• In order to remove humidity and odors, the fan should be able to move air as much as eight air circulations per minute.
• You can choose between ceiling bath fans or wall-mount units.
• A timer or switch can be used to operate the fan.
• Some fans come equipped with light fixtures and/or heating elements.
• There are fans that are specifically designed for wet areas – like above the shower. Think about where the fan will be mounted.
• Noise is measured in sones. If you like a quiet fan, look for a model with a sone rating of .5 or less.
• Look for a reputable dealer of fans.

Guidelines for Bathroom Ventilation

The Home Ventilation Institute(HVI) recommends that bathrooms up to 100 square feet be ventilated by intermittent or continuous ventilation with an exhaust fan that provides airflow of at least 1 Cubic Foot per Minute (CFM). For an 8×5 bathroom, a 40 CFM unit is recommended (multiply to yield the CFM: 8×5=40). Bathrooms over 100 square feet should be ventilated according to fixtures. A toilet, shower, or tub each require 50 CFM. A jetted tub requires at least 100 CFM. Each fixture is added to the total. If a bathroom has a toilet, jetted tub, and separate shower, the CFM recommendation would be 200.

To meet the CFM requirements for airflow, a single, high CFM fan – or more than one fan with smaller CFM ratings – can be installed at strategic exhaust points. Fans can be placed over or near tubs and showers, and in separate, enclosed toilet rooms. Multiple exhaust ports can also be used with an in-line fan system.

To provide the most efficient bathroom ventilation for a home or building, install bathroom fans with the minimum recommended CFM to keep heat and moisture at bay. Following these guidelines will give the maximum results when it comes to air quality and building integrity.

Making the Most of Bathroom Exhaust

Here are some tips for making the most of bathroom exhaust:

• Be sure you have a reliable bathroom exhaust system. If your fan is an older model, look into installing an energy-efficient and quiet bathroom exhaust system for air movement and moisture removal.
• Bathroom fan exhaust points should ideally be located above or near a shower or bath tub and inside an enclosed toilet room.
• Exhaust fans should be located away from the air supply.
• Bathroom doors should be undercut to allow supply air to be pulled into the room.
• Check your ductwork for sharp turns. Maximize airflow by keeping duct pathways linear.
• Use a bathroom ventilation fan for at least 20 minutes to remove moisture and heat from the air.

Facts About Bathroom Fans

It’s important to know some facts about bathroom exhaust ventilation before making a decision on fan installation or replacement. Here are some facts:

• Bathroom fans help maintain the structural integrity of a house by removing excess humidity that can encourage mold and rot.
• In bathrooms with windows, it is still important to install an operational exhaust system.
• The most common bath fan is a propeller or axial fan. A propeller exhaust fan can move large amounts of air without the requirement of tremendous force.
• Centrifugal fans uses centrifugal force to push air out of a space. They are more expensive than axial fans but can be more effective at air movement.
• In houses and buildings, bathroom fans ventilation ducts can run through the attic and roof. Fans can also be exhausted through walls.
• Four inch vent ducts can easily fit into a joist-bay. If a duct must pass a joist, avoid cutting through the joist. Use the space directly under the joist.
• In new construction, bathroom fans are usually a given. In many older homes, fans are either absent or retro-fitted.

Maintaining Bathroom Exhaust Fans

Bathroom exhaust fans are designed to vent steam, hot air, and odors. Over time, fan blades can accumulate dust, debris, and moisture, creating stress on the exhaust motor. There are a few simple things you can do to maintain your bathroom fan exhaust system to keep it from being noisy and burning out:

• Remove the fan cover.
• Unplug the fan from the housing unit.
• Remove the fan and motor and clean the fan blades and blower wheel. Shake off excess water and dry with a towel.
• Avoid getting the motor wet.
• Put six drops of household motor oil in the oil ports and put the fan and motor back in place.
• Clean the front cover with warm, soapy water or a soft scrubbing solution. Dry and put the cover back in place.
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Some fans require more specific maintenance.

Testing Your Bathroom Fan

To find out if your bathroom ventilation fan is working properly, follow these steps:

• Turn the fan on and hold a tissue to the grill of the fan. If the tissue is held to the grill by the fan, then the fan is doing its job drawing air through the ventilation duct.
• To be sure that air is being exhausted properly, check the exhaust hood from the outside. Turn on the fan and place the open end of a plastic bag over the exhaust hood. An inflated bag is a sign that the air is being exhausted properly.
• If your fan is not drawing air or exhausting properly, you may need to replace the fan motor.
• Keep in mind that a bathroom fan should exhaust at a rate of at least 1 CFM (cubic feet per minute) per square foot. Bathrooms with large fixtures need more powerful or additional fans to vent air properly.
• Poor ductwork placement may also be responsible for exhaust malfunction.

Bathroom Fan Ratings

Exhaust fans are essential to building ventilation. They help to lower energy costs and remove excess moisture. Here are some tips on ratings and replacement:

• If you plan to replace an existing fan, look for one with an air movement rating of 50 CFM (cubic feet per minute) or more.
• A 120 volt heater is ideal for home bathrooms – 250 volt units are designed for larger spaces and require special wiring.
• Before replacing a bathroom ventilation fan, be sure the existing circuit can handle the amperage of the fan.
• Measure to see if the new exhaust heater is big enough to cover the hole left by the old unit. Do not install a fan with a heater over the bathtub or shower.
• Make the most of your time and money. Look for bathroom exhaust heaters that have built-in lighting.

The Benefits of Inline Bathroom Fans

In-line fans are installed in attic space rather than being wall- or ceiling-mounted like standard bathroom fans. Here are some of the benefits of installing in-line fans:

• With in-line fans, there are fewer limitations when it comes to placement.
• Because in-line bathroom exhaust systems can be installed anywhere in the attic, they are a great way to achieve quiet bathroom exhaust.
• An in-line fan ventilation system can be used for adjoining bathrooms or for multiple exhaust points in one larger bathroom.
• Inline exhaust can be used when ductwork is too long for efficient exhausting.
• They provide powerful venting for efficient moisture removal.
• In-line fans have a reputation for long-lived motors.
• In-line fans work efficiently to to provide successful home ventilation, preserving building and home integrity.

Installation Safety

If you plan to install or replace a bathroom fan or bathroom exhaust heater, there are some things to know about electricity and safety:

• Find out if you need a permit or certified electrician to do the work.
• Before working with electricity, turn off the power.
• Make sure the power is off – test the wires with a voltage meter.
• To safeguard against accidents, lock the panel box to keep anyone from turning the power on while you work.
• Wear safety goggles and a dust mask for protection.
• Follow manufacturer’s installation instructions.
• Don’t overload the circuit. Size your equipment per circuit amperage limits.

Bathroom Fans and Noise

The noise of exhaust fans is typically measured in sones. An extremely quiet bathroom fan will have a sone rating of 1.0 or lower, where a sone rating of 4.0 is extremely noisy. There are several more factors that can cause noisy bathroom fan exhaust:

• In-duct fans tend to be quieter than ceiling mounted fans.
• The location of bathroom exhaust vents and the configuration of ductwork can cause fans to be noisy. Keep venting turns gradual. Do not create sharp bends in the ductwork.
• Larger venting will keep fans quieter. Use four inch venting rather than three inch venting.
• Rigid piping transmits more noise than flexible duct work. Look for noise-muffling duct materials.
• Using nails instead of screws in fan installation can create noise once the nails begin to loosen and vibrate.
• Keep the bathroom fan clean. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time to keep your fan from operating efficiently.
• Consider installing a bath fan with a timer to keep fans from running longer than 20 minutes.

