Category: Blog

Inline fans to move a large amount of air. Therefore, you must put them correctly and in the proper position to be effective. Inline duct fans are most commonly used to remove heat and humidity from growing tents and rooms. They are also found in closet systems that house servers and AV equipment. In a nutshell, they cool and ventilate vast areas. So, where should you install your inline duct fans for the best performance?

Where to put inline duct fans

Do you know where to put inline duct fans? You will determine the answer to your specific situation. The fan’s intended use will also determine it. For example, if you want to improve ventilation in your home, we recommend installing an inline duct fan in the attic. Because hot air rises, your attic is likely to be the warmest area in your house.

Installing an inline fan in your attic will assist in removing that hot air while also improving the overall effectiveness of your ventilation system. Likewise, installing an inline duct fan in a grow tent should be near the top of the tent. This will assist in removing heated air from the grow tent and improving circulation throughout the room.

That, however, is not always possible. For example, assume you have a little grow tent that can only hold a few plants. When you consider your grow lights, a carbon filter, and the eventual height of your plants, there isn’t much area for a fan. So while you may lose some performance, you may alternatively position your fan outside the tent, leaving all of that crucial growth room for your plants.

The key is that you must analyze your specific circumstances and carefully assess what is best for you. For example, it would be best if you aimed to maximize performance while keeping the fan out of the way. You may have to give up one of these factors to fulfill the other.

General installation notes

• Maintain, clean, or repair your inline fan whenever possible.
• Install your In-Line Duct Fan 6 – 10 feet from the register you want to enhance air for optimal performance and minimal noise.
• After installing the In-Line Duct Fan, use good-grade duct tape to seal seams in the ductwork to avoid air leakage.
• Using tapered reducers, you can utilize larger diameter duct fans in smaller diameter ducts.

Fans attached to ducting work best when the ducting is in a way that minimizes airflow constraints. You can install fans anywhere throughout the duct system, but the location is critical. All fans create noise, but with care, an unobtrusive installation should be possible.

Are you considering purchasing inline duct fans? If so, then you probably already know some of the basic uses of these fans. However, you may not be aware of what inline duct fans are exactly or how they work.

Purchasing this type of fan is a great buy, and you should be aware of all the amazing benefits of doing so. For a guide on all you need to know about these fans and how they function, continue reading!

What Is an Inline Duct Fan?

These fans are cylindrical and will be installed in the place of one section of ductwork. So, in order for the inline duct fans to be installed, your HVAC ducting needs to be worked on and will be exposed. Depending on the type of unit, some easily plug in while others need hardwiring with a relay to the furnace that signals for it to kick on and off.

Because of this, in some instances, an electrician may be required for installation. Before making a purchase, know the shape and size of your ductwork. This ensures that you purchase the right unit size. 

Once the installation is completed, these fans give you a quieter outcome than that of the register booster fans. 

What Do These Fans Help?

Booster fans help circulate the air through the ductwork. They boost the airflow in a room, which increases how much warm and cold air makes it into a room. The inline duct fans do not rest on the ceiling. 

They are attached to the ductwork inside the ceiling or attack and are located further away from the room. 

What Are the Benefits of Inline Duct Fans?

Incline duct fans provide several benefits to those that choose them over standard booster fans. Some of those benefits are listed below.

Several Intake Points

Do you have a large bathroom? Are you trying to regulate heat in multiple rooms? This is where inline duct fans come in handy. 

For largely sized bathrooms, you can opt to have two different intake points. With the use of a Y Junction, your inline duct fan can have multiple outlets or inlets.

Length of Duct Run

Because inline fans work with your ducting, they’re a much better option for connecting the extraction point to the outlet if these two points are far away from one another. For example, if you need to connect the fan from your bathroom to your roof vent, but the distance is quite far, a standard booster fan won’t be the best choice. 

The inline duct fan’s ability to work with ducting also makes it useful for sub floor ventilation and heat transfers.

