Fans
A fan is an air pump that creates a pressure difference and causes airflow. The impeller does the work on the air, imparting to it both static and kinetic energy, in varying proportions, depending on the fan type.
Energy Efficiency Tip
Fan control represents a significant opportunity for increased efficiency and reduced cost. Dampers are a simple and low-cost means of air flow control. They add resistance to accomplish reduced flow, while increasing pressure. This increased pressure results in increased energy for the flow level required.
Cost Savings Tip
Fans can provide an effective alternative to costly air-conditioning in certain situations. Research shows that moving air with a fan can have the same affect on personal comfort as lowering the temperature by over 5°F. And, many people prefer having the hot, stuffy, indoor air replaced by cooler, fresh, outdoor air, creating a win-win situation for all.
Maintenance Tip
Fans typically require minimal maintenance, often providing years of trouble-free operation. However, this high degree of reliability can lead to a false sense of security, resulting in maintenance neglect and eventual failure. Because fans are prominent part of the HVAC and other process systems, fans need to remain high on the maintenance activity list.
Safety Tip
Adequate ventilation of a given space is essential to control atmospheric hazards and potentially explosive situations. Fans move fresh, uncontaminated air through equipment rooms. This ventilation dilutes and displaces air contaminants, assures that an adequate oxygen supply is maintained, and exhausts contaminants created by various activities.