Trane Varitrac Damper Installation

Central air-conditioning systems use a series of ducts, or passageways, for moving cool air from the air-conditioner unit to individual rooms. However, homeowners may not want to cool an entire building. Sometimes one, or multiple rooms, need to be shut off from being air-conditioned, saving on energy costs. Trane's Varitrac dampers offer a secure air shut off mechanism by using a rotating piece of metal. The damper rotates into a vertical position within the duct for blocking air flow, as well as moving horizontally for allowing air to flow to individual room registers. Varitrac dampers are relatively simple to install with the proper tools.

Ladder
Screwdriver
4 sheet metal screws

Instructions

- 1
  Use a ladder to access the intended duct installation area.
- 2
  Locate a connection point along the duct. Separate the duct by unscrewing the securing screws.
- 3
  Place the damper within the separated space. The damper has an attached control box that communicates with the air-conditioning's control unit. Make sure that the damper and control box assembly are positioned horizontally within the duct. The drive shaft protruding from the control box to the damper can fail if it is not in a horizontal position.
- 4
  Reattach the duct work together with the screws, keeping the damper horizontal in between.
- 5
  Attach the control box to the side of the duct length. Use four sheet metal screws for connecting each corner of the control box to the duct. However, confirm that the sheet metal screw ends, penetrating the duct, do not hinder the movement of the damper.
- 6
  Test the damper by closing off its metal body to air flow. Activate the air-conditioning unit's damper closure feature at the main control panel.
- 7
  Observe the moving damper. The damper should close smoothly with no loud sounds. Adjust the damper's positioning if it encounters an impedance or produces a loud scraping sound.

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