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What are the Different Types of Wall Mount Fans?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

Wall mount fans are any variety of fan that is mounted to a wall for the purposes of circulating air through a room. Some wall mount fans are individual units that can be mounted and then plugged into a wall outlet for use, while others are integrated into the wall itself and the central air system behind it to strategically circulate air through a space. Other wall mount fans act as exhaust fans, pushing air out of a room rather than into it. Such fans are commonly used in industrial settings and even kitchens.

The least expensive option for wall mount fans are individual units that are simply screwed into the wall and plugged into an electrical outlet. These fans are generally light to medium duty fans that can be mounted in small or medium sized spaces for extra circulation. They are often made with plastic cages and bodies to save on weight, though metal options are available as well. Heavier-duty, industrial fans can also be mounted in this fashion, though it will be more crucial to ensure the fan is properly mounted and screwed into a beam to ensure the weight of the fan can be supported. These fans tend to be heavier and made exclusively from metal components.

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Woman posing

Wall mount fans that are integrated into the wall structure and connected to ductwork which will either guide air into a room or push it out of a room tend to be more expensive and more difficult to install. They are fairly efficient, however, and a good choice for buildings with many rooms that require fans. The visual presentation of such fans is also much cleaner and less noticeable than other types of fans, making it a good choice for office buildings and other professional settings. Central air systems feature ductwork that reaches each of the wall mount fans to provide cool air when necessary.

Exhaust fans suck air out of a room and blow it away, usually through a vent to the outdoors. Industrial settings in which fumes are common may be required by law to be outfitted with such fans to improve ventilation and overall air quality. Kitchens often feature such fans in the event that smoke develops from burning food, or from the use of a professional grill indoors. These fans may also be required by law in kitchens to improve air quality.

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