TIP - Axial fans vs. centrifugal fans
Question: When should you use an axial and when a centrifugal fan?
Here is the answer.
If you are drying structures, it is best to use axial fans.
EXAMPLE: Restore Solutions AXIAL FAN
If you are target drying carpet, use a centrifugal fan.
EXAMPLE: Restore Solutions AIRMOVER
What do air movers do?
Air movers and fans blow the moisture from the surface material into the air.
Restore Solutions stocks two main types of fans: axial fans and centrifugal fans.
Where do we use which one?
Axial fans are much better at drying walls and structure.
Let’s assume your walls are affected in a class 2 and the carpet and underlay have gotten wet. As a first step, you have already extracted most of the moisture with a good extraction tool.
Axial fans are doing the best job to then finish the job and get everything dry from top to bottom. You can run these fans along walls or corners and place them about 6-8 meters apart.
An axial fan spins the air parallel to the shaft of the fan. The flow is axial at entry and exit causing the air to travel quite far. Another reason why axial fans go a lot further than centrifugal fans is that they blow a lot more air through their blades.
Centrifugal air movers are designed to dry carpet, not to dry underlying structures. They need to be placed every 3-4 meters apart.
If we put the centrifugal fan on a wall at a 20-degree angle, the air starts going up the wall after about four meters reaching nearly ceiling height. This is because the fan displaces the air radially, changing the direction of the airflow by nearly 90 degrees.
As a restorer, you usually get engaged to dry the structure, not just the carpet on the surface. Just working with centrifugal fans won’t get you the results. You are most likely called by the client to find out that you just targeted the carpet but you needed to dry the structure.
Recent Posts
-
How to Detect Water Leaks with Infrared & Borescopes
In restoration, construction, and facility maintenance, hidden damage is one of the biggest challeng …28th Sep 2025 -
The Professional's Guide to Moisture Meters in Australia
Moisture is one of the most destructive forces in buildings — silently causing mould, decay, and str …13th Sep 2025 -
Choosing the Best Gann Moisture Meter Kit for the Job
Moisture problems can compromise structural integrity, indoor air quality, and even occupant health. …30th Aug 2025