Everyone is going green these days, and those that aren’t are only in denial. There is no way to ignore the movement for people to find economical and energy efficient solutions to their energy needs while maintaining their current lifestyle. Evaporative cooling units offer the solution to save money, reduce a homeowner’s carbon footprint, and still maintain their desired level of comfort within their home.

Evaporative cooling units work by using water to remove heat from the air. This often requires no more than a motor with ¾ of 1 horsepower to operate. In comparison, conventional air conditioning units require as much as 3 motors that require 3 ½ horsepower to operate and produce the same results. This means that homeowners are capable of using 75% less energy in order to cool the same amount of space.

Evaporative cooling units do much more than that as well. They are constantly circulating air which often results in a complete air change within a home every 1 to 3 days. This helps to remove stale air, smoke, odors, and pollution. The combination of these different elements can result in medical problems or contribute to poor health.

Evaporative cooling is a great option for those looking for a way to improve their health, help protect the environment, and save a little money at the same time.

Evaporative Cooling Systems and Why Homeowners Should Have Them
We all want to make more money and spend less for certain luxuries. This includes our ability to remain warm when it’s cold outside and cool when it’s hot outside, and evaporative cooling systems offers the solution for all of it. With the ability to keep a home cool as economically and energy efficient as possible, it’s well worth the time to learn about.

Evaporative cooling systems are able to nearly always maintain a temperature below 80 degrees F. Many systems are capable of lowering temperatures within
a home by as much as 30 degrees. This is significant and allows homeowners to maintain the same degree of comfort offered by conventional air cooling and
conditioning systems.

The units required for evaporative cooling systems also add to the benefits by requiring 75% less energy to operate than their air-conditioning counter-parts. This means that homeowners, and businesses are able to put $75 back in their pocket for every $100 they would have spent on air conditioning solutions.

Evaporative cooling systems offer homeowners economical ways to go green while putting money back in their pocket. Contractors who are able to recognize this movement and offer the solutions that people are looking for will be taking advantage of a great opportunity to increase profits.

The Advantages Of Evaporative Humidifiers
Evaporative humidifiers are extremely effective in their ability to reduce the temperature of a building while at the same time reducing energy costs by significant amounts. These are quickly becoming popular solutions for the homeowner who wants to go more green while at the same time save a little money.

Evaporative humidifiers work by taking a reservoir of water and introducing it to the air. The moisture then extracts heat from the air around it. Imagine for a moment that you are standing near a waterfall. Remember the coolness you experienced? This is the same idea. As the water moves through the air, it removes heat and lowers the overall temperature of the room.

Evaporative humidifiers maintain a level of humidity in a space. This not only helps to lower the overall temperature, but also helps to prolong the life of furniture made of both wood and fabric, which can save money in the long run.

These units are much better for a person’s health as well. Cool air allows the body to ventilate more naturally. They also help to keep air moving within
a home while removing stale air, smoke, odors, and pollution.

Evaporative Cooling Systems
In today’s economy, evaporative cooling systems can offer savings for both residential and commercial ventilation needs. Evaporative cooling works by drawing warm air through a special filter that absorbs moisture from the air. Warm air is replaced by fresh outdoor air and recirculated through a home or building. Evaporative coolers work best in environments where temperatures are high but humidity is low.

An evaporative cooling system can reduce the temperature in a home, office, or industrial facility by as much as 30 degrees, offering a level of comfort
comparable to air conditioning. It can operate on half to three-quarters the horsepower of central air, saving as much as 75 percent of energy expenses to
maintain ventilation and comfort. Evaporative cooling also helps maintain building integrity by reducing moisture, mold, and mildew.

Evaporative cooling systems offer an energy efficient, economical, and environmentally
friendly solution to heat.

Choosing the Right Evaporative Air Cooler
The array of options on the market for residential, commercial, and industrial evaporative air coolers can be overwhelming. Homeowners, business owners, and contractors should ask a few questions before choosing an evaporative cooling system:

How much space needs to be cooled to maintain comfort and productivity?
What type of system best meets the needs of the building? Are there large, expansive spaces or several smaller rooms?
Is there existing ductwork or will ductwork be installed? There are units designed specifically for use with existing ductwork.
What is the layout of the existing ductwork? Certain units may operate efficiently with current ductwork, but consider updates for outdated or poorly designed
layouts.

Evaporative Cooling Towers and Profit Margins
Evaporative cooling towers are often used in power plants, food processing plants, natural gas processing plants, petrochemical plants, petroleum refineries, and semi-conductor plants. Installing industrial evaporative cooling systems is one way for business owners to improve employee comfort, health, and productivity. When employees are comfortable, morale and production increase. Likewise, when workers are uncomfortable due to the stress caused by heat, accidents and mistakes are more common and productivity drops.

An evaporative cooling tower can help provide cooling without the expense of central air conditioning. They store large amounts of water that lower the overall temperature of the building by allowing a small portion of the cooled water to evaporate into circulating air. These types of cooling systems work best in large, industrial applications in hot, dry conditions.

Society Wants Green Solutions Evaporative Air Cooling Offers The Solution
Evaporative air cooling offers one of the most energy efficient and economical solutions available on the market today. Offering savings of up to 75% on energy expenses while still being able to provide as much as a 30 degree temperature difference, an evaporative air cooling system is an obvious choice for contractors to offer homeowners looking for green solutions.

Another option for homeowners are portable evaporative cooling units. These units allow for easy placement within a home. The evaporative cooling fans draw hot air through a filter which extracts moisture from the air. The moisture, as it builds in an evaporative air cooling unit, draws even more warmth from the air the longer it operates. Portable evaporative cooling units offer homeowners a more economical choice with easy installation.

Evaporative air cooling is a fairly new concept to homeowners and contractors. With the social movement toward being more green, energy efficient, and economical,these systems are becoming more and more popular as one of the best solutions on the market. These are quickly becoming a goldmine among contractors who are taking advantage of the desire for people to save money while lowering their carbon footprint.

The Benefits of Evaporative Air Coolers Over Air Conditioning
Evaporative air coolers and evaporative humidifiers offer both energy efficiency and energy savings to homeowners, business owners, and industrial operators. Here are some facts about evaporative cooling:

Evaporative air coolers work by adding humidity to the air.
The moisture and air movement provided by evaporative cooling helps to remove heat, smoke, odors, and air pollution caused by dangerous chemicals and gases.
Evaporative air coolers require only 25 percent of the energy required by a central air conditioning system.
Evaporative coolers work to maintain air temperatures below 80 degrees F—a safe level for industrial or commercial workers.
Evaporative cooling can be routed through an existing duct system. Ducted evaporative cooling can be used to provide optimum comfort at minimum cost.

Evaporative Cooling Is A Hidden Goldmine For Contractors
Even within the world of contracting there are still a few hidden markets that offer opportunities for incredible profit. Evaporative cooling is one such market that is rarely mentioned, especially as a solution for businesses.