Less Noise

With standard booster fans, the minute they’re turned on, their noise is noticeable. They’re easily heard and can sometimes be quite annoying. But with inline duct fans, noise is no longer an issue. 

Because they are located within the ducting inside the attic space, they aren’t close to the room that they are being used for. This significantly decreases the noise level of the fan. For those with well-insulated roofs, the noise will almost become non-existent. 

If your roof’s insulation is not the best, there’s no need to worry. There are silent models available for purchase, which also eliminate the noise. 

More Power

Unlike standard booster fans, inline duct fans come with the option of high power motors and in large sizes. 

What Parts Are Needed?

Before an inline duct fan is installed, there are several parts that you’ll need prepared. Be sure to have all parts ready to go. 

External Vent

The external vent comes in the form of a wall vent or a mounted ceiling vent. There are plenty of options available so you’ll be able to find the right match for your room.

Intake Vent

Know the size of the ducting that you’ll be using before purchasing the intake vent. The intake vent’s size will be dependent upon the size of the ducting. The intake vent is the extraction point of the system.

Intake vents come in a plethora of colors, shapes, and overall styles. You’ll have no problem finding one that suits your room’s decor. 

Fan

Know the size of the ducting before purchasing the fan as well. It’s best to buy a fan that is the same size as your ducting. The fan is the main part of the system and not only will the type of fan depend on the duct sizing, but it will depend on the size of the room, the application, and other factors. 

Ducting

Your ducting should be as straight as possible for the best results. If you do not already have ductwork in place, you’ll need to have it installed with the fan. The ductwork connects the external vent to the motor and the motor to the vent. 

How to Purchase Your Inline Duct Fan 

You know what parts you’ll need to complete the installation process and all the benefits of doing so. And now that you know everything there is to know about inline duct fans and how they work, it’s time to purchase your inline duct fan system! 

Contact us today either by telephone or by our inquiry form and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as possible. Here at Brooklyn Fan & Blower Sales Company, we take pride in knowing that we’re the #1 premier source of ventilation equipment. Doing business with us gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re only shopping for the highest quality products. 

For more fans, check out our products page! 

Commercial exhaust fans. Air handler fans. Ventilation fans.

There are more industrial applications for fans than most people can even imagine. Where do you even start in order to learn the differences between types of fans?

That’s easy. We’ve got you covered.

There are two main types of industrial fans. Differentiating between the two is easy once you understand how each type of fan works and what its benefits and limitations are.

This guide will help you answer the question of “Centrifugal fan vs axial fan?” Read on find out the big differences between the two most popular types of industrial fans.

Axial Fans

The first and oldest option for an industrial fan is an axial fan. Here’s all you need to know about it.

History of Axial Fans

Axial fans have been around forever. They’re the oldest design of a fan. These devices date back to the windmills designed by Persians in A.D. 500.

Engineers introduced the electrically powered fans to the public in the 1880s. These electric fans had the same design as the Persian windmills — an axial fan.

How an Axial Fan Works

An axial fan is called “axial” because it has blades that rotate around a fixed axis. The fan is named for the direction of the airflow that it creates as it moves air.

The blades that rotate around the axis pull air in parallel to the axis and force it out in the opposite direction — still parallel to the axis.

Imagine a ceiling fan. There’s one fixed point in the ceiling that the fan blades rotate around. The fan draws air down from the ceiling, parallel to the axis, and forced straight down to the floor.

The airflow remains parallel to the axis of the fan for the entirety of the flow.

Axial fans don’t require a lot of power input in order to run. They move air at a high flow rate, meaning that they can move a lot of air. However, the airflow is low pressure.

Best Uses of Axial Fans

Axial fans have a lot of uses, with most of them falling under the general purpose category. Consider one anytime you need to move a large volume of air from one place to another.

Low-pressure, high-volume flow is great for cooling spaces, such as a home or office building. It’s also great for cooling equipment, like the computer you’re using right now.

An axial fan is used in condenser cooling for a refrigeration system. It can also make a great exhaust fan.

As more technology is incorporated into everyday products, axial fans become more and more common. They are now used in vending machines to cool the computers that allow for cashless payment options.

