Your Guide to choosing an Industrial Large Fan

Like any product category, industrial fans come with a wide variety of models, features, and levels of quality. Their primary purpose is to provide substantial, tangible relief in overheated environments so employees can be safe and productive. Here are the key attributes you should look for when deciding which industrial fan company to choose.

QUALITY

Most industrial fan companies talk about quality, but the level of quality varies significantly from brand to brand. When considering any manufacturer, look for the specific characteristics that determine a fan’s quality: the types of materials used for construction, the grade of the parts, and any quantifiable measure of performance. 

One reliable way to get a sense of a product’s level of quality is to read reviews of customers who have purchased the product and used it for an extended period of time, like a year or more. Those who rave about the fan’s performance will often be specific about which factors contribute to the quality of the product. 

EXPERIENCE

The leading brands in the industry have been manufacturing HVLS fans since the category was introduced more than 20 years ago. They’ve spent the longest amount of time designing, producing, and improving their fans. 

If you were going to hire a new COO for your company, would you rather enlist the help of a 20-year veteran with a proven record of success, or someone who’s just starting out in their career? 

ENGINEERING EXPERTISE

Most industrial fan companies often keep the engineering aspects of their products behind the curtain. But a little bit of digging can reveal a manufacturer’s commitment to the best design and function possible. 

Does their website talk about engineering? Do their product specifications mention the company’s innovations? Do they boast about their technological advancements? Does the manufacturer own patents for their products?

TECHNOLOGY

The most basic industrial fans come with a motor and six or eight airfoils. But the top industrial fan companies also offer tech features with their fans, including computerized integration with HVAC systems, security networks, and fire suppression systems. They also should provide remote control (either wired or wireless) operation, programmable settings, and the ability to configure multiple fans from one control panel. 

INDUSTRIAL-GRADE PARTS & MATERIALS

When reviewing the specifications of any industrial fan, does the company provide details about the model’s parts and materials? Do they specify IP ratings (ingress protection) for the product’s electrical parts? Can you find an industry-grade rating for the quality and durability of the materials used in manufacturing? 

MEASURABLE RESULTS

Before buying an industrial fan, you should know precisely how that fan will perform in your facility. With so many variables at play, it can be difficult for the average buyer to know which model will work best for their unique situation. 

The top industrial fan companies are able to provide specific measurements to help you determine the amount and direction of the air circulation any fan will produce. Big Ass Fans, for example, offers a computational fluid dynamics analysis of any model by using your building’s exact dimensions and specifications. 

SERVICE & SUPPORT

The fan itself is only part of the investment you’ll be making. The top industrial fan companies also include complete service and maintenance plans as part of your fan purchase. The warranty, as well as any available service plans, should be a solid indication of how much the manufacturer stands behind the quality of its products. 

The longer the warranty, the more likely the equipment will last for an extended period. Your industrial fan company wants your product to last a long, long time—decades, in fact—so they should ensure the longevity of their equipment by supporting it long after your initial purchase. 

ABOUT BIG ASS FANS, AN INDUSTRIAL FAN COMPANY

The airflow experts at Big Ass Fans have streamlined the entire process for selecting the right industrial large warehouse fan. We start by assessing your needs with a few basic questions: 

• What type of space needs better air circulation? 
• What are the existing conditions in your warehouse space (temperature, humidity, dust, etc.)?
• What are your budget expectations?
• Are there any existing HVAC systems or evaporative coolers that need to be integrated with a new fan(s) installation? 

Next, we guide you through your options, such as technical features, integration with security or fire suppression systems, or control panels. There are lots of options and features to choose from, but we’ll provide all the insight and assistance you need to make a smart choice. 

Finally, we’ll take the guesswork out of your decision-making process by performing an accurate airflow analysis of your warehouse space. By using our SpecLab® computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, we take the measurements of your building and create a visual representation of how a Big Ass fan will perform for you. This ingenious program lets you see for yourself a view of the new air circulation in your facility.