The first thing to understand about the goldmine of evaporative cooling is why industrial evaporative cooling is essential to businesses. Poor air circulation, low humidity, and high temperatures can significantly impact the bottom line for any business, especially if that business is an industrial or commercial factory. One of these systems has the potential of saving a company thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.

When temperatures within a factory rise, production and efficiency begin to drop significantly. Quick and simple, evaporative cooling offers a cost-efficient solution that is extremely energy efficient.

This means that offering to install these types of systems for businesses becomes extremely easy. The systems themselves save the business as much as 75% compared to the conventional air conditioning systems. These systems also improve productivity
of employees by decreasing the temperature of the facility and increasing production and profits.

Evaporative Coolers Are The Perfect Cooling And Energy Conservation Solution
Contractors are considered experts in their field and homeowners turn to them for answers and cost-effective solutions for their comfort needs and home repairs. One solution that is unknown by many contractors and homeowners are evaporative coolers. Evaporative air coolers are the perfect solution for cooling a home, helping to maintain a comfortable and constant temperature, and save homeowners as much as 75% on their energy expenses.

The advantages that evaporative coolers offer don’t end with the fact that they only use ¼ of the energy required by the conventional air cooling
systems. In addition, evaporative air coolers complete a total change of air every 3 minutes which pushes heat out, removes stale air, pollution, smoke,
and odors.
One of the biggest advantages to home owners is in the effect these types of systems have on furniture. Maintaining a natural humidity level prolongs the
life of furniture.

Temperatures almost always remain below 80 degrees with an evaporative cooler. These systems are also cost efficient for any homeowner wanting to maintain a degree of comfort and save money on related expenses.

According to the EPA, there are several ways to improve cooling in residential buildings. The current trend in home building is toward energy efficiency and green construction. Knowing what types of money savers and environmentally friendly options to offer can give contractors more business:

• Insulation is the most obvious investment. Look for insulation with a high R-value (insulating capacity) to keep the attic cooler during warm weather. Note that it’s easier to install insulation during home building or roofing.
• Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels use light to generate power. PV systems are becoming more affordable, but check to see if there is enough harnessable solar energy in your area before installing.
• Solar hot water heaters use sunlight to heat water for home use. They can be used with a gas or electric back-up heater.
• Light-colored roofing materials can keep a house cooler in warm weather, saving homeowners money on cooling costs.
• Whole house fans help cool a home by drawing cool air in and exhausting hot air outside. Whole house fans offer huge savings to homeowners at one-tenth of the cost of running a central air conditioning unit. Whole house fans have been around for years and they’re a great way to cool a home, either as a supplement to air conditioning or alone. Consider the energy output of residential HVAC: a five-ton A/C can use over 6000 watts of electricity in one hour. Whole house attic fans use up to 800 watts per hour. This type of fan system makes sense when it comes to energy efficiency and money.

Whole House Fans vs. Attic Fans

Whole house fans provide cooling by exhausting hot air from the attic and living spaces. They are sometimes confused with attic fans. Attic fans can help keep a house cooler, but they only remove hot air from attics.

Whole house fans are installed in the ceiling, in a central location of a home (or sometimes in a wall, but rarely so). They are located in a place where air can blow into the attic. Whole house fan blades are large and provide significant ventilation pressure to cool a house. This type of fan can exchange the air in a 2400-square foot home within five minutes, allowing homeowners to turn off A/C at night. In areas of low humidity, whole home cooling fans can work without A/C, even on the hottest days, to make a home comfortable.

Attic roof fans are smaller than whole house fans. They are designed to move air out of an attic only. They help cool a home by venting hot air from an attic space and take a considerable load off of A/C by keeping ceilings cooler. Both attic and whole house fans need to exhaust and take in air to work.

Be sure to install enough intake vents in the roof to avoid drawing air from inside the house, rather than from outdoors. Drawing air from indoors can overload an A/C unit and send energy costs sky high. Similarly, with whole house fans, installing enough exhaust vents through the roof is essential for efficient circulation. Failure to do so will keep fan blades from moving enough air.

Whole House Fans and Noise

Whole house fans are a great alternative to air conditioning. They can be used at night when air conditioners are turned off, or they can be used alone. Using a whole house air movement fan alone can cool effectively when temperatures reach 82 degrees F and below, and windows can stay open to let fresh air in. Rather than install expensive air conditioning units, use a more eco-friendly, cost-efficient ventilation design to keep homes cool.

Some people object to whole house fans because of the noise they create. Whole house fans can be noisy at times, but this is due primarily to faulty design, construction, or installation:

• A good fan is a quiet fan, constructed to run without motor vibration or shutter rattle.
• Fan size is important in reducing noise. A larger fan, running at a lower speed, will generate less noise than a small, fast-spinning fan. Larger fan blades move more air. The point? Bigger really is better when it comes to fans.
• Along with size, weight can be an issue. A heavier fan will stay firmly in place with the force of its own weight.
• Another factor in fan noise is insulation. Be sure your fan is installed with foam strips or rubber mounting to keep the fan from sending noise through the framework of the house.
• High-quality shutters are heavier and prevent vanes from oscillating, opening, closing, then reopening.

Using a timer rather than a thermostat with a whole house fan will keep your fan from running when you aren’t prepared. Before running a fan, be sure to:

• Open windows
• Extinguish fire from the fireplace
• Turn of heating or air conditioning units

Attic Fans for Savings

Anytime the temperature reaches 82 degrees F and above, you can rely on your attic fan to shave 30 percent off air conditioning costs. Attic fans exhaust hot attic air that can turn a home into a sauna. Without proper attic ventilation, rooftops, attics, and ceilings get super-heated, making internal temperatures soar. By drawing hot air out and allowing fresh air to come in, the hottest part of the house will stay cool, helping the rest of the house feel comfortable.

In construction, installing whole house attic fans creates an attractive incentive for homebuyers. For contractors and homeowners, retrofitting an attic fan makes sense, as the energy savings will make up for the cost of installation. Fan installation is also a great way to go green—fans lengthen the lifetime of roofing materials, keep attics dry in the winter, and help keep A/C emissions down.

To make the most of an attic fan, roof ventilation design requires careful consideration. Choose the fan based on manufacturer specifications for square footage in the attic space. For larger houses, two smaller fans might be recommended. Mount the fan(s) two feet down from the peak of the roof. Fans can also be mounted to gable ends.

If you use an existing vent to install the fan, there must be two additional vents for intake air—too little ventilation can keep the right amount of air from circulating. Do not install vents beyond manufacturer recommendation, as too much ventilation can cause rain and snow to leak into the attic. After installation, the fan will operate with a thermostat. It will run the fan when roof temperatures exceed thermostat settings. Optimal thermostat settings for roof fans is 90 to degrees F, depending on climate.

The Whole House Fan: A Worthwhile Investment?

Whole house fans not only make houses and buildings more comfortable, they also safeguard your health by providing ventilation, cooling, and fresh air. Most houses are designed to be heated and cooled through a central heat and air system. They’re built to be airtight, with fresh air entering only through a mechanized system or by accident. Open windows and doors, cracks, leaks, and holes are responsible for most of the fresh outdoor air building occupants breathe when HVAC systems are in use.

