When air enters a space through ducts, what is the primary purpose of a damper?

The primary purpose of a damper in a duct system is to regulate airflow. Dampers are installed in HVAC systems to control the amount of air that passes through the ducts. By adjusting the position of the damper, one can change the volume or flow rate of air reaching different areas of a building. This regulation is crucial for maintaining comfort levels, optimizing energy efficiency, and ensuring that air is evenly distributed throughout the space.

While dampers can influence airflow by either restricting it or allowing more air to pass, their main role is in making fine adjustments to the total airflow based on demand, rather than simply increasing or decreasing it. This capability helps create balanced conditions throughout the environment, thereby enhancing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning effectiveness. Filtering air is generally accomplished through separate air filters, not through dampers, which specifically focus on airflow management.