air and prevent mold and mildew from growing in your bathroom.

Is a backdraft damper a fire damper?

A backdraft damper is similar to a fire damper in that it features blades within a frame, but the purpose of these dampers differ. Backdraft dampers allow air to flow into or out of a space in one direction while preventing a return flow.

How do I stop cold air coming through my stove vent?

If cold air is coming down your range hood vent, install a backdraft damper. A spring-loaded damper is the most reliable. If you already have a backdraft damper, check if it is bent or damaged. Also, make sure that the damper is grease and grime-free.

Do bathroom exhaust fan have backdraft damper?

Backdraft dampers: Intended to channel unidirectional airflow through ducts and vents, preventing air from flowing in the opposite direction. Most often used for bathroom fans and range hoods.

Do bathroom vents let cold air in?

The Bathroom fan is letting in cold air because the backdraft damper is missing or leaking. As a result, outdoor air is being drafted back into the bathroom instead of being sealed off by the damper. In order to create a proper seal, a spring-loaded rubber-sealed backdraft damper should be used.

How do I test my bathroom vent damper?

To check the operation of the damper, turn the fan on and make sure air is coming out at the terminal. If there is no air movement, check to make sure the damper opens freely.

How do you fix a drafty bathroom fan?

If this is the case in your bathroom, you can get an exhaust fan draft blocker. This will only allow air to flow out and will restrict cold air from coming in. This simple device can be purchased at any hardware store and will keep all unwanted cold drafts out of your bathroom.

What are the 3 types of dampers?

Air Dampers in Fire Protection Applications. The three main types of dampers used in fire protection applications are fire dampers, smoker dampers and combined fire/smoke dampers. This section provides an overview of each type and its applications.

What are the three types of fire dampers?

There are four types of life safety dampers: fire dampers, smoke dampers, combination fire-smoke dampers, and ceiling radiation dampers. Buildings will require life safety dampers in specific areas, such a fire barriers, to create special zones for fire and smoke containment.

What are the two types of fire dampers?

There are two types of fire damper closing system: those with a fuse mechanism and those with an actuator, which is motorised, and to which you can connect a smoke detection system.

Where do you put a backdraft damper on a range hood?

A backdraft damper can be installed inline with your ductwork or at the connection between your hood and the ductwork. For the best results, install an inline backdraft damper a few feet away from the outside of your home. Backdraft dampers are vents that go inside your duct.

Do I need a damper for my range hood?

Yes, a range hood damper will help prevent leaves, small animals, other debris, and hot or cold air from entering your ductwork and home from outside; it will also prevent backdrafting, which occurs when the dirty, greasy air in your ductwork travels back into your home by way of gravity or air restriction.

Where is the damper on a bathroom fan?

There are two dampers for a bath fan, one at the housing and another where the duct exits the building. If they don't open easily or open only partly, airflow will be weak. Try moving the exterior damper by hand to make sure it opens easily.

How do you install a dryer vent draft blocker?

0:080:54Draft Blocker - Installation: Dundas Jafine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMust point downwards to ensure the flap remains closed when there is no airflow. Pressure press theMoreMust point downwards to ensure the flap remains closed when there is no airflow. Pressure press the other end of the draft blocker into the aluminum vent pipe to complete the installation.

Why do we need a backdraft damper?

When the sun is not out, indoor air is prevented from escaping through the collection box through the use of a backdraft damper, keeping warm air in the room. Also, dampers are useful for protecting the energy exchanger in heat exchanger systems.

How does a dryer blade work?

As the dryer pushes hot air out, the blades open and allows the hot air to escape. Once the dryer quits venting, the blades close back shut, keeping outdoor air out while also allowing for passive venting where normal air flow is present.

Does Famco have a backdraft damper?

FAMCO Can Help You Find the Perfect Backdraft Damper for Your HVAC System. Skimping on backdraft dampers can not only be costly, but detrimental to your health as your indoor environment becomes contaminated through standard use. FAMCO has a wide selection of backdraft dampers in many different sizes and materials.

Can a backdraft damper be used in a laundry room?

Backdraft dampers, when properly installed and connected, will vent this hot air to the outside and not allow moisture to build up and damage your drywall or frame.

Can a FAMCO butterfly backdraft damper be vertical?

