Learn the Ins and Outs of How an Air Diffuser Works for Your HVAC Unit

An air diffuser allows you to disperse heated or cooled airflow more effectively as it enters a room. While all HVAC systems incorporate fixed rectangular or square vent grills covering the opening where the supply air duct enters a room, there is often no way to adjust the direction or amount of the airflow.

Air diffusers come in a variety of sizes, and they usually distribute air in some controllable, directional pattern. They direct air distribution inside a room and help eliminate stubborn cold or hot spots, as well as keep conditioned airflow and air quality consistent in all parts of the room. A diffuser can also serve to dampen the whooshing sound that is sometimes noticeable due to HVAC airflow passing through a standard supply vent.

Three basic types of air diffusers include:

• Round diffusers. Typically installed in a ceiling, the round type directs air in a continuous, 360-degree pattern. Some diffusers incorporate an adjustable core that can be opened and closed to adjust the total volume of airflow emitted by the diffuser. Depending upon the square footage of the room, multiple round diffusers may be installed in a room to ensure complete coverage of heating and cooling.
• Linear slot diffusers. These are usually a rectangular shape and installed in a wall near the ceiling. They have up to eight slots that deliver airflow into the room. Adjustable blades in the slots can vary the amount of heated or cooled air entering the room. Some slot diffusers have vertical vanes that can also deflect airflow to the left or the right.
• Multidirectional diffusers. Installed in the ceiling, these units may incorporate four separate quadrants pointing in opposite directions, each with louvers that can independently control the volume of airflow in each direction and keep temperatures consistent throughout all parts of the room. Multidirectional diffusers are helpful in rooms with a shape or size that makes it difficult to evenly distribute airflow to all parts of the room.

For all your home or business heating, cooling, and air quality needs, talk to the HVAC professionals at Jackson & Sons.