Ceiling Fans

Overview: By definition, a ceiling fan is a type of circulation fan with 3 to 6 pitched blades rotating around a motor used to generate air velocity in warmer months to create a cooling effect in the summer. And, to reclaim lost heat that has risen to the ceiling in winter months. Agricultural Ceiling Fans can also be used for Fly and Insect Control and Industrial Ceiling Fans can also be used for alternative uses such as drying products or moisture control. The two most important characteristics of commercial ceiling fans and industrial ceiling fans are HEAVY-DUTY CONSTRUCTION and PERFORMANCE (area coverage). Not all ceiling fans are the same. Speed, performance, endurance and versatility of industrial ceiling fans and commercial ceiling fans are what set them apart from residential ceiling fans.

Industrial Ceiling Fans are designed for spacious applications where maximum area coverage is required. Industrial ceiling fans typically have higher air volumes and velocity and a heavier motor and bearings than commercial grade ceiling fans. Perfect for both winter heat de-stratification and summertime cooling. The powerful heavy duty industrial ceiling fans with curved blades allow for mounting heights up to 25 feet (use the straight blade design for mounting heights below and beyond 45'). Engineered for continuous use, the following industrial ceiling fans are perfect for manufacturing facilities, warehouse and storage facilities, gymnasiums and any application where maximum air flow is required. These industrial ceiling fans are built to last! Reversible industrial ceiling fans are suitable for boosting air up to roof mounted exhaust fans, removing and preventing condensation gathering on ceilings and other draft free applications. The buyer must be aware that all fans are not alike. A single model industrial ceiling fan cannot possibly satisfy all application and environment applications. We carry a variety of industrial ceiling fan sizes and blade styles to fit different mounting heights and performance requirements. Industrial ceiling fans are typically vary energy efficient and have an amp draw of 1 amp or less. Three bladed Industrial Ceiling Fans and Heavy Duty Ceiling Fans typically do not have light kits on them. If you do find an industrial ceiling fan with light beware ! It is probably a residential ceiling fan in disguise and will perform like one.

Commercial Ceiling Fans are designed for applications such as classrooms, offices, retail stores, restaurants, etc. Designed for continuous use, these heavy duty commercial ceiling fans provide maximum area coverage for both summer cooling and winter heat de-stratification. Commercial ceiling fans are perfect for stirring stagnant air in the summer and creating wind velocity. Wind velocity for an evaporative cooling effect.  Ideal for mounting heights between 10' to 25'. All of the commercial ceiling fans we carry are variable speed. The variable speed adjustment at lower mounting height such as 15 feet and below is very useful because it allows you to fine tune the air flow on your commercial ceiling fans. All of the commercial ceiling fans shown on this page are capable of 24 hour, 7 days a week operation. Don't be fooled by cheap imitations that offer only limited speeds. These commercial ceiling fans are the real deal. We carry all major quality made commercial ceiling fan brands. Brands that we carry are Canarm Ltd. commercial ceiling fans, Air-Row, VES Environmental Solutions commercial ceiling fans, Northwest Envirofan brand, Leading Edge Brand, TPI Corporation brand and J&D Manufacturing brand.

Agricultural Ceiling Fans are designed for agricultural applications such as horse and dairy barns, poultry buildings, greenhouses and outdoor installations such as ball parks and covered porches. Designed for continuous use, these harsh environment grade ceiling fans have sealed motors that prevent moisture and dust from entering the motor and epoxy coated blades and housings. Northwest Envirofan offers extreme heat bearings on their Agricultural Ceiling fans that resist drying out. They provide maximum area coverage for both summer cooling and winter heat de-stratification. Agricultural ceiling fans are the perfect way to boost hot unwanted air through your gable vents while running them in reverse.

HVLS Ceiling Fans are High Volume Low Speed ceiling fans typically comprised of a frame, a one to two horsepower motor, a gear box connected to the ceiling fan hub and three to five ceiling fan blades. A beam mounting kit is typically required since these fans must be mounted to the structural steel of the building. HVLS ceiling fans are generally available in 8', 12, 16', 20' and 24' fan sizes. The biggest advantage of an HVLS ceiling fan is the ability to blanket a large square foot of a building at relatively low RPM's and low sound levels all at the same time creating an aesthetically pleasing look to the facility. HVLS ceiling fans are made to work with a Variable Frequency Drive that offers electronic touchpad variable speed control with reversing capabilities. Variable Frequency Drives allow low voltage accessories to be attached such as thermostats and or logic controls that allows multiple fan control from one central location.

Blade Design of a ceiling fan can effect the performance characteristics or attributes of the ceiling fan. If you notice not all ceiling fans look the same. Straight blade ceiling fans typically perform better at higher mounting heights such as 25' to 40' feet. They have a tighter air pattern allowing the throw or distance to be greater while enabling them to overcome the distance while still maintain their velocity or air speed. Ceiling fans with curved tips, help spread the air out faster giving you more square foot coverage at lower mounting height but loosing some of their velocity at heights beyond 25' feet.

Blade Material can vary by manufacturer and application. Industrial, Commercial and Agricultural grade ceiling fan blade material typically falls under three different material types: Aluminum, Steel and Polymer. Steel blades are usually powder coated but are usually reserved for clean inside spaces such as commercial applications like offices, retail stores and churches. Aluminum blades are reserved for wet locations or harsh environments such as horse barns, poultry barns, green houses and manufacturing facilities. Polymer blades are often crafted into the ever increasingly popular airfoil blade design. This type of material is often easier to work with on complex airfoil designs and give excellent protection in highly corrosive environments such as ocean front installations.

General Suggestions
When mounting an industrial ceiling fan or commercial ceiling fan, there are several factors to consider. Maintaining a minimum of 12" clearance from the ceiling fan blade to any obstacle helps prevent the fans from wobbling and ensures that the air to and from the fan is allowed to flow properly. Mounting an industrial ceiling fan too close to the ceiling, can negatively effect the performance of the fan. When mounting an industrial ceiling fan to a sloped ceiling, you will want to make sure there is proper clearance from the blade tip to the part of the ceiling sloping towards the fan. For Example: Mounting a 60" industrial ceiling fan which extends 18" from ceiling to blade with a 4:12 pitch will only give you a 10" clearance.

Heat Recovery
otherwise known as heat stratification is when industrial ceiling fans or commercial fans are used to recover trapped warm air at the ceiling. Air circulation is equalized through the use of the massive blade span of an industrial ceiling fan by pulling the lighter, trapped warm air at the ceiling and pushing it back down to the floor. Thus, ceiling to floor temperature is equalized resulting in a cost savings of up to 30 percent. Commercial ceiling fans and industrial ceiling fans can usually pay for themselves in one year from the cost savings.

Conclusion:
Industrial ceiling fans, commercial ceiling fans and agricultural ceiling fans can be one of the most cost effective ways to provide ventilation in the summer time and heat equalization in the winter time. Because the performance to power ratio, industrial ceiling fans and commercial ceiling fans are very efficient. Check out our Industrial Ceiling Fan Blog.