Duct Fans

For a beginner, choosing the right fan is not easy. We will therefore try to provide at least basic information about the options available and a few practical tips. We will certainly be happy to help you choose a fan that best matches your conditions and possibilities; just get in touch at info@higarden.eu.

 We divide fans first and foremost by design into axial and radial.

• Axial

Axial fans are designed for direct high air flow at a 180° angle and in the direction of the axis of rotation of the impeller over shorter distances (up to approx. 5 metres). They are not built for the higher pressure created in ducting by obstacles such as carbon filters, bends, grilles, dampers, etc. We therefore recommend them for the very smallest tents (around 60x60 cm). Axial models are not adapted for connection to a carbon filter. They are mounted on the wall or ceiling.

The best-known representative of this type is the TT fan, and we also recommend models from the brands CanFan/Ruck, RAM and VKO.

• Radial

Radial fans can handle much higher pressure, and therefore reliably move air perpendicular to the axis of the impeller, at a 90° angle, over a much longer distance, while bends in the ducting or other obstacles mentioned above do not affect them. You can connect a carbon filter to them without any problem. There are three types of radial fans, differing from one another in the shape of the impeller blades, which may be forward-curved, backward-curved or radially ended. Each has its own specific features.

• Radial fans with 40 to 50 forward-curved blades are the cheapest, with efficiency in the range of 55-65%.
• Radial fans whose blades (8 to 15) are backward-curved are considerably more efficient (80-85%).

Radial fans are ready for wall or ceiling mounting, just like axial fans. The products of the brands CanFan/Ruck and RAM receive the strongest response. Among them, however, the German PrimaKlima fans stand out, known for their high-quality construction and design.

Fans also differ in the motor used:

• AC motor (alternating current)

Alternating-current motors use alternating current from the mains supply to power and change the poles of the electromagnets inside. At full load and speed they are very efficient. The problem comes when you want to regulate the motor. A triac controller is suitable for this, as it switches the electromagnets on only for part of each cycle. However, the power supply remains the same, so there are losses and humming and buzzing at low speeds. Another method is to use a transformer controller, which reduces the strength of the magnets and thus the motor speed. Usually, however, it is limited to a number of steps, but there is no unpleasant buzzing.

Such a motor is used, for example, by the PrimaKlima 360 m³/h, 125 mm with one speed.

• EC motor (electronically commutated)

Electronically commutated motors convert alternating current to direct current and only then use it to power the electromagnets. The electronics supply the motor only when it is needed to maintain the correct speed. They have lower power consumption than AC motors and will serve you for much longer. They are also easy to control and can run quietly even at lower speeds. It is also possible to control them in many small steps. The fan can therefore be set almost exactly as needed without loss of efficiency and can compensate, for example, for temperature fluctuations that also occur indoors during the seasons.

One example is the popular PrimaKlima 400 m³/h, 125 mm, which regulates itself with a built-in thermostat.

Fans are characterised by different noise levels, which play a major role in selection, especially for intended use in the home. In addition to the silenced models ISO-MAX, ISO-TX and TD Silent, you can also significantly quieten an ordinary fan thanks to noise dampers.

Available are both classic, ordinary models and special variants, for example silenced fans ideal for comfortable growing at home or even professional fans with an EC motor made in Switzerland. Of course, all products from renowned brands in the field are of first-class quality.

These are the basic differences between the fans in our range. Depending on what you want to use the fan for, where and how, choose the type and motor. For most customers in a tent, we recommend a radial fan with an EC motor - they are very efficient, controllable and can handle an odour filter, so in the long term they are definitely worth it.

As for the power of a specific fan, it depends on the size of the space and its location - for example, an attic will generally be warmer than a cellar and will require a more powerful fan. Lighting also makes a difference - there is a noticeable difference in the heat produced between a discharge lamp and an LED panel. At the same time, every bend in the ducting, filter or other obstacle increases the demands on air pressure. 

 TIP: Top-quality and affordable radial fans Prima Klima are hard to beat!

We recommend that our customers use fans with speed control. If it does not have built-in control, we recommend an external controller so you can set the fan as needed. Of course, the real speciality is the delicacies from PrimaKlima marked with the letters TC ("temperature controlled") with their own thermostat.

We understand that choosing a fan is not easy. We will be happy to help you find a fan that suits the plants, the room, the equipment and the budget. We are here for you at info@higarden.eu.

• WHISPERBLOWER: professional fans with unbeatable efficiency
• Prima Klima - fans for maximum performance and minimum noise