Stale air could very well be the culprit for a number of health complaints from homeowners, office workers, and anyone who stays indoors for a prolonged period of time. Problems can arise from heat, mold, mildew, dust, and lack of clean air. Some of the symptoms include headaches, drowsiness, and respiratory problems. Most people are healthier when supplied with a direct source of fresh air from attic vents and open windows. Using a whole house exhaust fan ventilates and cools by drawing outdoor air into a home or building and exhausting stale air out in a ratio that’s healthy for building occupants.

Not only is ventilation good for your health, it’s also good for your house. Poor ventilation can cause attic temperatures to reach 160 degrees F or higher, which can reduce the structural integrity of a building, ruin insulation, destroy shingles, cause mold and mildew, and raise energy bills. Given that most homeowners view their homes as investments, it’s fair to say that proper ventilation can add value to a home (or, that poor ventilation can reduce the value of a home).

When to Use a Whole House Fan

A whole house fan benefits building occupants by cooling a structure and exhausting stale air. It can be used in conjunction with A/C to reduce cooling costs, or alone in less humid regions of the country to create a more natural way to beat the heat. At just a fraction of the cost of A/C ($150 to $350 vs. $2,000 to $4,000), whole house fans can run at .01 to .05 cents per hour. Compare that to the .20 to .25 cents per hour it takes to cool with A/C.

Whole house fans work best when used at night, when outdoor air is cooler than warm indoor air. In high heat and humidity, run the A/C during the day. Once the temperature starts to drop for the evening, turn off the A/C, open the windows, and run the fan. Closing windows in unused rooms will increase cooling to more populated rooms of the house. The fan can be run during the day if temperatures are below 85 degrees F. If temperatures are predictable, a timer can be used to turn the fan on and off—just be sure to open windows before turning on the fan and close windows before running A/C.

Sometimes you can find a two-speed model that will allow ventilation on high speed for immediate cooling and low speed for gentle, quieter circulation. For sizing, it’s important to strike a balance between exhaust and air intake. Look for a design that will provide one square foot of attic ventilation for every 300 square feet of total attic space. You can also select a fan based on total home square footage x ceiling height (usually eight feet). The fan should deliver 1/2 to 1 times the amount of CFM (cubic feet per minute) at .1 inch static pressure (pressure exerted by air).

Since whole house fans can pull large quantities of air from a home, take care to avoid backdrafts in combustion appliances. Be sure to keep windows open to avoid accidents. Educate occupants on the use of the fan—let them know that the fan should only be turned on when at least two windows are open and A/C units are turned off. It is not recommended to use a thermostat to control a whole house fan.

While explosion-proof fans (or hazardous location air exhaust/ventilation fans) are more expensive than regular axial fans, they’re the safest way to cool in a volatile environment. They are required in any location in which flammable gases, vapors, or fine dust is concentrated enough to cause fire or combustion. Explosion-proof ventilation fans can be found in the following industries (among others):

• Paint spray booths
• Textiles
• Woodworking
• Petroleum refining
• Fiber processing
• Dry cleaning
• Solvent extraction
• Plastics manufacturing
• Gas plants
• Fuel servicing
• Grain elevators
• Spice grinding

If you’re in an industry where explosion-proof fans are required for safety purposes, it is important to get the right information from industry experts, government agencies, or a reliable retailer of explosion-proof fans. A trusted industrial fan vendor will supply information, but will also recommend help from other agencies.

To find out more about explosion-proof fans and requirements for use, go to www.industrialfansdirect.com or consult the National Electric Code® or the National Fire Protection Association.

Paint Booth Safety

Paint booths (or spray booths) can reduce risk of fire or explosion. They also keep workers and the environment safe from fumes that degrade the ozone layer and make people sick; however, paint booths can only offer safety controls if used properly. It is important to take the proper safety precautions before beginning a project or working with paints.

• Before considering paint booth work, you must obtain a permit from local authorities or the EPA. Check on regulations concerning the use of high-velocity, low-pressure spray guns.
• If you’re at work using a paint booth, be sure you have the consent of your supervisor before beginning.
• Find out about safety precautions and what to do in case of an accident or emergency.
• Wear a face respirator or battery-powered air supply respirator if needed.
• A source of fresh air is necessary to exhaust fumes. Make sure the area has the proper paint booth exhaust system.
• Do not begin work in a paint booth unless it has an explosion-proof fan. This type of ventilation fan is built for environments where explosive or flammable vapors, fibers, and/or gases are present. They are also used in chemical plants and agricultural processing facilities.
• Anything connected to the spray booth should be explosion-proof, including lighting, the electric panel, and electric wiring.
• DO NOT use extension cords in or around the spray booth.
• Check booth filters regularly, according to manufacturer instructions.
• Always check with local authorities (EPA, fire department, etc.) on environmental safety before using combustible materials and equipment.

How Explosion-Proof Fans Prevent Disaster

An explosion-proof fan is a type of industrial ventilation fan that helps to prevent fires and explosions in commercial and industrial applications where certain types of dust, gases, vapors, or particles are present. Since industrial fans have metal blades and housing, there are many ways a spark can ignite in around metal, dust, and fumes. Here is one scenario: A metal object could hit a fan blade, causing a spark. The spark is then ignited by fumes.

A fan company cannot promise that fans will be completely explosion-proof, but this type of fan is made to minimize accidents caused when metal, sparks, and fibers (or fumes) interact. In fact, a better name for them would be spark- and explosion-resistant. Nevertheless, an explosion-proof fan has an electrical motor that is contained in a specially-designed housing to prevent combustion.

Explosion-proof fans are classified into three categories: Types A, B, and C.

• Type A blower fans are constructed so that all materials that contact the air stream are spark-resistant, nonferrous metals (aluminum or brass).
• Type B fans have a nonferrous wheel and rubbing ring at the motor shaft entrance to the fan housing.
• Type C have nonferrous plates inside the fan housing.

Inline Explosion-Proof Fans

Inline duct fans are installed in remote locations to boost airflow and provide ventilation. They’re accessed by air ducts and allow noise reduction for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They can be operated manually, or they can be installed with automatic controls. Inline fans come in single and multi-port models to provide ventilation for home, office, and industry.

Inline explosion proof exhaust fans are required for industrial applications where dust, fumes, flammable fibers, and other ignitable materials are used. They are used when ventilation is necessary in small spaces or when space is at a premium, and many local, state, and federal environmental and safety regulators require them. Explosion-proof fans are manufactured within specific parameters to help prevent fires and explosions from objects coming in contact with fan blades and housing.

Inline duct fans and tube axial fans (which are both explosion-proof) can be used to exhaust or supply air, depending on need. Tube axial fans vent garages, paint booths, and any other area in which static pressure is involved. Duct fans can be used in foodservice, locker rooms, welding, and equipment cooling.

Though the term explosion-proof is used industry-wide, these fans are not capable of preventing every type of explosion in industrial environments. They are considered explosion-resistant in terms of function and safety.

How to Choose a Fan Dealer

If you have a ventilation design in mind, or you just want to buy a simple table fan, it’s important to know where to buy. There is an abundance of fan manufacturers and fan suppliers out there. If you have a brand name in mind, sticking with what you know works is often wise. But if you aren’t familiar with the full range of fan uses, designs, and specifications, you’ll need to find a fan company that sells a variety of brands and models that meet your needs.

