Difference Between Air Mover and Fan

What is the difference between an air mover and a fan?

If you think that an air mover is just a special type of fan, then you are not far from us. You can use them in many similar ways. But it is important to understand their main differences and why one should be used instead of the other.

Air movers typically provide stronger direct airflow than fans. If you twist the fan's blades 90 degrees and place a box around them, you have an air mover. When the blades of the air mover rotate, it draws in external air (usually through its side or top opening) and then shoots it out from the front at high speed. This makes the air mover very suitable for providing strong and precise airflow to specific locations.

On the other hand, fans excel at providing simple airflow over a wide range. They are most suitable for cooling and ventilation in large rooms, with low power and continuous air circulation. Their operating costs are also lower than air movers, so you don't have to worry about them running all day.

If your main concern is cooling or ventilation, a fan may be able to perform its job. However, when you need a more powerful solution, an air mover is the right tool for you.

When will I use an air mover?

If you find yourself needing to dry large or difficult-to-reach areas, then you need an air mover. When moisture is absorbed into the air moving on damp objects, drying occurs. But air can only hold a certain amount of moisture, so if you want something to dry faster, you must move as much air as possible. Due to stronger airflow, industrial air mover fans can achieve this. Therefore, if your basement has recently been flooded and you have just finished vacuuming the water, you can buy a regular old box fan. However, if you want the best tools to completely dry all the moisture and hope to reduce the chance of mold formation, then the air mover is more effective. For pipes bursting on walls or ceilings, or for large spills on living room carpets, air movers are the right choice. Also, do not ignore the ventilation or cooling function of the low profile blower fan. If the area is too small or the demand is too urgent, air movers fans are not always the best choice. To provide ventilation or quick cooling for the area, an air mover blower can be easily used instead of a fan.

What type of air mover is suitable for me?

When it comes to the size of the air mover, it all depends on the job at hand! The drying and ventilation requirements are diverse, so choosing the right model is very important. We rate each air mover in cubic feet per minute (CFM), essentially an indicator of the amount of air moving per minute. The more air you need to move, the higher the CFM required to complete the work. Preair offers several models -500 CFM, 1000 CFM, and 1100 CFM. Each model allows you to locate the air mover in three different ways, depending on whether your target is the floor, wall, or ceiling. No matter where your chaos is or how big it is, Preair has a model that suits you.

Even if you have never heard of (or seen) an air mover before, you have undoubtedly encountered its usefulness. Preair produces a variety of dehumidifying tools, so it is crucial to find the tools you need for your next project. Meeting all your drying and ventilation needs, Preair is your best choice.