In large-scale environments like warehouses, processing plants, and commercial facilities, airflow is essential. Whether you’re trying to remove fumes, control temperature, manage humidity, or simply improve comfort, choosing the right industrial fan is key.
But with so many options on the market, how do you know which fan is best for your space?
In this guide, we explore the main types of industrial fans, their applications, and how they support ventilation and air quality across a wide range of sectors.
1. Axial Fans
What they do:
Axial fans move air in a straight line, parallel to the fan shaft. They are commonly used for general-purpose ventilation, such as exhausting hot air or supplying fresh air into a space.
Where they’re used:
- Warehouses
- Workshops
- Switch rooms
- Commercial kitchens
- Agricultural sheds
Key benefits:
- High airflow at relatively low pressure
- Available in wall-mounted, pedestal, or ducted configurations
- Suitable for cooling people, machinery, or spaces
2. Centrifugal Fans
What they do:
Centrifugal fans move air at a right angle to the intake, using rotating impellers. They’re designed to handle higher pressure applications, often where ducting or resistance is involved.
Where they’re used:
- Laboratories
- Dust collection systems
- Spray booths
- HVAC systems with long duct runs
Key benefits:
- High static pressure handling
- Better suited to ducted extraction or filtration systems
- More compact in design compared to axial fans
3. High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) Ceiling Fans
What they do:
HVLS fans are large-diameter ceiling fans (typically 2–7 metres wide) that rotate slowly to move large volumes of air. They’re ideal for creating consistent airflow in large indoor spaces.
Where they’re used:
- Warehouses and logistics centres
- Manufacturing facilities
- Aircraft hangars
- Gyms and commercial spaces
Key benefits:
- Improve comfort and reduce heat stress
- Support HVAC systems by distributing warm or cool air
- Highly energy efficient, operating on low-speed motors
4. Roof-Mounted Exhaust Fans
What they do:
Mounted on rooftops, these fans extract hot air, fumes, or steam vertically out of the building. They are commonly used in hot, steamy, or contaminated environments.
Where they’re used:
- Commercial kitchens
- Processing plants
- Warehouses with heat build-up
- Food and meat industries
Key benefits:
- Effective removal of stale or contaminated air
- Frees up wall and floor space
- Can be built with weatherproof and corrosion-resistant features
5. Wall-Mounted Exhaust Fans
What they do:
These fans are installed in external walls and are designed to pull air out of a space, helping to remove heat, fumes, moisture, or odours.
Where they’re used:
- Workshops and service bays
- Amenities and change rooms
- Commercial laundry areas
- Industrial kitchens
Key benefits:
- Simple installation
- Reliable, continuous airflow
- Often paired with louvres or shutters for weather protection
6. Ducted Inline Fans
What they do:
These fans are installed within ductwork and help boost airflow in long or complex ventilation systems. They can be used for both extraction and supply air.
Where they’re used:
- HVAC systems
- Laboratories
- Chemical storage rooms
- Cleanrooms
Key benefits:
- Discreet and space-saving
- Improve air pressure in ducted systems
- Can be paired with filtration or temperature control systems
7. Portable Mancoolers and Pedestal Fans
What they do:
These mobile fans deliver targeted airflow to specific zones, people, or equipment. They’re often used for spot cooling or to support ventilation during hot weather or shutdown periods.
Where they’re used:
- Temporary workspaces
- Maintenance zones
- Events and marquees
- Workshops without fixed ventilation
Key benefits:
- Mobile and flexible
- Easy to store and reposition
- Suitable for drying, cooling, or fume dispersion
8. Explosion-Proof and Hose-Proof Fans
What they do:
These fans are built with specialised enclosures and materials to handle hazardous or wet environments. Explosion-proof fans prevent ignition in flammable zones, while hose-proof fans withstand water exposure.
Where they’re used:
- Chemical processing areas
- Abattoirs and food processing
- Mining and fuel storage
- Washdown zones
Key benefits:
- Meet strict safety standards
- Corrosion-resistant and durable
- Essential for compliance in high-risk settings
Final Thoughts
Understanding the main types of industrial fans helps you choose the right solution for your space, your staff, and your specific operational needs. Whether you’re improving comfort, removing contaminants, or meeting safety regulations, each fan type serves a unique purpose.
Fanquip offers a full range of Australian-made industrial fans, built for performance, efficiency, and durability in tough environments. Need help selecting the right fan? Our team can provide expert advice and tailored solutions for your facility.