For non-ducted applications, this model is likely the solution you need for airflow. Axial fans move a lot of air from place to place when working against little pressure.

Centrifugal Fans

The alternative option for an industrial fan is a centrifugal fan. Check out some quick facts on centrifugal fans to see if it’s right for you.

History of Centrifugal Fans

The centrifugal fan was invented in 1556 to ventilate mines. It disappeared from history after that. The design made a resurgence in the early 1800s.

How a Centrifugal Fan Works

Centrifugal fans are sometimes called blowers because they create a high-pressure stream of air.

A centrifugal can contains blades mounted around a circular hub. The motion of the hub pulls air in and around the hub, increasing the air pressure as it goes.

These devices move air radially. The end result is that the air coming in is “bent” at a 90-degree angle before it is pushed out the other side of the fan.

Although they function similarly, centrifugal cans are not the same as air blowers. The latter creates higher pressure ratios than a centrifugal fan can achieve.

This type of fan is typically attached to a system of ducts or tubes. This increases pressure, creating high-pressure airflow.

Centrifugal fans usually have lower flow rates, move lesser volumes of air, and have steadier flow than axial fans. They also require a high power input to operate.

Best Uses of Centrifugal Fans

Anytime you need to move air through ductwork, you will want to consider a centrifugal fan.

When ductwork is involved, the ducts increase pressure due to increased airflow resistance. To overcome this higher pressure, you need a fan that can produce high-pressure flow. You need a centrifugal fan.

This makes centrifugal fans ideal for air conditioning or drying systems. They are also great for caustic or corrosive environments. They’re extremely durable fans that work great for pollution filtration systems.

With enclosed parts and particulate reduction capabilities, these devices are difficult to damage and extremely durable.

Centrifugal Fan vs Axial Fan

Here are some of the key points you need to remember when choosing between the two types of industrial fans.

All things being equal, an axial fan:

• Has a higher dynamic pressure
• Has a higher operating speed
• Has a higher peripheral speed
• Requires less power for operation
• Moves a larger volume of air
• Is typically smaller, lighter and less expensive
• Creates low-pressure airflow

All things being equal, a centrifugal fan:

• Is more energy efficient
• Is more durable and resistant to harsh environments
• Is less likely to overload due to non-overloading horsepower curves
• Creates high-pressure airflow
• Moves a smaller volume of air
• Requires more power for operation
• Works better with ductwork
• Can be equipped with self-cleaning characteristics

Make an Informed Decision

So how do you choose centrifugal fan vs axial fan? It all comes down to the application. Depending on what you need it to do, where it needs to work, and how much air it needs to move, you can pretty easily figure out which type of industrial fan is the most appropriate choice for you.

If you still need help deciding between fan types, contact us today and let one of our experts help you out!

Kitchen exhaust fans have one of the most important jobs in your commercial kitchen. These mechanical fans keep your kitchen air clean, reducing greasy buildup around the area and maintaining employee comfort.

Keeping exhaust fans in top shape is essential to a well-maintained kitchen area. Because they’re working to remove and filter air, these fans require regular cleaning and maintenance.

This equipment works hard in the background and is easily forgotten. Regular maintenance is a must, however. To learn more about keeping up exhaust fans for kitchens the right way, read on.

What Are Kitchen Exhaust Fans?

Kitchen exhaust fans, also known as range hoods, have the heavy duty job of removing impurities and moisture from the air in a commercial kitchen. These fans are situated directly above stove tops and cooking surfaces. They consist of a hood (also called a canopy) and a fan.

The hood serves to capture dirty, moist air. Meanwhile, the fan inside extracts this air and moves it away from the kitchen and outside. In a kitchen setting where cooking is constant, this action removes:

• Steam from boiling water and simmering foods
• Strong cooking odors
• Smoke
• Grease particles
• Harmful vapors and pollutants
• Excess heat, which is especially helpful in warmer months

Removing air pollutants, steam and heat makes it easier to cook in the kitchen. Adequate ventilation in a busy commercial kitchen is made possible by hard-working fans. A comfortable cooking environment is necessary for optimal productivity.

