One of the greatest challenges in a residential or industrial building is finding a heating or cooling system that is cost-effective while maintaining proper air ventilation. That’s why industrial businesses often opt for the industrial ceiling fan as the best possible solution in terms of results, cost, and durability.
If you’re running a warehouse or manufacturing facility, you have to think of every single detail to provide your employees with secure and satisfying working conditions. However, as industrial-grade machines are usually of higher quality and durability, these fans have also found their place in many people’s homes and positively impacted their energy bills.
We’ve scoured the market to find the best picks for various spaces.
What is an Industrial Ceiling Fan?
First, it’s essential to make a distinction between an industrial fan and a commercial one. While standard ceiling fans are usually made of wood or thin plastic, industrial ones are constructed with more durable materials like steel, aluminum, and industrial-grade plastic. Commercial fans have a less powerful motor and are designed to work in conjunction with air conditioning. This makes them less effective than industrial ones, but the benefit is that they are less noisy.
Industrial ceiling fans were once primarily used for industrial buildings, but they’ve since been adapted for residential use. Now, most homes opt for industrial-style fans instead of commercial ones. Industrial ceiling fans are very efficient in reducing high heat levels and air stagnation. They also help reduce moistures levels, which makes them perfectly suitable for spas, greenhouses, and bathrooms. They can be very useful in chemical industries and automotive shops, as they help disperse smoke and other fumes.
The size of industrial fans can vary from 56 inches in diameter up to 24 feet. But these huge fans are intended solely for larger areas and are designed to work under special circumstances. If you’re looking for a fan for a warehouse, hangar, or another industrial setting, a 56-74 inch fan is a suitable size range.
The number of blades is also an important factor to take into consideration when purchasing an industrial ceiling fan. Ceiling fans usually have between 2 to 5 blades. The ones with fewer blades can go faster and produce more airflow and a better chill effect. However, this also means that they are louder than those with more blades. The choice you make depends on the needs you have.
What Are the Benefits of Industrial Ceiling Fans?
If you want to make the best use of an industrial fan in terms of efficiency and cost, you should look for high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans. These are large fans that measure more than 6 feet and utilize their size to move large amounts of air. The key lies in the low-speed air movement.
They can remove the need for air conditioning entirely and greatly reduce energy bills in some situations. Moreover, in the winter months, you can run the fan in reverse to disperse the warm air gathered around the ceiling with the rest of the air in the room, reducing heating costs.
As HVLS fans are highly-efficient and cost-saving, they are widely used in warehouses, distribution centers, as well as at homes.
Here are some of the most significant benefits of HVLS fans:
Energy savings
HVLS can save up to 30% on energy bills. This is the primary reason people choose them. Choose an HVLS that can run in reverse, so you can use it to move warm air around in the winter. This means lower heating costs, so you’ll have a year-round value.
Better airflow
As they produce a large amount of air, they easily regulate temperature and create a pleasant feel in the room. Most importantly, the air these fans produce is not disruptive, rather it feels like a natural breeze.
Healthier environment
Since HVLS fans help decrease moisture and humidity, they reduce the possibility for bacteria to form, thus creating a more comfortable and healthier environment. Also, they don’t kick up as much dust and dander as regular ceiling fans.
Quiet work environment
Compared to small, high-speed fans that produce noise, an HVLS fan is very quiet.
Healthier and more productive employees
If you run a factory, a warehouse, or any other facility, you want to keep your workers satisfied and secure. HVLS will create better airflow and, therefore, healthier air. A healthy and comfortable working environment increases workers’ morale and makes them more productive.
What To Consider When Buying an Industrial Ceiling Fan
Depending on a fan’s intended use, the factors you will look for will vary. If you’re looking for a fan for your home, size and aesthetics are the most critical factors. First, you have to pick the size of the fan according to the size of the room you’re going to use it in. And since it’s for home use, it’s important to find the one that will match your style.
However, when purchasing an industrial fan for some facility, there are a few more factors you should consider.
The number of workers – The more people you have in a space, the warmer it gets. So, if you have a lot of employees, it would be ideal to install a few fans.
Type of work – The size, type, and the number of fans also depend on the work performed in the space. If that work involves a lot of fumes and heat, you will need a higher-powered fan or multiple fans.
Motor – Industrial fans have either AC or DC motors. An AC motor plugs directly into a power source, so the current runs between the power source and the fan motor. A DC plugs into a transformer that connects to the power source or plug. Many businesses choose DC because AC is less efficient in energy consumed.
Wind Speed – This refers to how fast a fan can move air down to the ground. It is generally chosen by the type of work performed. For example, if you work with papers, it wouldn’t be good for you to have a fan with high wind speed, while that fan would be ideal in places with a lot of fumes and heat.
The Best Industrial Fans on the Market
To save you some time searching, we created a list of a few of our favorite picks for industrial fans.
Honeywell Industrial Ceiling Fan
If you’re looking for a fan for your home, this fan from Honeywell has a very rustic and sleek design that will fit any home. It is made of alloy steel and has five dual-finish blades, so it doesn’t lose out in terms of quality, either. This fan features a fully integrated LED light fixture and it has three speeds. With the remote control included, it is very easy to use.
Buy on AmazonHunter Cassius Black Industrial Ceiling Fan
This fan has both downdraft and updraft mode, so you can use it both in summer and winter. It features three reversible blades and a pull chain control to adjust the speed quickly and easily. What is great about this fan is that it is rated for indoor and outdoor use.
Buy on AmazonWestinghouse Industrial Style Ceiling Fan
If you’re looking for a fan for a room up to 400 square feet, this one is a great option. It’s a brushed nickel ceiling fan with three brushed nickel steel blades and has very powerful air movement and quiet performance.
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Dider Industrial Cage Ceiling Fan
If you’re looking for a fan for a room up to 400 square feet, this one is a great option. It’s a brushed nickel ceiling fan with three brushed nickel steel blades and has very powerful air movement and quiet performance.
Buy on AmazonBottom Line
By now you can see that industrial ceiling fans have become popular for a reason. So, if you’re thinking about investing in a fan, take a look at our favorite picks or keep digging to find the one that’s most suitable for you. Whichever you choose, industrial ceiling fans make a worthwhile investment.