Steps to Selecting the Right Industrial Fan | Air Solutions, Inc

Many factors are involved in selecting the right industrial fan for your process. Your decision depends on much more than price alone. Does your application require high or low airflow? What will the pressure level be? Are there an environmental challenges that will need to be addressed? Keep in mind that an industrial fan that is selected to meet your specific application needs will be the most cost-effective option for your bottom line.

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When it comes to fan specification, the proper choice is influenced by the type of air movement needed, whether for cooling, exhausting, aerating, ventilating or drying. As all of the factors are assessed, maximum efficiency and reliability of both the fan and the equipment involved can be achieved.

Based on our experience as an experienced industrial fan specialist, we have identified 10 basic fan selection steps to guide you in choosing the best fan for your application needs:

1. Type of Fan
   All fans do not operate in the same way. Axial fans draw air in using a propeller, and discharge air in the same direction. Centrifugal fans have a wheel that draws air into the housing and discharges it out at 90°. Your first step should be to determine the type of air movement and fan type you need.
2. Ducting
   Earlier in the design process, ducting should be considered for performance and efficiency. This will influence the final design in terms of overall cost, the compactness of the fan, and the operational costs.
3. Total Airflow
   Airflow is rated in cubic feet of air per minute (CFM). When conveying material, make sure there is adequate CFM for the duct pipe or hose size.
4. Static Pressure
   The resistance to the airflow, or static pressure, is caused by air moving through the pipe, hose, duct, filter, and other factors. Static pressure is rated in inches of water gauge (SPWG).
5. Density
   Density changes resulting from temperature and/or barometric pressure variations should be corrected to standard conditions.
6. Air Temperature
   The temperature of the air going through the fan or blower will affect the performance of the fan or blower.
7. Altitude
   The altitude at which the fan or blower will be operating also impacts the performance of the fan or blower.
8. Material Handling
   If material will be conveyed through the fan or blower, the material characteristics should be considered.
9. Ambient Temperature
   The temperature of the air outside the fan or blower, or ambient temperature, can affect the operation of fan or blower.
10. Safety Conditions
    Special accommodations may be required if any material going through the blower is flammable or combustible.

If you are in need of guidance in the industrial fan selection process, we would be happy to assist. Contact the specialists at Air Solutions to discuss your fan selection questions.

Step 1: What Stage of Research Are You In?

Before choosing a fan, it helps to know where you are in the decision-making process. Here's how most buyers progress—and what to do at each stage.

1. Recognizing a Problem

You’ve noticed poor airflow, rising temperatures, or high energy use.

What to do next: Get familiar with different fan types and performance considerations. Start identifying how much air you need to move—and what’s getting in the way.

2. Researching Solutions

You're exploring how fans work and what your options are (axial, centrifugal, etc.).

What to do next: Understand airflow paths, pressure ratings, and the environments different fans are designed for. Consider things like air cleanliness, temperature, and noise sensitivity.

3. Comparing Products

You know roughly what you need and are evaluating models, sizes, and specs.

What to do next: Compare Hartzell’s fan categories, series, and materials of construction. Request performance curves or speak to an engineer to get recommendations and fine-tune your selection.

4. Making a Decision

You're ready to specify a fan, get a quote, or finalize a system design.

What to do next: Work with Hartzell's team for guidance based on your airflow needs, pressure drop, and environment. The Hartzell-FLOW software can create a 3D model in seconds! Find the right fan—and get it built to last.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Solid Stability Technology.

Step 2: Explore Fan Options from Hartzell Air Movement

At Hartzell, fan selection starts with understanding how air needs to move: is it uncontained room air (general ventilation), or is it contaminated, hot, or under pressure (process ventilation)? Hartzell offers engineered solutions for both, backed by the industry’s only 5-year warranty.

1. General Ventilation Equipment

Hartzell Air Movement offers an array of quality-built general ventilation equipment to help move uncontained air more effectively than ever. Our selection includes dilution ventilation (intake, exhaust, filtered, and re-circulation) and personnel or equipment cooling.