Even if you’re an industry professional, it can be impossible to know everything there is to know about fans. Fans are made with specific uses in mind, from household pedestal fans to explosion-proof industrial ventilation fans. A knowledgeable supplier of fans will have the resources to match product to need, especially when your need is compliance-dependent.

A good supplier will also have your best interests in mind. Look for a company that’s willing to provide information on safety, profit margins, and government regulations on operation. Find one that has a full catalog and webpage for your convenience. Keep your profits or boost the budget by finding deals and sales on vendor websites.

If you shop online, check the vendor website for secure access. A safe site will provide a physical address and a few different ways to contact customer service personnel. You should have multiple payment choices, and you should be supplied information about warranties and additional costs up front.

The Importance of Ventilation and Explosion-Proof Fans

According to the EPA’s Engineering and Research Laboratory, using ventilation exhaust in industrial settings is especially important when considering the impact of manufacturing and synthetic chemicals on the environment. Especially important is the risk to human health that presents itself to industrial workers on a daily basis.

Commercial fans help reduce the impact of pollutants for people who work around welding, blasting, grinding, polishing, solvents, dip tanks, oil mists, dusts, or tiny fibers. Exhaust fans draw gasses away from the main source, reduce noise from output, and lower the concentration of emissions from the entire process. A well-designed ventilation system will keep workers safe and healthy, and can even be designed to keep workers cool or warm, depending on the season.

The right kind of ventilation system makes all the difference when it comes to safety and worker satisfaction. If a system is poorly designed or installed, workers can be exposed to health hazards, and plant operators can be held responsible for failing to meet federal, state, and local health and safety regulations. Making an investment in a good design and the right equipment can keep workers healthy and productive and help operators stay in compliance.

One way to keep workers safe is by installing explosion-proof blowers in certain manufacturing and refining settings. They provide ventilation and keep workers safe with protective housing that helps prevent sparks and explosions that can occur in volatile environments. In industries that work with grain, chemicals, paints, ammunition, fuel, explosives, dust, fine particles, and fibers, explosion-proof fans are required by law.

Learn more about industrial safety by contacting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Look for reliable equipment for safety, heating, cooling, and venting at www.industrialfansdirect.com.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than air from outdoors. To keep air quality optimal for homeowners and employees, various methods of ventilation can be used to exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) suggest air circulation in the amount of 15 cubic feet per minute (CFM), per person to maintain a safe balance of indoor and outdoor air.

Equipment, installation, operation, and maintenance are key to striking a balance in air quality. The overall design of a system can make a difference when it comes to intermittent air flow, healthy distribution of clean air, and proper supply and exhaust locations. Consider the following variables when striving to maintain quality air control:

• Intermittent air flow rates (when a system is in use or turned off) can be determined by building type, size, and use, as well as recommended rates of air flow, air distribution, temperature, and humidity for each variable.
• Air distribution capability is determined by the efficiency of air intake systems and exhaust fan ventilation. Static pressure measurement can help determine system capacity.
• Supply and exhaust locations control air quality. Air supply vents installed near exhaust vents and intake vents installed close to sources of outdoor pollution can cause air supply contamination.
• Ductwork design will determine the overall efficiency of the system. Straight-path ventilation will work better than a system that has sharp bends and angles.

It’s not only important to consider system design, but also the capability and reliability of the equipment used for HVAC applications. Look for a knowledgeable and reliable vendor of HVAC equipment and supplies to make the most of a building’s capacity to supply air quality and comfort.

Defining Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans play a major role in air quality and temperature controls for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They work by drawing stale air out of homes and buildings to be replaced with fresh, outdoor air to meet HVAC industry-recommended air quality standards.

Ventilation exhaust fans can help provide a healthful living environment by removing toxic gases, chemicals, and odors. Mold and mildew caused by heat and moisture (particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas that generate heat and moisture) can cause health problems and compromise the structural integrity of a home or building. Similarly, areas that generate smoke, chemicals, and toxins can be detrimental to health and can cause fires.

Exhaust fans can help to keep building occupants comfortable, safe, and healthy. There are three main types:

• Axial fans (also known as propeller fans) draw air through the fan and are often designed for wall- or ceiling-mounts to cool a space. Ceiling fans, variable pitch fans, small cooling fans, and wind turbine fans are examples of axial fans.
• Centrifugal fans (also known as blowers) have a squirrel-cage design and work by drawing air in and exhausting it at a 90-degree angle. They are often noisier than axial fans but are used effectively in air conditioning systems and industrial ventilating and cooling.
• Mixed flow fans look like axial fans with curved blades and can provide air supply and return air under high pressure. They operate with less noise than centrifugal fans.

Exhaust fans can be mounted in an inline system, at the ceiling, on the wall, or on the exterior of a building. They can be used in bathroom ventilation, kitchen range hood exhaust, whole house exhaust, commercial exhaust, and industrial exhaust. In commercial kitchens, exhaust is extremely important for maintaining cleanliness, reducing odor, and maintaining building safety. In industrial settings, exhaust fans can keep workers cool, help provide fresh air, and keep harmful chemicals from causing health and safety problems.

Residential Exhaust Fans

Residential ventilation is important for supplying quality airflow and ventilation to homeowners. Since most modern homes are built to be airtight, and because windows are often shut at certain times of the day, circulation is essential to keep stale air, humidity, and contaminants at bay. Maintaining or improving the quality of indoor air can be achieved by evaluating and updating mechanical ventilation. Operating an efficient HVAC system that employs ductwork, vents, and exhaust fans will result in proper circulation.

There are several types of residential exhaust fans:

• The most common type of modern household exhaust fan is a ceiling-mounted exhaust fan. This type of fan is installed directly into the ceiling of a room and works to remove stale air through exhaust ducts to an external vent.
• Combination exhaust fans are generally ceiling-mounted units combined with a light fixture and/or heater. These types of fans can offer convenience and comfort in one unit.
• Household kitchen, dryer, and bathroom exhaust fans are intermittent fans. They work when turned on or when ventilation is needed in a room.
• Kitchen range exhaust fans are used to vent heat, cooking odors, smoke, and chemicals from a kitchen. They can be mounted above a cooking surface and come in many styles. Many modern kitchens are designed around decorative vent hoods.
• Inline exhaust fans are similar to ceiling-mounted fans, except in terms of placement—they are mounted along the ductwork line to save space and/or reduce fan noise. Noise can be reduced even further by using insulated flex duct materials between the intake vent and the fan.
• Wall-mounted exhaust fans are installed on an exterior wall of a home. No ductwork is required as air is vented directly outside.
• Exterior remote mounted exhaust fans operate outside of the home and pull— rather than push—air outside. This type of fan is quiet due to its location, but should be installed away from air intake vents to prevent airflow contamination.
• Continuous whole house fans can provide ventilation to an entire home with singe or multi-port exhaust vents. It pulls out hot air into the attic area and pushes it outdoors. Cool air can be drawn into the home through open windows.
• Attic fans are often confused with whole house fans. Attic fans vent hot air from an attic, but do not offer direct cooling.

Knowing building size, room size, and ductwork layout is essential before buying equipment to install, replace, or update ventilation. Fan type, duct length, and vent location will depend on the existing HVAC framework.

