An HVAC damper is a component in an HVAC system that controls the airflow and helps in adjusting the room temperature. It is a movable plate or valve located in the ductwork that regulates airflow and redirects it to specific areas of the home. HVAC dampers are usually located between the main trunk line and the round supply duct and are like valves that play a vital role in your zoning system. They can be opened and closed to direct airflow to certain areas called zones, which helps prevent overheating or overcooling certain rooms, giving you more options to control your family’s comfort and optimize energy usage. There are two main types of HVAC dampers: automatic and manual. Automatic dampers require a motor to open or close the plates and valves, and you can control them remotely, while manual dampers are managed by the valves found outside the ducts, and you only need to move them up and down when opening and closing a certain damper. The types of dampers differ in terms of purposes, sizes, and shapes, and the control methodology is also different. Butterfly, flat dish, blade, and guillotine are some of the different types of HVAC dampers. Butterfly dampers are common and remove air backflow, making them useful for fire suppression, while blade dampers have thin metal plates that close together to seal the duct, and guillotine dampers have a large panel that moves up and down to control airflow.