Propeller Fans & Wall Ventilators

• Ring and panel fans (standard or reverse flow)
• Belted high-volume ring fans
• Sizes: 12” to 144”
• Airflows: 1,475 – 327,000 CFM
• Series: 01, 02, 08, 09, 10, 14
• Applications: General air exchange, smoke/fume removal, spot cooling

Cool Blast Fans

• Designed for personnel cooling, smoke diffusion, insect control, and equipment cooling
• Sizes: 20” – 48”
• Airflows: 4,168 – 32,700 CFM
• Series: 20, 21, 22, 23
• Applications: Warehouses, assembly lines, outdoor or semi-enclosed spaces

Roof Ventilators

• Upblast, intake, recirculating, and swingout models
• Sizes: 12” – 84”
• Airflows: Up to 135,500 CFM
• Series: 15, 16, 17, 19, 26, 27, 61, 69, 69S
• Applications: Building exhaust, smoke evacuation, filtered roof intake

2. Process Ventilation Equipment

Built for tougher environments and engineered to handle dust, fumes, heat, corrosives, and high static pressure systems.

Axial Flow Fans

• Adjustable Pitch Vaneaxial Fans (Series 65–67): Airflows up to 200,000 CFM
• Fixed Pitch Vaneaxial Fans (Series 50–56): Up to 107,000 CFM, 10" SP
• Duct Axial Fans (Series 46–48): High airflow, low pressure
• General Axial Duct Fans (Series 31–39): Versatile designs
• Applications: Paint booths, cooling towers, process ventilation, exhaust ducts

Centrifugal Fans

• Backward Curved & Airfoil Fans (Series 03, 13): Efficient, quiet, clean air
• Radial Blade Fans (Series 05): Grease, particulates, heavy-duty air streams
• Plug & Inline Fans (Series 04, 12): Compact, duct-mounted options
• Turbo Blowers & High-Pressure Fans (Series 07, 07T): Pressures up to 60" SP
• Double-Wide, Swing-Out, and Flange-Mounted Models available
• Applications: Dust collection, combustion air, filtration, high-temp exhaust, material conveying

Product Matching Guide: What Fan Type Fits Your Application?

Application Need Recommended Fan Type Product Examples Notes General building ventilation (intake/exhaust) Propeller Fans, Wall Ventilators 01, 02, 08, 09, 10, 14 Great for dilution, exhaust, and fresh air supply Spot or personnel cooling Cool Blast Fans 20, 21, 22, 23 Portable or fixed; high airflow with focused coverage Roof-mounted air movement Roof Ventilators (Upblast, Intake, Reversible) 15, 16, 17, 19, 26, 27, 61, 69, 69S Prepackaged, easy-install rooftop units High-volume, low-pressure ducted air Axial Flow Fans (Fixed or Adjustable Pitch) 31–39, 46–48, 50–56, 65–67 Adjustable pitch allows flexible system balancing Ducted systems with moderate static pressure Vaneaxial or Duct Axial Fans 46, 46V, 48, 48V, 50–56 Use when layout requires directional airflow with moderate resistance Dust, smoke, or particle-laden air Centrifugal Fans (Radial Blade) 05, 05F, 03S Rugged designs handle dirty or sticky airstreams High static pressure or resistance Backward Curved Centrifugal Fans, Turbo Blowers 03, 13, 07, 07T Ideal for filters, duct runs, heat exchangers Combustion air or pneumatic conveying In-line Centrifugal or Plug Fans 04, 12 Compact and powerful; often VFD compatible Corrosive air or chemical fumes Fiberglass Axial or Centrifugal Fans 28–35V, 40–43, 59, 82–88 Lightweight, chemical-resistant; ideal for wastewater, labs Limited access or low-maintenance settings Direct Drive Models Most Series offer Direct Drive Lower maintenance—no belts or pulleys to adjust Systems needing variable airflow Adjustable Pitch Axial Fans or Belt Drive Configurations 65–67 (Adjustable Pitch), most belt-driven Allows fine-tuning to match seasonal or process demands

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right industrial fan requires more than matching airflow specs—it’s about selecting a tailored solution that fits your space, environment, and budget for the long term.

With Hartzell Air Movement, you get:

• Certified AMCA-tested performance
• Customized solutions
• ISO : quality standards
• The industry’s only 5-year warranty
• Support from experienced engineers

Need expert guidance? With over 150 years in business, you can trust Hartzell Air Movement’s extensive talent pool to bring their knowledge and experience to whatever challenge you’re facing!

View our Industrial Fan Guide

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