Company Logo

blog arrow-icons


Intake vs. Exhaust Fan: What You Need to Know


Have you ever stopped to consider the differences when it comes to the intake vs. exhaust fan? If you haven’t, you aren’t alone. The truth is, most people don’t spend much mental energy on their metal building accessories — that is, until those accessories fall into disrepair. At Metallic Products, we believe having a solid understanding of the building accessories at play is key. Not only does it help to ensure you have the right tools for the job, but that you’re providing the maintenance and TLC needed to keep them working their best. Read on to learn all about the intake vs. exhaust fan — what the two are, how they help and more.

Intake vs. Exhaust Fan — What’s the Difference?
The key differentiator between these two varieties hinges on which direction the fan is moving the air. Put simply, intake fans draw fresh, clean air into a space, while exhaust fans move warm, stale air (or air contaminated by manufacturing or production practices) out. Ideally, your ventilation system will incorporate both varieties working in tandem — replenishing that removed air quickly to avoid a negative pressure situation. Negative pressure can lead to a number of issues, including increased humidity and growth of mold and mildew. Of course, these fans also help to keep temperatures regulated and spaces more comfortable.

Making Your System Work for You
In order to be as effective as possible, your ventilation system must be tailored to suit your unique space and the work that takes place inside it. (In other words, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation.) Here are some things to consider:

  • Passive or Mechanical Systems: Do you prefer to encourage airflow through natural ventilation, or does a mechanical ventilation option make more sene? Of course, both means carry their own pros and cons — and many operations opt for a mix of the two. Much of that decision will boil down to the amount of maintenance you’re willing to put into your fans and the purpose your metal building serves. (Power vents are often a go-to option for operations that must contend with dangerous fumes, extreme heat and humidity, and the like.)
  • The Amount, Size and Placement of Fans Needed: It stands to reason that, the larger your operation is, the larger its ventilation needs will be. We recommend working closely with a trusted metal building accessories provider to determine which tools make the most sense for your needs — and how many you’ll need to carry out your work safely. Ideally, your provider can also help ensure those fans are situated in the right areas on your building. Remember, a quality ventilation system takes all of your fans working in sync.

We’re just at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the intake vs. exhaust fan. If you have questions on any of the above, or you’re ready to get rolling on incorporating either fan option into your next metal building project, contact our team today! Metallic Products offers a range of intake fans (including fixed, adjustable and architectural louvers), and exhaust fans such as continuous and low profile ridge vents, turbine vents and power vents, too. We look forward to working with you!