Why would I need a commercial fan and how am I going to use it? Industrial fans are an indispensable addition to many environments when temperatures soar. Even during more temperate months, commercial and industrial spaces alike can benefit from the right kind of heavy-duty, commercial-grade fan to effectively circulate the air. From warehouses, loading docks, and factory floors to restaurants, outdoor venues, and even farms, these fans can bring cooling relief.
When disaster strikes and flooding occurs, water damage restoration fans can rescue the situation to dry out flood-damaged structures. Discover more about these specialized air movers and how they can help after hurricanes or flash floods.
To navigate more easily in this article, please use the following list.
- Measuring Fan Power (CFM)
- Types of Industrial & Commercial Fans
- High-Velocity Floor Fans
- Drum Blower Fans
- Wall Mount Fans
- Stand/Pedestal Fans
- Commercial Ceiling & HVLS Fans
- Industrial Misting Fans
- Fan Location
- Additional Considerations
Measuring Fan Power
Fans create air movement based on how powerful they are. The airflow produced by a fan is typically given in cubic feet per minute (CFM). This represents the volume of air flowing by a given point every minute.
To determine how much airflow you need in terms of CFM, you will need to know the size of your space in cubic feet. If you know the square footage of the area, measure the height of the ceiling and multiply that by your square footage.
Ex: A 28,000 sq. ft. warehouse with 25-foot ceilings has 700,000 cubic feet of space.
(28,000 x 25 = 700,000)
Secondly, we should consider ACH, or Air Changes per Hour; how many times each hour the air is circulated effectively throughout a given space. For enclosed areas like warehouses, auditoriums, gyms, and similar spaces, 4-15 air changes per hour is a good rule of thumb.
To determine the CFM necessary to create this rate of change, apply this formula using your cubic feet measurement and the desired number of air changes per hour.
Ex: 700,000 cu. ft. x 10 AC/hr /60 min/hr = 116,667 CFM required airflow
While commercial fans have much higher CFM levels than household fans, it’s easy to see that more than one fan would be needed to create the desired airflow and air changes for the warehouse in our example.
Commercial ceiling fans or HVLS fans usually have a chart designed to help you determine the size and how many fans would be need for a give space.
Types of Industrial & Commercial Fans
Industrial fans with their durable construction and generally larger size, are ideal for use in settings where ventilation of large, open spaces is needed. These types of air circulators can withstand prolonged operation in harsher environments.
Vector, Canarm, XPower, SkyBlade, King Electric, and Big Ass Fans have high-quality industrial and commercial fans in styles from wall-mount to drum fans for use in a variety of situations.
High Velocity Floor Fans
These fans deliver high CFM airflow to circulate air in large spaces like small to medium warehouses, covered outdoor entertainment venues, studio workshops, and similar spaces. Adjustable heads and fan speed plus rugged construction make them a great solution.
This model from Canarm features a 20-inch diameter fan with 3 speeds up to 5,000 CFM, and can also be wall-mounted.
Drum Blowers
These extra-large fans are usually mounted on a frame with wheels to make them more easily portable and they can provide CFM levels over 14,000 to keep large warehouses, assembly lines, and loading docks comfortable for employees. They are also ideal for outdoor summer sports venues to keep players cool during games.
Wall Mount Fans
Commercial wall-mount fans are an excellent choice for barns, stables, kennels, or anywhere where floor space is limited, or where using a floor fan would be unsafe. These fans usually have an automatic oscillation feature to help in widening the airflow area. Some models are outdoor rated and others can be ceiling-mounted as well.
Select from 2 sizes of King Electric’s Outdoor Rated Oscillating wall mount fan, with up to 8,200 CFM. An optional misting kit is also available.
Stand/Pedestal Fans
Raising the power of a high-velocity floor fan on a pedestal provides effective circulation for commercial spaces like outdoor venues and eating areas. Higher CFM plus automatic oscillation and multiple fan speeds create a cooling breeze effect for a more comfortable outdoor space.
This Canarm 3-speed Oscillating Pedestal fan is available in a 24-inch or 30-inch fan head size and also features an adjustable stand pole.
Commercial Ceiling or HVLS Fans
These are a superb choice for commercial spaces like gyms, ball parks, large classrooms, and covered outdoor seating arenas. Industrial ceiling fans can add to the décor of a restaurant whether inside or outside eating area. HVLS fans operate at a low speed, but deliver high velocity and cooling.
Big Ass Fans ceiling fans are available in a variety of colors and sizes. SkyBlade HVLS fans also offer six fan sizes and either 120V or 240V wiring options.
Commercial Misting Fans
Adding a fine mist to an outdoor event or venue helps ensure comfort for customers, participants, and fans at restaurants, pools, and even in queues. These unique fans can sit on the floor, come on stands or pedestals, or can be mounted on walls. EcoJet by Joape has all of these types of misting fans available in several colors.
The Vector Max Climate System is a unique American-made fan that uses a CrossFlow system to optimize air intake and output which creates a natural outdoor breeze and air recirculation pattern. Equipped with misting capabilities as well, it features an attractive tower design,wheels for easy portability, outdoor operation, and can be Wi-Fi controlled.
Fan Location
Which type of fan will work best for your commercial or industrial space and how many fans you’ll need depends on the necessary CFM for the space. Another determining factor is where the fans are placed.
If floor space is limited and you need multiple fans, HVLS or commercial ceiling fans are a great choice. If you have good floorspace, high-velocity floor fans or drum blowers, as well as pedestal fans placed strategically throughout the space can also be very effective.
For outdoor spaces, misting fans can be a good option if you have access to a source of water for continuous filling. If not, wall mount fans or pedestal fans can direct airflow where it’s needed for loading docks and patios or deck dining spaces.
Additional Considerations
Commercial and industrial fans aren’t fancy, but some to have features or extras worth noting.
- Remote Control: Having a remote control can important if you have a series of ceiling fans or wall mount fans that be difficult to reach if not hard-wired to a wall switch.
- Outdoor Rated: Definitely an important consideration if the fans are going to be used outside. Even if it's an outdoor covered venue, fans can be located on the perimeter and possibly be exposed to the weather.
- Portability: If you need a fan that can be moved easily from place to place or even positioned in different areas of your space, look for one with wheels or that’s relatively light-weight.
Summary
Industrial and Commercial Fans come in a variety of types for creating more comfortable conditions in large spaces from warehouses to restaurants to stables & kennels. Determine how many air changes per hour you need and calculate the CFM required to produce them.
Remember, you may need more than a few fans to create the needed airflow. To purchase multiple units or to place a bulk order for any of these industrial fans, please call our customer service at 1-800-934-9194.
