Have you recently purchased an air mover? Or maybe it’s been a while since you’ve operated one? Properly operating an air mover machine is a breeze, no matter what surface you’re using it on, and this article will guide you through it.
Air movers come in various sizes and are excellent at drying large spaces or targeted areas, including both vertical walls and horizontal floors. Though they are similar to fans, air movers are different because they move much more air and can dry much larger or wetter areas than a traditional fan can.
Air movers are an essential component of floor drying because they drastically increase the speed at which things dry by directing large amounts of air onto the wet surface. This accelerates the evaporation of moisture from the floor.
Eliminating the moisture as quickly as possible is imperative to preventing water damage and mold development, especially on surfaces that are prone to those, like wood and carpet.
But to get the best results, it’s important to use them correctly. This article will help you understand the basics of what an air mover is and its components, the basics of how to use one, as well as some tips you can follow for safety and maintenance while using the machine.
Before we go over the steps required to use an air mover, it is critical to understand what an air mover is and what its key components are used for. Let’s dive in:
What is an Air Mover?
As we discussed, air movers are essentially much larger, much more powerful fans that are designed to dry wet areas quickly.
While air movers are a relatively simple idea in function, there are some important distinctions to keep in mind between different types of air movers–the most significant being whether it is an axial or centrifugal air mover.
What are the Different Types of Air Movers?
There are two main types of air movers. It is crucial to make sure you have the correct type of air mover for the purpose you need it for, so pay close attention:
- Axial Air Movers
- Centrifugal Air Movers
Axial Air Movers
Axial air movers are better for drying large, open areas and ventilation because they are designed with blades that are aligned with the axis, creating a larger volume or CFM (cubic feet per minute), but lower-pressure and less targeted airflow.
The axial air mover sacrifices pressure for increased volume.
Centrifugal Air Movers
Centrifugal air movers, on the other hand, are more suited for drying specific targets. They feature a powerful motor and uniform fan blades that create higher-pressure, highly targeted airflow. Centrifugal air movers are more desirable for very deep drying.
The centrifugal air mover compliments high volume with increased, targeted pressure.
Key Components of an Air Mover
There are also some key components to different kinds of air movers that can make or break your drying experience:
- Power Source
- Motor and Fan System
- Speed and Airflow Settings
- Adjustable Positioning
Power Source
Most air movers are corded and need to be plugged into an electrical outlet for use.
Though having a cord can act as a constraint for some hard to reach areas, their power cables tend to be pretty long, at 15-30 feet on average. Anything longer than that can easily be remedied through the use of extension cords or daisy-chaining.
What is Daisy-Chaining?
Daisy-chaining is the capability to link more than one air mover together through the use of an onboarded electrical socket. This will allow you to connect up to three air movers in one series to maximize airflow and not overwhelm your circuit.
When using a corded air mover, plug into a GFCI protected receptacle whenever possible and be careful when using near wet or damp areas. Cables and connections should never be submerged in water.
Motor and Fan System
The motor and fan system largely determines the maximum CFM (volume) and pressure the air mover is capable of. As we discussed in the action above, axial and centrifugal air movers serve different purposes and those differences need to be taken into account for the most effective dry.
Some motors operate at a higher efficiency or are made of higher-quality materials and will have a longer lifespan and less downtime than others, saving you time and money.
In most cases, a more powerful motor will produce a more powerful airflow and the type of fan will determine the volume of that airflow.
Speed and Airflow Settings
Speed and airflow settings work together to create a customizable drying experience. They allow you to optimize the power and volume of the airflow to meet the needs of the job at hand. This allows you to dry more efficiently, and use less energy to do it.
Operating at lower speeds and airflow also offers the added benefits of lower noise levels and a typically longer lifespan than one operating at full power.
Although these features can lead to a higher price tag, the higher versatility air movers with speed and airflow settings offer offsets those costs because you can have one machine suited for multiple tasks.
Adjustable Positioning
Adjustable positioning refers to the ability to tilt the direction of airflow. Being able to direct the airflow exactly to where you need it allows you to dry more efficiently–using less power to achieve the same drying results and saving you time and money.
How Much Do Air Movers Cost?
Machines can range from as low as $50 to as high as $800. With a large range in pricing like this, it’s important to know what you’re looking for in an air mover and base your purchasing decision on that.
Want the full breakdown of what factors influence how much an air mover costs? Check out our guide.
