Saving Money in the Winter with Dampers

We’re in the heart of winter, and since January temperatures across the Virginia Beach area can be downright harsh, many people consistently run their heaters accordingly to stay warm. The only issue is, using your heater or boiler 24/7 runs up a rather expensive utility bill by the end of the month. There’s many different methods for saving money on your heating costs, but effectively making use of dampers is one of the easiest ways to increase heater efficiency while keeping the most often occupied areas in your home nice and warm.

A damper is a device, usually a plate or valve, located within a home’s ductwork, central air system or chimney that regulates airflow. Dampers are often used to redirect airflow from seldom or unused rooms into other areas of the house that need it more. For example, a damper in the ductwork redirecting heat from a spare bedroom to the living room will heat the living room much faster, meaning your heater will run less frequently and with shorter run times, thus saving you money.

Dampers operate either manually or automatically. Manual dampers are relatively simple, adjusted via a lever or handle located outside of the duct. Automatic dampers operate in a variety of ways. They are usually controlled by a thermostat, and run via an electric or pneumatic motor. The motor controls the airflow based on the temperature alone, so the damper is constantly adjusting to keep your home at your desired temperature. A zone or multi-zone automatic damper can provide optimal airflow control as it breaks your home down into different zones, each of which it regulates automatically.

If your home doesn’t have a damper of any kind in place, it may be a good time to consider having one or more installed. Having the ability to control your heater’s airflow will pay immense dividends when it comes to saving money and more efficiently heating your home this winter.

In addition to duct dampers, dampers in your fireplace or chimney can have a huge effect on your home’s heat level and subsequently how much you’re paying for utilities. If you have a fireplace in your home, you likely have a damper inside your chimney that is closed when the fireplace is not in use to keep cold air out and warm air inside. However, these dampers are often steel-on-steel and become warped and ineffective over time.

You should consider testing your fireplace damper to confirm it’s keeping the elements outside this winter. You can do this by simply lighting a match or incense underneath the damper while it’s closed. If the smoke mostly travels up through the damper, then it’s likely doing a poor job of sealing off the air entering your fireplace. You could consider replacing it, or perhaps switching to a top mount damper, which is more efficient in sealing leaks.

There are a variety of methods you can implement to help you save money on your utility bills while still staying warm this winter. Keeping your dampers closed or having dampers installed is just one easy way. Another easy thing you can do is schedule a routine maintenance inspection on your heater or boiler to ensure it’s working at peak efficiency. A-1 American Plumbing, an HVAC and plumbing company that has been serving the Virginia Beach area for decades with trustworthy and expert service, is the company to call for any heater maintenance, repair or installation needs.

For more information about having dampers installed or to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, contact A-1 American Plumbing by calling (757) 595-9000 or visit us online today!