Following the Rules: Commercial Kitchen Exhaust and Compliance

A commercial ventilation exhaust system is designed to vent smoke, fumes, grease, and odors through a hood to the outside of a building and provide fresh replacement air from outdoors. Solid commercial kitchen ventilation design, installation, use, and maintenance are essential to foodservice for public health and safety, fire prevention, and emissions control. Exhaust fans need to meet the specific criteria for the intended application and provide adequate air quality controls. Without proper use and care, even the most superior equipment can fail to provide adequate ventilation to meet certain local, state, and federal guidelines.

Staying in compliance means avoiding fines and costly retrofits later. One way to keep up with code is to maintain a balance between the exhaust device, filters, the replacement air system, variable airflow, duct cleaning, duct access, duct pitch, duct drain, stack outlets, and the entire system’s impact on the internal and external environment.

Specific to the exhaust device is filtration and its external impact on the environment. A good system will keep grease from draining onto roofs or outside of buildings and polluting waterways and drainage systems. Changing pads and filters and scheduling timely maintenance will prevent this type of exhaust failure.

Commercial kitchen owners and operators who hire professionals to maintain and clean exhaust systems should find out if service is within parameters of EPA and applicable regulatory agency guidelines. Hiring a compliant-friendly service can cost more, but it also keeps business owners and operators from paying fines for violations of health and safety guidelines.

Exhaust Fan Sizing for Commercial and Industrial Applications

Finding high-quality, low-maintenance exhaust and air movement equipment can save money for agencies and business owners. Commercial and industrial ventilation can be expensive to install or update, and finding the right type and size of fan will keep companies and industries in compliance with codes and regulations and make working conditions safe for employees. Whether an industrial exhaust fan is used in a school, commercial kitchen, storage facility, gymnasium, factory, or outbuilding, getting the right equipment can make a difference.

There are different types of fans to consider for ventilation and exhaust. Local exhaust ventilation fans, for example, can help prevent indoor air contamination by capturing fumes and pollutants before they are spread. These type of hooded systems can be found in restrooms, commercial kitchens, chemical industrial environments, wood-working factories, and metal shops, just to name a few.

Size exhaust systems based on room or area dimensions, the type of environment, and the acceptable temperature and humidity range. ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) defines acceptable indoor air quality by: (1) the dilution of odors, (2) the concentration of airborne pollution, (3) heat, and (4) humidity. Exhaust fans and equipment can help provide ASHRAE-acceptable indoor air quality in terms of ACH (air changes per hour). According to ASHRAE standards, a rate of .35 or 3 CFM (cubic feet per minute) per each 100 square feet in a space is an adequate rate of airflow.

Along with sizing, ventilation exhaust should be designed and fitted with pollution control in mind. Exhaust ducts should be laid out in the most direct route possible to outdoor vents. Exhaust vents should never be located near supply air vents to avoid contaminating fresh outdoor air with polluted exhaust air. Improper design and installation can cause static pressure imbalances, indoor air contamination, odors, drafts, and inefficient environmental control.

Limiting Chemical Exposure in Commercial and Industrial Applications

Workers exposed to harmful levels of heat, humidity, fumes, and chemicals can be at risk for health problems. Among the common worker complaints and medical problems from overexposure are allergies, asthma, confusion, headaches, and nausea. In plants and factories where painting, blasting, welding, high temperatures, and fumes from chemical processes are the norm, it is the owner/operator’s responsibility to ensure employee comfort and health by meeting federal, state, and local guidelines for environmental controls.

There are a few types of ventilation strategies for the workplace that can limit chemical exposure:

• Air conditioning and heating provides fresh air and temperature control, but is not practical or cost-effective for all environments.
• Dilution ventilation reduces the amount of polluted air in a room or building by exhausting stale air and supplying a source of fresh air. This can be done with wall exhaust fans or roof exhaust fans, open windows, and cooling fans. Dilution works best when exhaust fans are in close proximity to workers.
• Spot exhaust ventilation pulls contaminants, heat, and smoke from specific areas like kitchens and heavy equipment. In situations where toxic airborne chemicals are present, spot ventilation is a necessity. It requires less make-up air than dilution ventilation. Spot exhaustion can be conducted through hoods (commercial range hoods) and vent ducts.
• Some systems incorporate air cleaners to remove contaminants like dust and chemicals. These systems may be required by federal, state, or local agencies for pollution control.
• Fans provide air pressure for moving clean air indoors and contaminated air outdoors through ducts. Centrifugal fans are used in spot exhausting in atmospheres of high resistance (where there may be high level of dust). Axial fans are wall- or ceiling-mounted and can pull large amounts of air through a space, but cannot draw air through a ventilation system.

Contact federal, state, and local regulatory agencies for guidelines and policies where environmental safety and employees are concerned.

Exhaust Fans and Safety

Exhaust fans can promote healthy and safe air quality for residential, commercial, and industrial settings; however, they can be hazardous if they’re not maintained or installed properly. Faulty exhaust can provide insufficient removal of humidity, toxic substances, and fumes. Faulty exhaust fan ventilation is also responsible for a number of fires each year.

One major safety hazard from exhaust fans is as simple dust accumulation. Dust collects on fan blades and inside the housing unit. If fans are left to collect dust over long periods of time, the motor will labor or seize. The fan will continue to generate heat, but may fail to maintain the amperage to trip the circuit. If left in this state, the wiring and any plastic or lint inside the housing could catch fire.

Keep a maintenance schedule to avoid accidents related to exhaust fan buildup. At specific intervals (these will vary depending on the fan application), turn off the circuit breaker and clean the fan motor and blades. Professional cleaning is recommended for commercial and industrial exhaust vent fans.

Faulty exhaust placement can also lead to safety hazards. An exhaust fan vented too close to an air uptake vent can contaminate indoor air. Keep air intake and output vents apart, and be sure that intake vents are located away from other sources of contaminants.

Older fans and exhaust systems may need to be updated or replaced to make the most of home, commercial, or industrial ventilation.

Evaporative cooling provides a low-tech, low-cost alternative to air conditioning. It cools by combining water evaporation with the simple movement of air. A blower circulates fresh outdoor air after it has been pulled through wet material, cooling the air by evaporation. Also known as a swamp cooler air conditioner, this type of cooling can lower temperatures as much as thirty degrees. They work best in dry areas rather than in humid regions.

A small evaporative air cooler can be installed in a window to blow cool air into a room. Larger evaporative cooling units can be used with ductwork to blow cool air throughout a building. While air conditioners are rated in terms of BTU (British Thermal Units), swamp coolers are rated by CFM (cubit feet per minute), which measures how may cubic feet of air are blown through a space per minute. Select a cooler by dividing the square footage of the space you want to cool by two (sq. feet/2). This number will give the CFM rating your space requires.

One striking advantage of evaporative cooling over central air conditioning is the fresh, unrecycled outdoor air used in the cooling process. Swamp coolers work best during the hottest time of the day. As temperatures climb, humidity will drop, making the process more efficient. Evaporative cooling technology is simple, and it costs 75 percent less than A/C. Most units can operate on 120 volts, as opposed to the higher amperage needs of A/C.

