Three Common Types of Intake Louvers

Three Common Types of Intake Louvers

In this article, we explore three prevalent types of louvers and their functions within HVAC systems. For further insights on louvers, take a look at the MCDLG Newsstand.

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The Structural Elements of Intake Louvers

Louvers play an essential role in any building's airflow system. Typically tailored for specific purposes, such as shielding ventilation openings from light rain, obscuring sightlines, or minimizing direct sunlight, the design of louvers strives to achieve a balance between necessary protection and adequate air flow. In HVAC terminology, this equates to managing the trade-off between preventing water intrusion and maintaining optimal air performance.

For every application, an appropriate louver exists. While louvers can be customized to meet various requirements, certain common designs are frequently employed in projects. Below, we outline three typical types of louvers that serve standard functions in HVAC applications.

Planning a project and in need of intake louvers? Arrow United Industries is here to assist. We craft our louvers from the ground up to align perfectly with your specifications. Reach out to Arrow United today to discuss how we can meet your airflow needs together.

#1 Stationary Straight Blade Louvers for Ventilation

Stationary straight blade louvers are the go-to choice for many applications. With a standard flat blade design and no drainage troughs, these louvers prioritize air flow efficiency. Their streamlined blades enable air to pass through with minimal resistance, allowing fans to draw air effortlessly.

While these louvers offer basic weather protection, their blades are angled to naturally repel water attempting to enter. Although all louvers provide an element of rainfall protection, the effectiveness can vary based on the specific design.

If maximizing air performance is critical, select a louver featuring the simplest blade structure. Additionally, check the free area percentage of the louver to ascertain the spacing between blades; a higher free area generally correlates with improved airflow. For more tips on enhancing air performance, refer to our concise article on condensers.

Tailor the stationary straight blade louvers to fit your project needs by incorporating various options, such as sill extensions and subframes, to further enhance functionality. To keep your HVAC system operating at an optimal level, choose louvers that prioritize airflow.

While stationary straight blade louvers are standard, projects in regions prone to severe weather may require specialized options.

#2 Severe Weather Louvers Featuring Chevron Blades for Superior Water Resistance

For those prioritizing storm preparedness, selecting louvers engineered for severe weather resistance is vital. These louvers are specifically constructed to deflect substantial amounts of rainwater. Featuring drain troughs along the blade faces, drain channels within the jambs, and a drain pan at the sill, these components work together to effectively manage water runoff collected by the blade profile.

Cleverly designed chevron blades facilitate air movement while simultaneously preventing excess moisture infiltration, achieving a balance between water resistance and air flow. With a central curve, these blades allow air to flow over the peak while directing moisture toward the slope, capturing rainwater effectively.

Severe weather louvers undergo rigorous AMCA testing to validate performance claims. Those that meet established standards obtain an AMCA seal, including relevant ratings. For advanced water protection, including resistance to wind-driven rain, consider reading more on our Newsstand regarding AMCA testing.

#3 Adjustable Louvers with Baffle Blades for Weather Adaptability and Airflow Control

Adjustable louvers provide flexibility in managing ventilation openings when they're not in use and preventing snow or debris from entering. Many projects utilize control dampers behind louvers to shut off airflow, but adjustable louvers can be fitted with electric actuators for convenient automation.

Combination adjustable louvers incorporate both adjustable and stationary blades, allowing for a consistent appearance, even when the adjustable blades are closed. Their design helps prevent water from entering, even in open positions, or employing baffle blades to enhance rainwater rejection.

Baffle blades feature a raised step that captures excess water while maintaining airflow. Such a profile contributes to improved management of moisture, along with drain troughs that efficiently direct collected water outward. When blades are fully extended, these troughs line up with drain channels in the jambs, effectively functioning similar to stationary drainable models.

Adjustable louvers with baffle blades can provide a moderate level of rainfall protection and may be equipped with drain troughs. To delve deeper into louver blade options, check out our comprehensive guide: Louver Blades - A Primer.

In most circumstances, adjustable louvers are favored for their ability to regulate airflow while offering weather resistance, particularly useful for closing off ventilation openings.

Maintaining appropriate ventilation is crucial for your HVAC system, and nearly all projects will necessitate some form of weather defense. With their versatility, louvers can fulfill a myriad of functions in your structure, although certain requirements frequently overlap among different projects. Always confirm that your louver design aligns with its intended role.

Explore more articles on louvers by visiting the other topics featured on our Newsstand.

MCDLG is Ready to Assist!

Looking for assistance? Have a specific inquiry regarding your current task, or seeking guidance for an upcoming project? Connect with MCDLG! With over 50 years of industry experience, we are committed to supporting your needs.

Whether you require ongoing education, equipment insights, or top-notch products and post-sales assistance, our expertise is at your disposal. Our Product Pro simplifies the process of discovering what you're seeking, featuring an extensive catalog of louvers from Arrow United Industries, Airline Louvers, and Louvers & Dampers.

We stand with our clients throughout every step of their project journey. Interested? Learn how we can provide support by reading our article: MCDLG is Here to Help!

Need urgent assistance? Reach out to MCDLG now; we are prepared to provide help.

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