Are you looking for a reliable air circulator? Then buying a fan might be the right choice. However, you may hear recommendations to get an air mower, as it is a better option for directing airflow in a specific direction.
If you are confused between an air mover and a fan, it is OK. You are not alone in this. These two seem very similar in function, but they are not the same. Fans are used for different purposes, including ventilation. It is more common in residential and large commercial properties. Air movers, however, are more common in warehouses and workshops.
In this air mover vs. fan comparison, we’ll help you understand all the differences. Also, we’ll shed some light on their essential characteristics that can help you choose correctly.
What is An Air Mover?
An air mover, aka air blower, is widely used in industrial applications. These appliances resemble snails, but this unusual appearance hides great versatility. Air mowers or horns are used explicitly for drying wet floors in stores and warehouses.
Also, in various cleaning services, a blower is used for drying cleaned carpets and blankets. As the name suggests, an air mover moves a small volume in a specific direction. This makes the appliance used in various industries for different purposes. This includes:
- Drying wet surfaces and materials
- Removal of fumes or gases in industrial sites
- Cleaning different objects and areas by blowing air to remove stuck debris and dirt particles.
- Humidifying a specific area by distributing light mist in a specific direction.
An air mover is a preferred option in these fields, as it is lightweight and efficient. No need to mention that it is relatively affordable. But if you want to purchase one, there are different types of air movers. Air movers don’t come in a one-size-fits-all. They have different types that suit specific applications.
Here is a quick overview of the most common types of blowers
1. Centrifugal Air Movers
You often come across this type of air blower in stores when you access a recently moped area. These are commonly known as snail shells. A powerful CFM Centrifugal Air Mover is designed to distribute the air over the desired surface. Their primary application is the drying process of wet floors and carpets.
2. Compact Air Movers
As the name suggests, these blowers are smaller than standard CFM Air Movers. They are specifically designed to fit where larger movers don’t. So they can easily dry wet objects and spaces inside cabinets or cupboards. Due to their compact sizes, these appliances do not consume much energy.
3. Axial Low-pressure Air Mover
These appliances are known for being large. They are also multitasking and highly efficient. They fit better in spacious commercial and industrial establishments. This type of air mover is primarily used to remove fumes, smoke, and harmful gases from an industrial area.
It is also used for improving ventilation and cooling in poorly ventilated warehouses. However, they can’t fill in for air conditioners.
What is A Fan?
A fan is used for circulating air, ventilation, and cooling. It is widely used in residential properties and offices. However, it is uncommon in storage areas like warehouses with tight spaces.
Fans come in different shapes and sizes. Various power sources, including electricity, solar energy, and batteries, also power them. In addition to being an independent device, fans can be built into other devices and appliances such as fridges, ovens, stoves, and air conditioners.
There are differences between fans in the way they are designed. For instance, there are standing, ceiling, and wall-mounted fans. Moreover, ventilation fans are divided into two main categories; axial and centrifugal power fans.
What are the Differences Between An Air Mover and A Fan?
An air mover and a fan might seem similar in their appearances. However, they are not interchangeable in their roles and applications. For instance, you can’t replace a ceiling fan with an air mover in your home.
Now let’s dive deep into the differences between these two devices:
1. Cooling Abilities
Regarding cooling during summer, fans and air conditioning units are top choices. Fans can usually distribute air all over the place and your body. Centrifugal or axial air movers focus the air in a specific direction.
2. Applications
An air mover is commonly used for professional purposes like water damage restoration projects and drying wet floors and carpets.
Also, an air mover is more suitable for blowing the fire in a firepit. You can rely on an air blower for cleaning but not a fan. An air mover can blow air in a specific direction, removing dirt from different surfaces.
On the other hand, a fan is used for cooling a room or air distribution inside another appliance. Moreover, a fan is common in households, stores, and offices. An air blower, on the other hand, is suitable for warehouses, factories, and hot kitchens.
3. Convenience
In the point of convenience, fans are absolute winners. Modern fans are equipped with improved features like LED lights and remote controls. This makes a fan more comfortable, as you do not have to leave your couch to increase its speed or turn it on or off.
The same thing does not apply to low-profile air movers or similar utility blowers. Additionally, fans provide Variable Speeds, while movers lack this feature.
4. Power Source
You can find fans using solar energy, electricity, petrol, and batteries. Such a variety is not available in air movers. Most air mowers operate on compressed air.
5. Safety
Due to the differences in power sources, low-profile air movers are considered safer than electrical or petrol-powered fans. Unlike an electrical fan, an air blower will not be an additional threat in areas with explosions or electrical hazards.
6. Speed of Operation
There is a notable difference between a fan and a blower in how their blades spin. A fan will take longer to operate than an air blower’s instant operation. Moreover, the fan blades of air blowers reach their maximum rotational speed.
7. Noise Level
Standing, as well as industrial fans, are known for being noisy. Air movers, on the other hand, operate more quietly.
8. Energy Efficiency
In this matter, fans are the ultimate winner. A fan operates in a simpler technique than a blower. This makes a fan more suitable for those looking for reduced energy costs. However, both devices are not considered hungry in terms of power consumption.
An Air Mover vs Fan: are they the same?
At first, you might think that fans and air movers are the same devices. This incorrect impression might come from their similar blades and air distribution techniques. However, both of them are used for different purposes.
You can use a fan to cool an area, while an air mover is used for drying and blowing air. Operating an air blower is also safer as an electrical hazard is less severe than electrical fans. An air blower only uses compressed air, while fans run on different power sources.
An air mover is more suitable for providing a powerful airflow. On the other hand, a fan has an adequate airflow level suitable for ventilation and cooling. Moreover, a fan is more suitable for residential uses, while an air mover is more suitable for commercial blowing and drying projects.
Lastly, an air mower is considered more energy efficient than a fan.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
