Whether you’re designing a new ventilation system, upgrading equipment, or troubleshooting airflow issues, choosing the right industrial fan is critical. But with so many options—axial, centrifugal, adjustable pitch, direct drive vs. belt—it can be difficult to know where to begin.
This guide walks you through the research journey, explains Hartzell Air Movement’s product lineup, and outlines key factors to help you make the best decision for your facility. With Hartzell, you also benefit from the industry’s only 5-year warranty, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Built for tougher environments and engineered to handle dust, fumes, heat, corrosives, and high static pressure systems.
Axial Flow Fans
Centrifugal Fans
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 |
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:
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!