What duct damper means
A duct damper is a movable plate inside a duct that controls how much air flows through that branch. Manual dampers are set by hand; motorized dampers are driven by a zoning panel.
Also called balancing damper, volume damper.
Where it matters on a HVAC job
Balancing dampers let you even out rooms after install. Mark their positions once balanced. Duct cleaners should note them too, since bumping a damper during cleaning changes how the house heats and cools.
What it costs
Koira's ductwork replacement cost guide puts a typical job at $1,250, with most between $450 to $2,200. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price.
Work it out
- Cost guide: Ductwork replacement cost
- Licensing: HVAC license rules by state
- Tools, templates and guides: Free HVAC resources