When to Use an Air Mover
Air movers can be used in a variety of situations, including:
Drying
The air mover is best known for its ability to dry even the wettest of areas with its powerful airflow, providing volumes of airflow that standard fans cannot.
Examples of drying use cases:
- After flooding
- After spilling
- After carpet cleaning
Air Circulation
Aside from drying, air movers are also great for circulating air. Everything from fumigation to cooling can be handled with ease.
Examples of air circulation use cases:
- Fumigating paint fumes
- Ventilating large equipment exhaust
- Cooling workers in a hot warehouse
Air movers can be used in almost any environment, including commercial, industrial, and residential spaces.
How to Use an Air Mover
There are different steps you need to take depending on what surface you are trying to dry.
It is important to make sure you also have the correct type of air mover for the purpose you need it for, so pay close attention to whether your air mover is axial or centrifugal.
How to Use an Air Mover on Hard Floors
For hard floors, emphasis is placed on medium airflow and maximum ventilation instead of power, making sure that every last drop of the moisture is removed from the surface and any of its grooves and imperfections.
Use an axial air mover to make sure the entire area is dried and well-ventilated and support it with a centrifugal air mover for corners and other targeted problem areas.
Need to dry hard floors? Check out our step-by-step guide.
How to Use an Air Mover on Carpet
For carpet, on the other hand, the goal is to dry at high speeds, removing the moisture as quickly and completely as possible and avoiding water damage and mold development. Speed is paramount because carpet can retain water and mold spores more easily than other flooring types.
Choose a centrifugal air mover for drying carpet and support it with an axial air mover for more effective ventilation.
Need to dry carpet? Check out our step-by-step guide.
Consider using both axial and centrifugal air movers together for the most optimal drying results!
Safety Tips for Air Mover Use
While generally simple to operate, air movers require attention to safety to avoid complications:
Prevent overheating by ensuring clear vents and regular cleaning, as overheating can impede drying and promote mold growth.
Proper cord management is essential to prevent tripping hazards and electrical malfunctions; keep cords away from water, ensure dry connections, and route them away from traffic areas.
Electrical safety is paramount, especially in damp environments. Never use an ungrounded air mover in standing water, and diligently maintain dry cables and connections. Neglecting electrical safety can result in serious injury or permanent damage to the air mover.
Quick Maintenance Tips for Air Movers
Now that you know how to properly use your air mover, here are a few additional quick tips to keep your equipment in top shape:
- Clean the fan and vents regularly to prevent dust buildup.
- Check for wear and tear on cords, plugs, and other components before using.
- Lubricate moving parts as needed if required by the manufacturer.
- Watch out for excessive vibration and tighten bolts and parts as needed.
- Never leave air movers unattended or running overnight.
- Store air movers in a clean, dry area when not in use.
- Make sure the cord is wound up when not in use.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still unsure about what to expect when using an air mover, let’s quickly recap what you need to know:
Make sure you’re using the correct type of air mover for the job. Remember that axial air movers are optimized for airflow volume and centrifugal air movers are optimized for airflow power. Different air movers are equipped with different features, including motor and fan systems, speed and airflow settings, and adjustable tilt angles that can make or break your job. For best drying results, use both axial and centrifugal air movers at the same time!
There are many factors that can influence the price of an air mover. Be sure to evaluate the long-term needs of your facility or business before purchasing.
Don’t forget that while there are different steps required for using air movers on carpet and hard floors, the whole process boils down to pre-drying preparation, proper ventilation, and setting up your air mover to optimally dry.
Remember, if you suspect mold development, treat hard floors with a sanitizer before using your air mover to prevent mold spores and other debris from being picked up. For carpet, you need to contact a restoration professional.
Keep safety in mind while operating, and complete preventative maintenance to keep your air movers operational.
If you are interested in purchasing an air mover, would like to see an equipment demo, or have any questions about this guide, you can reach out to an Imperial Dade facility near you to speak directly with a member of our janitorial equipment staff.
If you have any additional questions about properly using your air mover, contact an Imperial Dade equipment expert today. Imperial Dade has service centers across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the Caribbean that can send out a licensed technician to your facility to perform the preventive maintenance services your machines need to keep them running.
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- How Much Does an Air Mover Cost?: 4 Factors that Affect Price
- How to Use an Air Mover & Avoid Damage on Hard Floors
- How to Use an Air Mover & Avoid Damage on Carpet
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