Both the FAMCO inline butterfly backdraft damper and butterfly backdraft damper can operate in either a horizontal or vertical position and come in a wide variety of sizes, which can easily accommodate most ventilation systems.

How Do Backdraft Dampers Work?

Backdraft dampers allow air to flow efficiently through the ducts, prevent ing the influx of unwanted air inside while simultaneously optimizing energy efficiency. They are designed to overcome the limitations of a traditional volume control or butterfly damper.

What is relief damper?

Relief Damper – Used to maintain a constant airflow at various air pressures. It automatically closes when there is a change in the differential pressure, such as built-up pressure in duct systems.

Why is backdraft ventilation important?

Whether it is to prevent the food odors from the kitchen from wafting across the building or keeping the attic’s dusty smell out of the living area, backdraft ventilation systems adjust airflow and help regulate clean air for you to breathe.

Where are seals installed on dampers?

Seals are installed at the balancing piston of the damper and enhance the overall stability of a damper.

Do you need a damper for solar heat?

Preferable for heat exhaust systems, solar heating systems, or exhaust applications where a powered damper is not required

Can you install backdraft dampers in a duct?

You can install backdraft dampers in any ducts or opening across your building, with full confidence that they will work without noise or loud vibrations.

What Is a Backdraft Damper?

A backdraft damper, also known as a gravity damper, is a piece of equipment that allows air to flow through in one direction while preventing air from entering the opposite side, also known as a backdraft. Backdraft dampers assist in the exhaust or intake of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ( HVAC) systems.A backdraft damperhelps to reduceenergy loss in a building and also maintains a consistent pressure within the area.

What to consider when selecting a damper?

Environment: A contractor must consider the amount of wind and rain, as well as the climate of the building before selecting the appropriate louver or damper. Pressure: Different products perform in different ranges of pressure.

What is a louver?

A louver is similar to a backdraft damper. A louver allows for control of the way that air moves throughout a building. Unlike backdraft dampers that control exhaust, a louver provides fresh air intake while shutting out rain and other types of weather. A louver has thin slats or fins that adjust to allow air and light to flow into the space.

What is a combination louver?

Combination: These louvers have blades that open based on the amount of static pressure. This style louver may also incorporate a backdraft damper.

What is an adjustable louver?

Adjustable: This type of louver features blades that can move to fit the precise need of the space.

Can a backdraft damper be installed vertically?

Backdraft dampers can be mounted horizontally and vertically, although the mounting direction changes the type of damper that contractors must install. A contractor can install a motorized backdraft damper either horizontally or vertically, giving the contractor more versatility in the design of the space. If the damper is gravity operated, the contractor must install the damper vertically so that gravity can move the flaps open and closed.

Is a backdraft damper good for the winter?

Cons of Backdraft Dampers. Although a backdraft damper is useful in keeping cold air outside during the winter, the damper doesn’t allow for control to prevent cold air from escaping during the warmer months. Also, a contractor must install a damper directly into the ventilation system. If you have to replace your home or office ventilation system, ...

What is backdraft damper?

Backdraft dampers are installed in specific areas in the duct work to restrict air flow to one direction only. These dampers have shafts installed on one end of each blade. This design turns the blade into a flap that only opens when air is flowing in right direction. Backdraft damper blades will close if no air is passing through ...

Why do backdraft dampers close?

Backdraft damper blades will close if no air is passing through or if air begins flowing in the opposite direction. Backdraft dampers can have a counterbalance installed to assist or resist the opening action. These dampers do not receive actuators.

How do balancing dampers work?

Balancing dampers are adjusted by technicians, who will measure the air pressure in a room as they adjust the angle of the damper’s blades. Once the correct air pressure is found, the balancing damper’s blades are locked in place to maintain the necessary air pressure. They can be unlocked in the future for adjustments.

What is a damper in HVAC?

That’s where dampers come in. A damper is a device comprised of blades contained in a square or rectangular frame. This design can vary based on the type and model ...

How many types of dampers are there in HVAC?

Even though they are similar in design, there are several different types of dampers and type of damper will perform a specific task. The following are five types of dampers commonly found in HVAC system.

What is industrial damper?

Industrial dampers are designed to withstand massive air pressures and constant temperatures above 250°F. They are built from thick gauge materials, mainly steel, to withstand extreme conditions. All components are welded in place to ensure maximum durability.