Grease

Removing grease particles and humidity from the air is critical to maintaining a clean environment and properly functioning equipment. Thick, sticky grease buildup is difficult to clean when it settles on and clings to other pieces of equipment. It can block airflow in other appliances and make the kitchen look unsanitary.

In addition to being dirty and unsightly, grease buildup increases the chances of a grease fire in the kitchen. Its removal could prevent a serious health hazard.

Humidity

Excessive moisture can also be very damaging in a commercial environment. Without exhaust fans, humidity would condense and collect on walls, furniture, and equipment. In time, this can lead to noticeable water damage in vulnerable areas.

Well-maintained commercial exhaust fans prevent grease and moisture from becoming issues. They do far more than just remove odor. They prevent costly damage.

Heat

Working in a kitchen can be miserable when the thermostat keeps climbing. Kitchen fan venting pulls extra heat away from the cooking area so that employees can stay cool. This can also help keep air conditioning costs down as it prevents heat from collecting.

Maintaining Kitchen Exhaust Fans

To properly vent and filter the air, kitchen exhaust fans must be maintained on a regular basis. Their efficiency and lifespan depend on it.

Since commercial fan setups are heftier than home units, you’ll need to follow a few extra steps when tackling this job.

Unplug the Exhaust Fan Unit

Commercial appliances must be unplugged before maintenance to avoid injury or death by electrocution. These are big units and will require a lot of cleaning solution.

It’s also a good idea to use a tarp or painter’s drop cloth around the area while you’re cleaning to catch drips. No cooking should be done while unit maintenance is in progress.

Remove Grease Containment Traps

Most commercial kitchen exhaust fans have grease collecting receptacles on the side of the hood. This grease can be put into sealed metal containers for proper disposal at a later time.

Soak the grease traps in a mixture of very hot water and grease-cutting cleaner. This will soften the sticky residue so it can be removed.

Remove the Filters

Kitchen exhaust fans have filters for catching grease, dust, and other particulates. Like the grease traps, these kitchen exhaust fan filters quickly become coated with thick greasy residue and can lose their effectiveness when not cleaned regularly.

When cleaning your traps, remove these filters. They should be soaked in the same hot water solution as the traps so the grease can be loosened. After soaking, they can be scrubbed with a nylon brush to remove remaining residue.

Under the Hood: Cleaning the Hood and Fan

The kitchen exhaust fan cover, or hood, will need thorough cleaning just like the rest of the unit. While your traps and filters are soaking, make a similar cleaning solution for your hood. These solutions should always consist of an approved grease-cutting cleaner and hot water.

Both the interior and the exterior of the kitchen exhaust hood need to be scrubbed with a soft cloth soaked in the cleaning solution. All surfaces and corners should be addressed to avoid gunk and grease collection that can lead to fire hazards.

Cleaning the Fan Blades

The fan blades of your kitchen exhaust unit will need to be carefully cleaned as well. All of the dirty air that is removed from your cooking area passes over these blades. The filters do a good job catching the bulk of the particles, but they can’t filter everything.

When cleaning the fan blades and the hood of your kitchen exhaust fans, never spray cleaning solution directly into the unit. You should avoid directly wetting any of the electrical components during the maintenance process. To avoid unintentional wetness in the unit, always use a cloth that has been dipped in the solution to scrub instead of directly spraying cleaner into dirty areas.

When all of the components of your unit are clean and dry, reassembly is in order. You’ll need to reinsert filters and traps before plugging the unit back in.

Regular Maintenance for Top Performance

Exhaust fans work hard to remove the junk from the air in your commercial kitchen. Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule for your kitchen exhaust fans will ensure that your kitchen stays cleaner, safer, and more comfortable.

Are you in the market for high performance exhaust fans and kitchen ventilation equipment? As the number one distributor of commercial exhaust fans, we’ve got you covered. You can check out our blog for more information or give us a call today.