How to Blank Off an HVAC Diffuser
You may want to blank off an HVAC diffuser, especially if you're remodeling a room. Another reason may be because the room remains too hot or cold due to too much airflow. Blanking off an HVAC diffuser will stop all airflow into the room. A blank-off is a piece of sheet metal that covers the front of the diffuser. Because you're not removing the diffuser permanently, you can remove the blank-off at a future date to restore the airflow.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Sheet metal
- Snips
- Weatherstripping
- Sheet metal screws
- Cordless drill
- Gloves
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1
Measure the height and width of the HVAC diffuser. Measure all the way across the diffuser in both directions to ensure full coverage of the diffuser's fins.
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2
Place a piece of sheet metal on a flat surface and mark out the dimensions on top. You should end up with a rectangular outline of your blank-off.
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3
Cut along the marked lines with your snips. Examine the edges for any burrs and trim these off to prevent future cuts to your skin.
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4
Attach a piece of weather stripping around the rectangular blank-off. It can be adhered to either side, but must run around the blank-off's perimeter.
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5
Place the blank-off onto the HVAC diffuser with the weather-stripping facing the diffuser. Fasten the blank-off to the diffuser with sheet metal screws. Use enough screws so there are no gaps between the blank-off and the diffuser.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Sheet metal is very sharp. Consider wearing gloves when handling sheet metal to prevent cuts.
