WHY SHOULD YOU USE DUCT BOOSTER FANS/IN-LINE DUCT FANS & REGISTER BOOSTER FANS IN YOUR HVAC SYSTEM?
What Are Duct Booster Fans and Register Booster Fans?
In-line Duct Booster Fans are devices used within the ducts of an HVAC system and Register Booster Fans are devices that sit on top of or into the register boot. Both help to overcome back pressure to boost or pull air to specific areas of a home or building where the airflow is inadequate, improving comfort.
Why Use an In-Line Duct Booster or Register Booster?
Temperature Balance:
In-Line Duct Boosters and Register Boosters are often used to address hot or cold spots within a home. Rooms that are far from the HVAC unit or have long, convoluted duct runs might not receive adequate airflow, resulting in uneven temperatures. They help by ensuring these rooms get enough conditioned air to be consistent with the rest of the house or building.
Air Quality:
Improved airflow can not only help improve comfort, but reduce the concentration of allergens, pollutants, and moisture in the air.
Compensating for Poor Duct Design:
In some homes or buildings, ductwork may not be optimally designed. Poorly planned duct layouts can lead to certain areas not getting enough airflow. Installing boosters can be a more cost-effective solution compared to redesigning and replacing the entire duct system.
When Will a Booster Fan Not Help?
If a room is too hot or too cold due to poor insulation, leaky or drafty windows or direct excessive sunlight exposure.
How Do I Know Which Solution Is Right for Me?
There are a few things to take into consideration when choosing which booster is right for you.
In-Line Duct Boosters:
-Can be used on a single duct run that leads to two different registers.
-The booster will be hidden from view as it will be installed in the ductwork.
-Installation requires a much higher level of technical knowledge and skill.
-Access to duct work is required, ideally within 6 to 10 feet of the room register(s).
-May require a separate device to control the booster. Some may not have built in sensors.
Register boosters:
-Easy installation – Installation normally will only take a few minutes at most.
-Built in sensor allowing unit to work automatically with no secondary device to control it.
-Cannot be hidden out of sight, visibly sits on or in the register boot and requires a near by power outlet.
Installation:
- In-line Duct Booster Fans are installed directly within the ductwork. They are cylindrical in shape and fit into the existing duct, ideally within 6 to 10 linear feet of the room register. This requires the installer to cut and remove a section of the ductwork to fit the booster fan in. A power source will also need to be present to power the booster fan. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with this installation an HVAC professional should be consulted.
- Register Booster Fans are placed over or in a register boot and the unit will also need a power source nearby. This is a much simpler installation than the In-line Duct Booster as you will not need access to the ductwork and does not require any modification of the duct.
Operation:
In-Line Duct Booster Fans and Register Boosters are powered by electricity and have a built-in motor that drives a fan blade.
In-Line Duct Booster Fans:
- Thermostatic Switch: This is a separate device that is also attached to the duct on the output side of the booster fan and senses temperature rise and fall and then will turn the unit on/off with the HVAC cycle.
- Direct Wire: The fan can be wired directly to the accessory panel of the furnace or air handler to operate when the blower motor is operating. It is highly recommended that this type of installation to be done by a professional.
Register Boosters:
-Many times, a register booster will have an integrated control system that will allow it to operate automatically with the HVAC system cycles with no separate devices needed.
Airflow Improvement:
When activated, the boosters will increase the velocity of the air moving through the duct. This additional push helps overcome resistance and friction losses within the ductwork, ensuring that the conditioned air reaches the targeted room more effectively.
Energy Efficiency:
By ensuring that all areas of the home receive adequate airflow, In-Line Duct Booster Fans and Register Boosters can help the HVAC system operate more efficiently. This can reduce the need for excessive heating or cooling cycles, which in turn lowers energy costs.
In conclusion, In-Line Duct Boosters and Register Boosters can be an effective and economical solution to an underperforming HVAC system, enhancing performance, particularly in homes where certain rooms struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature. By boosting airflow to specific areas, these devices help create a more balanced and comfortable living environment, ensuring every part of your home or building benefits from the HVAC system's efforts.