What is a multi zone damper?

Multi-zone dampers are used in buildings with a single air handling unit , such as single-building schools or small-scale office buildings. These dampers are large assemblies comprised of multiple dampers, each tied to a specific zone. Multi-zone dampers connect to multiple ducts and control the flow of air for entire system.

Why do we need a backdraft damper?

When the sun is not out, indoor air is prevented from escaping through the collection box through the use of a backdraft damper, keeping warm air in the room. Also, dampers are useful for protecting the energy exchanger in heat exchanger systems.

How does a dryer blade work?

As the dryer pushes hot air out, the blades open and allows the hot air to escape. Once the dryer quits venting, the blades close back shut, keeping outdoor air out while also allowing for passive venting where normal air flow is present.

Does Famco have a backdraft damper?

FAMCO Can Help You Find the Perfect Backdraft Damper for Your HVAC System. Skimping on backdraft dampers can not only be costly, but detrimental to your health as your indoor environment becomes contaminated through standard use. FAMCO has a wide selection of backdraft dampers in many different sizes and materials.

Can a backdraft damper be used in a laundry room?

Backdraft dampers, when properly installed and connected, will vent this hot air to the outside and not allow moisture to build up and damage your drywall or frame.

Can a FAMCO butterfly backdraft damper be vertical?

Both the FAMCO inline butterfly backdraft damper and butterfly backdraft damper can operate in either a horizontal or vertical position and come in a wide variety of sizes, which can easily accommodate most ventilation systems.

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Components of A Backdraft Damper

  • Bearings
    These close the gap between the damper and the frames and allow blades to move independently from the frames.
  • Seals
    Seals are installed at the balancing piston of the damper and enhance the overall stability of a damper.
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Types of Backdraft Dampers

  • AWV makes various types of backdraft dampers, each designed with unique specifications to maximize their benefits.
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Residential Applications

  • Residential backdraft dampers are easy to install and are used in bathroom exhaust systems, clothes dryer vents, and pantry hoods to regulate airflow and provide better air ventilation.
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Commercial Applications

  • When used for commercial purposes, backdraft dampers act as both gravity dampers and control dampers. When used as a gravity damper, it allows air to flow in only one direction, and when used as a control damper, for example, in wind propellers, it can prevent the wind from causing the fan to run backward which is powered through a motor. For indus...
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1.Backdraft Dampers: What They Are and How They Work

Url:https://www.famcomfg.com/product-info/backdraft-damper/

34 hours ago A backdraft damper is used on heat exchangers, exhaust systems, solar heating systems; and can be installed in either a horizontal or vertical position with minimal leakage. In order for a …

2.Videos of What Is a Backdraft Damper Used For

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5 hours ago A backdraft damper (also called a non-return damper) is used to control forced air flow produced by a mechanical fan, such as in an HVAC air handler, bathroom vent fan, or clothes dryer vent …

3.HVAC Basics: Backdraft Dampers & How They Work

Url:https://www.famcomfg.com/product-info/hvac-basics-what-is-a-backdraft-damper-and-how-does-it-work/

22 hours ago FAMCO’s backdraft dampers have a 2-blade assembly and a foam seal that keeps air from coming back in, and are typically used for heat exchangers, exhaust systems, solar heating …

4.How Do Backdraft Dampers Work? - Innovative Building …

Url:https://innovativebuildingmaterials.com/backdraft-dampers/

16 hours ago A backdraft damper is useful in controlling temperature but can also be used to improve the ventilation of a space. Smells from cooking, painting, or other industrial processes can …

5.Everything You Need to Know About Backdraft Dampers …

Url:https://firedamper.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-backdraft-dampers-and-louvers/

7 hours ago Backdraft dampers allow air to efficiently flow through exhaust ducts to the outside, yet prevent the unwanted flow of air into a house when the exhaust fans

6.Five Types of Dampers and When To Use Them

Url:https://newsstand.mcdlg-hvac.com/five-types-of-dampers-and-when-to-use-them

23 hours ago Backdraft dampers (also called gravity dampers) allow airflow in one direction and prevent reverse airflow for use in exhaust or intake HVAC systems. Backdraft dampers can either be …

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