In the world of business, maintaining a safe and comfortable working environment is paramount. Air quality, safety and temperature control play significant roles in the productivity and well-being of employees. For various industries, the solution to these concerns lies in the use of extractor fans, which can be bought from reputable suppliers like RS Online. In this guide, we explore the vital roles of extractor fans, their applications across various industries, and how to pick the right extractor fans for your business needs.
What are extractor fans?
Extractor fans are also known as exhaust fans or window fans. They are mainly designed to provide ventilation to an area in order to remove fumes, moisture, and unwanted odours from the air to help improve air quality, as ventilation and good air quality are very important in both domestic and commercial premises.
Extractor fans can therefore significantly reduce condensation and provide ventilation in places such as the bathroom, shower room, kitchen, wet room, and laundry room, which can extend the lifespan of these rooms. Currently, it is even legally required to have an extractor fan in new buildings as well.
Types of extractor fans
There are a few different types of extractors and ventilation fans out there for businesses to purchase. In this article, we take a look at a few common types of extractor fans for businesses to choose from. A breakdown is below:
Axialfans: These are the most common type of extractor fans, and they are typically wall-mounted to internal walls. Depending on the cavity depth, these wall-mounted fans will also require ducting to reach the exterior wall.
Centrifugalextractorfans: These are mostly ceiling-mounted fans. They are generally found in commercial and industrial environments that need elongated ducting. They can also be very noisy.
Inlineextractorfans: These fans can be axial or centrifugal, but they are not installed on walls and ceilings but instead generally found in the loft space above a ceiling.
Applications of extractor fans
Extractor fans serve a range of B2B applications across various industries, enhancing air quality, productivity, and safety. Below we have broken down a few common B2B applications of extractor fans.
Commercial kitchens
Restaurants, hotels and catering services generally need powerful extractor fans to help remove heat, smoke and cooking odours. Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a comfortable and safe environment for both customers and employees.
Industrial ventilation
Extractor fans are essential in industrial settings where harmful fumes, pollutants and dust are generated. They help maintain a safe working environment and prevent health issues arising among employees. Industries such as welding, manufacturing, chemical processing and woodworking rely on extractor fans to remove airborne contaminants.
Paint facilities
Facilities that handle painting and coating require extractor fans to eliminate the fumes and overspray. These fans are essential for protecting the health of workers and achieving high-quality finishes.
Cleanrooms and laboratories
Laboratories and cleanrooms require precise air quality control to ensure experiments and manufacturing processes are not contaminated. Extractor fans therefore play a vital role in maintaining the sterile and controlled environment of laboratories.
Data centres
Data centres generallyhave substantial heat, and efficient cooling and ventilation are critical for preventing equipment overheating. Extractor fans assist in maintaining optimal operating temperatures, contributing to uninterrupted data centre operations.
Warehouse and storage facilities
Large storage spaces often struggle with temperature and humidity control. Extract fans therefore help maintain proper air circulation, preventing mold and moisture-related issues. They also assist in controlling temperature, especially in climate-sensitive storage facilities.
Print shops
Printing presses and graphics equipment general volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other air contaminants. Extract fans therefore aid in removing these emissions and ensuring better indoor air quality.
Woodworking shops
Woodworking generates sawdust and potentially harmful wood dust particles. Extractor fans thus help with capturing and removing these airborne particles, improving air quality and the safety of workers.
Welding and metalworking workshops
Welding produces hazardous fumes and particles. Extractor fans with specialised filters can help remove these particular pollutants, thereby creating a safer work environment for fabricators and welders.
Agriculture processing
Food processing plants rely on extractor fans to control humidity and maintain safe and clean air quality during the processing and packaging of agricultural products.
Picking the right extractor fan
When it comes to picking the right extractor fan to use in your business, there are several key considerations one should keep in mind. We have listed a few of them below for your perusal.
Capacity: Before making a purchase, businesses should determine the required airflow and extraction rate based on the size of their space and the specific pollutant they need to remove.
Type: Other factors a business should consider before buying an extractor fan include what type of fan they want to buy. Some examples are wall-mounted fans, ceiling-mounted fans, or inline fans, depending on their installation requirements.
Airquality and safety: Businesses should choose extractor fans that have the appropriate filtration and safety features to meet industry regulations and protect employee’s health and safety.
Energy efficiency: Businesses should opt for energy-efficient fans that help to reduce operating costs and environmental impactas a way to be more sustainable and eco-conscious.
Customisation: Some extractor fan providers offer customisation options, allowing businesses to tailor fans to their unique needs and branding (if required).
Maintenance: Businesses should also consider the ease of maintenance and the availability of replacement parts to ensure their fans continue to operate efficiently over the years.
Bottom line
Overall, extractor fans are considered a valuable addition to many industries, as they provide a safe and productive environment for employees to work in. By choosing the right extractor fan and maintaining it properly, businesses can reap the rewards of improved air quality, safety and efficiency. Whether it is in a commercial kitchen, laboratory or industrial facility, the right extractor fan is considered a crucial asset for a business.
