Most property owners recognize the importance of taking adequate preventative measures against fire damage, but it’s not enough just to have a Fire Damper installed in your property’s HVAC system. It’s also essential to have these features periodically inspected and repaired and to understand how they work so they can be put to use quickly and efficiently in the event of a fire.
How they Work
Fire dampers begin operation when room temperatures rise to around 165 degrees Fahrenheit, at which point the damper’s fusible link will melt, causing its door to close. What that does is prevent the spread of fire, helping to keep damage to a minimum. It’s important for property owners to note rooms that are habitually heated to 165 degrees or hotter will require fire dampers featuring fusible links that have higher melting points.
Why They’re Necessary
Once readers begin to grasp the basics of where a damper is used and how it works, they can usually see why it is essential to incorporate them into their homes’ ductwork. The dampers prevent the spread of fire through heating, ventilation, and AC ducts, which helps to stop a fire from spreading throughout the rest of the home. They also help to prevent smoke from traveling through the building’s ductwork in the event of a fire.
Different Types of Dampers
There are two types of fire dampers that can be installed in residential homes. These are known as dynamic fire dampers and static fire dampers.
Dynamic Fire Dampers
These dampers are constructed as vertical barriers and feature a spring-loaded design and continuous fan use. The air pressure produced by the fan helps to activate the door’s spring loaded system, causing it to shut quickly and allowing the fan to remain in use.
Static Fire Dampers
Unlike dynamic dampers, static fire dampers are installed as horizontal barriers with a curtain-like design. Systems that feature static fire dampers have HVAC fans designed to turn off when the system is activated, allowing the damper’s door to fall thanks to the weight of gravity. Regardless of which of these systems is in use, it’s essential that property owners contact HVAC technicians for regular inspection of their dampers and address any damage as soon as it occurs.