What’s New in Evaporative Cooling

Evaporative cooling has been around much longer than central air conditioning and has proven to be just as good at cooling in arid parts of the country. The technology works by the same process our bodies use to control temperature—perspiration. As we sweat and our perspiration evaporates, our skin feels cooler. Swamp coolers use hot air to absorb water, and the hotter the air, the better the cooling. Warm air from outside is drawn into a fan and pushed through moistened pads. The air is then vented into a room or through ductwork. Pads are made of shaved wood (cedar or aspen) to discourage mold and mildew from forming.

Evaporative cooling systems are inexpensive, efficient, and offer a more natural way of cooling—and they’re making a comeback. They’re popular because they offer a low-cost way to cool a room or a building, they require simple technology, and they also prevent wood from drying out, which is good news for floors and furniture. The downside to evaporative cooling is that they do not work in humid climates and require a constant flow of water.

Evaporative humidifier technology is sound, but there are always developments that are noteworthy. Here are some of the newest developments in swamp coolers:

• There are now two-stage units that cool the air before hitting the cooling pad. They are rated to cool as effectively as A/C, but cost much more than the average swamp cooler. This advance might be worth the initial investment, but the process is more complicated than in standard units.
• Some manufacturers are using photovoltaic panels (solar energy) as an energy source for units. Solar energy can provide enough energy to run a household unit, and even some industrial units. This is good news for homeowners and industries that want to go green.

Industrial Evaporative Cooling: It’s Not Just for Homes

There is wide array of industrial evaporative cooling units (or swamp coolers) on the market today. Swamp coolers are becoming more and more popular, especially when business owners and industry professionals recognize the value of efficient, low-cost cooling with low environmental impact. They are often used in commercial kitchens, dry cleaning facilities, industrial plants, warehouse/loading docks, construction, sports arenas, garages, and animal facilities to control heat.

Adequate cooling is crucial in commercial and industrial settings where workers are exposed to heat. High temperatures can make workers feel uncomfortable, and high heat can be be dangerous. Extreme heat can cause a myriad of physical complaints, from headaches and dizziness to full-blown heat exhaustion. Heat can also cause workers to feel lethargic, which makes them more likely to make mistakes that can slow production, or worse, lead to serious accidents.

The good news is that cooling doesn’t have to break the bank. A swamp cooler can make a room feel as much as 20 degrees cooler, and they come in a models that suit most any application:

• Portable evaporative coolers are great for home and office.
• Industrial-sized coolers work in a number of commercial settings.
• Ducted evaporative cooling allows a whole building to be cooled by pushing cool air into ducts, then into rooms. This method can be more efficient than central air conditioning and costs much less to operate.
• Evaporative cooling towers work to cool water, rather than air. They are used in large-scale industry.
• Misting systems spray a fine micro-mist on targeted areas. Water droplets are so small that they instantly evaporate on surfaces, making them cooler. They are used in kennels, zoos, veterinary clinics, and greenhouses.

All types of evaporative coolers work best in temperatures above eighty degrees F with humidity below 30 percent.

Evaporative Cooling: A Great Way to Go Green

Evaporative coolers (or swamp coolers) can help homeowners, business owners, and industry professionals by keeping building occupants cool. Evaporative cooling increases humidity, improving the breathability of the air. It offers cooling and air filtration in one unit, as it pushes air through a layer of padding. The padding acts as a filter, removing certain contaminants from the air—especially those that can cause allergies. Swamp coolers also filter odors, making indoor work and leisure more enjoyable.

Evaporative cooling technology can expose building occupants to fresh air throughout the day. Unlike central air conditioning units, evaporative coolers don’t require a building to be sealed when in use. In fact, there should be at least one door or window open for proper ventilation. Breathing fresh air can make people healthier and more alert throughout the day.

Swamp coolers make sense if you want to save energy, considering that over half of A/C-cooled building energy bills result from cooling costs. In U.S. homes alone, air conditioning accounts for up to five percent of total annual electrical output. Imagine what the cost would be for commercial buildings and industrial facilities if air conditioning were the only option! Consider a ducted or portable evaporative cooler for Freon-free cooling that uses 75 percent less energy than A/C.

Important: Check and change evaporative cooler pads according to manufacturer recommendations to keep indoor air clean. Toxins, odors, and minerals can build up in padding, causing indoor contamination. Keep electronic equipment, books, paper, and fragile wood away from cooler vents to prevent damage from excess humidity.

Ten Things to Know About Evaporative Cooling

Evaporative coolers (also known as swamp coolers) can lower the temperature of outdoor air by as much as 30 degrees. Evaporative technology cools without the hassle or high costs of central air conditioning, but there are some things to know know before you buy:

1. Evaporative coolers cost half the price of air conditioners that cool the same size area.
2. Some municipalities and government entities offer rebates for use of evaporative coolers.
3. An evaporative cooler requires a constant supply of water and a 120-volt power supply to operate.
4. No Freon is required in evaporative cooling.
5. Swamp coolers create a complete air change every one to three minutes.
6. To cool a small space, a small cooler can be used in a window.
7. Evaporative coolers don’t need as much ductwork as a central air conditioning unit requires. Also, they can be used with existing A/C ductwork.
8. Evaporative cooling works best in dry climates.
9. At 50 percent humidity, evaporative coolers lower air temperature by 10 degrees. At 10 percent humidity, air temperatures drop between 20 and 30 degrees.
10. Evaporative coolers work best during the hottest part of the day, unless humidity is high.

Fans have been used to provide cooling to people for thousands of years. It’s not surprising that a cooling method as simple as moving air around a room has endured as one of the most efficient ways to keep homeowners and workers comfortable. There are different types of fans on the market today, but the simplest model—the circulating fan—is considered one of the most cost-effective and energy-efficient methods of cooling in moderate heat.

The term “air circulating fan” (or circulator fan) refers to any type of axial propeller fan that creates a wind-chill effect to provide comfort. Circulating fans include ceiling fans, floor fans, and table fans. They can also be wall- or floor-mounted, permanently installed, or portable for cooling in any type of environment. Circulating fans can be used alone or in conjunction with an air conditioning unit to circulate air.

When used with an air conditioning system, a circulating fan can keep energy costs down or, in moderate heat, allow for air conditioning to be turned off completely. By adding fans to each room and using open windows as a source of fresh air, homeowners and business owners can save money over the cost of central air. Circulating fans also make heating more efficient by circulating air around rooms rather than allowing warm air to accumulate close to the ceiling.

Not only can circulating fans help save money, they also reduce greenhouse emissions by cooling with less than 10 percent of the energy required for central air or window units. Fans can even provide a healthier way to stay cool. Rather than closing windows and relying on recycled, machine-cooled air, fans can be used with open windows to provide cooling through evaporative heat loss. In certain climates, fans can be used during the entire summer season to cool without the help of air conditioning.

Look for fans that fit your residential, business, or industrial applications. Fans are sized according to room size and come in models manufactured especially for domestic, commercial, or industrial uses.

