Bypass Damper

A bypass damper is a specialized component used in HVAC systems to regulate and redirect excess airflow within the ductwork. It is typically found in systems with zone control, where certain areas of a home or building may not need conditioned air at a given time. When zones reach their desired temperature and dampers to those areas close, the bypass damper opens to divert the extra airflow back to the return duct or discharge it elsewhere, preventing pressure build-up in the system. This helps maintain proper air pressure, protects the ductwork, and ensures the HVAC system operates efficiently. Bypass dampers can be manual or automatic and are often paired with static pressure sensors for optimal performance.