What's the Difference Between Grilles, Registers & Diffusers?

An HVAC system in a commercial building plays an important role in the health of your employees, customers, and anyone else who enters and leaves the building. Part of what makes the system work is the type of ventilation covers that the system uses. So, what are the differences between registers and grilles vs diffusers, and which one is right for your commercial building's purposes?

Understanding the Role of Ventilation in Commercial Buildings

Your ventilation system cycles air in and out of the building so that the occupants have clean air to breathe. Modern commercial buildings are constructed so that they are sealed up tightly. Without a ventilation system, humidity, dust, and pollutants could quickly start to build up. Before you know it, your customers and employees could begin having allergy attacks and developing respiratory illnesses. The interior would start to smell bad as well.

The ventilation system cycles clean air in and cycles the unwanted things in the air out. Temperatures stay evenly balanced, energy is saved, and everyone stays healthy. A ventilation cover determines how airflow is directed in your HVAC system.

Ventilation Covers

A ventilation cover allows your HVAC system to regulate the air intake and exhaust rate and the direction of airflow. It also keeps temperature and airflow balanced throughout the building. Stylistically, they also cover gaping holes in the ventilation system and make it look more seamless. The three main types of ventilation covers are grilles, registers, and receivers.

Grilles

A grille is the simplest type of ventilation cover. They can cover air intake and exhaust outlets. It's very similar to the grille on the front of your vehicle, which allows air to flow in and out over the radiator. A grille has a fixed pattern of openings to let air through, and that is its sole function. It doesn't have any moving parts, so it is also the easiest type of vent cover to maintain. The only disadvantage of a grille is that it doesn't allow you to control the airflow.

Diffusers

Diffusers are the most complex type of ventilation cover. They have multidirectional dampers that allow you the most control over airflow. They're most often used over ceiling vents. They can be round or square and you will typically have a vent that is the same shape. Diffusers are most useful when you want to direct airflow in a certain path, or if you want to evenly distribute air throughout a room.

Registers

Registers have an adjustable damper, but unlike diffusers, the dampers only work to direct airflow in one direction. Registers are similar to the vent covers on the air conditioning system in your car. You can close them completely, or aim them to direct the air in a certain direction.

Which Ventilation Cover is Right for You

• Grilles: Best suited for applications where you don't need any control over airflow.
• Registers: When you need to control airflow in one direction or simply want to shut airflow off.
• Diffusers: Best for situations where you need multidirectional airflow.

Find Ventilation Covers at HVAC Jack

Now that you know the difference between grilles vs diffusers and registers, you probably have a better idea of which will work best for your commercial building needs. If you have any questions, contact us at HVAC Jack to speak with one of our experts.