Things to Know Before Buying a Circulating Fan

Before purchasing air circulator fans, there are some things to know about how fans work and how to use them:

• Fan type: A circulating fan is not the same as a centrifugal fan (exhaust fan). Circulating fans raise comfort levels in warm weather or otherwise elevated temperatures. When used with air conditioning, thermostats can be set four degrees higher, giving homeowners and businesses six to nine percent in energy savings.
• Ceiling fan rotation: Rotating ceiling fans in the appropriate direction can save energy costs. In winter, set fan blades to turn in a clockwise direction to pull warm air from the ceiling and circulate heat throughout the room. In hot weather, rotate blades in a counter-clockwise direction to promote evaporative cooling.
• Fan sizing: Whether you need a high velocity fan or portable fans to cool a space, sizing is important. Look for fans with enough blade span to cool effectively. For ceiling fans, look for fans that meet the following blade span per-square-feet standards: 20 to 110 square feet: 24 to 42-inch blade span; 110 to 150 square feet: 42 to 48-inch blade span;150 to 280 square feet: 50 to 56-inch blade span; 300 to 400 square feet: 58 to 62-inch blade span.
• Industrial fans: An industrial air fan has metal blades and is required to have a sealed motor. Blade sizes run from 18 to 30 inches.
• High velocity fans: These are also made of metal and are more powerful than other types of fans. Blades range from 12 to 30 inches.
• Room size: For large rooms, use more than one ceiling fan or a combination of ceiling fans, wall mounted fans, or oscillating floor fans.

Temperature maintenance is important when it comes to comfort and worker productivity. Use fan cooling to keep residential, commercial, and industrial temperatures between 69 and 73 degrees F. For environments that require additional cooling equipment, consider axial fans and centrifugal fans as well.

Addressing Circulating Fan Concerns: Noise

Circulating fans can offer savings for homeowners and businesses alike. Ceiling fans, floor fans, wall-mounted fans, and portable fans can make rooms feel cooler without the high costs associated with central air conditioning. If needed, they can also be used in conjunction with A/C to keep energy costs down. Though fans are a simple and cost-effective solution to the heat, they can sometimes be distracting. A noisy fan can cause discomfort and stress for home occupants and employees who enjoy quiet surroundings or require careful concentration.

Older fan models tend to be noisier than their more current counterparts and should be replaced. Newer circulation fans are designed with both safety and comfort (in terms of both temperature and sound) in mind.

The precise measurement of the noise put out by a fan is known as the sone rating. A sone is a measurement of sound or, more specifically, the subjective perception of sound pressure. In fans, the lower the sone level, the more comfortable the noise level will be for most people. One sone is the equivalent to the noise made by a household refrigerator. A sone rating of 1.5 indicates a quiet fan. Anything below that is optimal.

Installation can make a difference when it comes to fan noise. A fan that isn’t installed properly or has loose fittings can rattle and vibrate. Lack of lubrication can also cause fan noise. Some fans can be adjusted, but only do so according to manufacturer’s instructions. Exhaust fans (such as intermittent bathroom or kitchen fans) can be noisy for the same reasons or due to faulty ductwork. Updated ductwork or installation of inline exhaust can help with exhaust fan noise.

If a fan is extremely noisy and there seems to be no apparent cause, it may be time for an updated model. Newer fans have extremely low sone levels and are worth the investment when it comes to comfort.

Conserving Energy for Homeowners

With the rising costs of energy and living expenses, it’s especially important to know where to find homeowner savings. Sometimes, all it takes to change the way homeowners power their homes and consume vital resources are a few low-cost investments and a little time. Here are some ways to increase energy efficiency and save homeowners money:

• Plant trees and shrubs or install fencing in strategic locations to provide shade for the home.
• Use window treatments to block light and heat.
• Install protective awnings.
• Consider light colors for roofing to reflect the sun and keep solar energy from over-heating the home.
• Add insulation to the attic to buffer heat.
• Open windows and doors to make the most of cross-ventilation.
• Make the most of air circulator fans, whole house fans, or evaporative coolers. Fans can be used in conjunction with A/C or alone to cool homes on the hottest days. In humid regions, running the A/C during the day and then a whole house fan at night harnesses cooler evening air for comfort. In cooler climates, whole house fans are often used in place of A/C.
• Circulating fans (ceiling fans, table fans, mounted fans, wall fans, and floor fans) make the surrounding air feel cooler by moving the air around and promoting evaporative cooling.
• Use spot exhaust in bathrooms and kitchens to vent excess heat, humidity, and odor from the home.

Industrial Circulating Fans and the Bottom Line

An air circulating fan can help improve a business, both for the people getting paid and the people signing the paychecks. Fans keep workers safe and comfortable, save energy output and money, and help operators stay in compliance. The right type and size of fan will create just the right level of wind chill to keep employees content and focused on work.

Employee productivity
Comfortable workers are more productive and less prone to feeling the sluggishness associated with high levels of heat and humidity. Fan cooling also keeps workers safe by helping them feel alert. A focused employee is better able to avoid mistakes than one who’s worn out from the heat. Productive and safe workers equal higher output and profit margins.

The Bottom Line
Fans help businesses and industries save money by moving massive amounts of air within a large space to provide energy efficient cooling. In hot and humid climates, fans can keep A/C energy costs down. Using fans makes workers feel cooler, reducing the overall load of A/C units. A temperature offset of just three degrees can provide huge savings, especially in large operations.

Fans can be used alone during cooler summers, leaving more profit for the bottom line. They save on heating bills as well—in colder months and climates, fans help move warm air around a room, making a furnace more efficient at heating. New businesses can take advantage of fans for heating and cooling with installation at the outset of operation. In some cases, A/C and ductwork are completely unnecessary with the use of fans.

Environmental and Safety Compliance
Fan cooling also helps commercial and industrial operators meet local, state, and federal guidelines for environmental and employee safety. Circulating fans used with open windows and doors are emission-free ventilation. They use one-tenth of the energy of A/C to keep employees cool enough to work safely, and they make the most sense when it comes to green operations. Look for the Energy Star® label on fans. Energy Star®-rated fans move air 20 percent more efficiently over standard models.

Finding the Right Dealer
To save money and make the right choice for your operation, find a reliable vendor of effective, aerodynamic fans. A good supplier can provide (1) a variety of fans based on commercial or industrial application, (2) helpful information on sizing and installation, and (3) fans that are tested for compliance to keep workers safe.

Oscillating Fans

An oscillating fan is a fan that rotates rather than blowing in one direction, using forced convection to cool a space. This type of fan is stationary (on a stand or base), while the fan housing rotates from side to side. Oscillating fans come in a variety of sizes with a number of settings (side to side, stationary, angles, or up and down). They come as pedestal models or clip-on wall-mounts. Some are built as combination units with both heating and cooling settings. They’re a great way to cool a room in conjunction with A/C or alone.

Oscillating fans can sometimes malfunction. It is important to know how to tell if a fan needs maintenance, or if it just needs to be replaced. If a fan is not oscillating properly, here are some steps to making it work (always check the manufacturer’s instructions first):

• Unplug the fan for safety.
• Check the fan gears—they may be loose. Loose or worn gears can keep a fan from oscillating.
• Remove the fan grill, nuts, pins, and/or clamps.
• Remove the fan blade from the motor.
• Check the motor and blades. Do they need to be cleaned? Use a vacuum or soft cloth to remove dirt and lint.
• Reassemble the fan and check the screws and gear assembly. Loose screws and gears can keep your fan from working properly.
• After reassembling the fan, use household lubricant oil on the shaft.

After reassembly, if the fan continues to malfunction, you may need to replace the gears and motor housing. If there’s a burning smell or faulty wiring, do not use the fan. Instead, check the warranty and get a replacement fan.