In the restoration industry, air movers play a crucial role in speeding up the drying process after water damage. Whether you're a professional or handling a small project, knowing how to properly use air movers like radial, centrifugal, and axial types is essential for efficient drying and preventing further damage like mould growth. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of air movers and how to use them effectively.
Understanding Air Movers: Radial, Centrifugal, and Axial
Before diving into how to use these air movers, let’s quickly break down the differences between them.
Radial Air Movers: Designed for maximum air circulation in smaller spaces, radial air movers push air out in all directions, making them ideal for drying tight spaces like under carpets or inside wall cavities. They tend to be compact and more portable, which makes them easy to position for concentrated drying.
Centrifugal Air Movers: These air movers are perfect for more targeted air movement. They use a fan to draw air into the unit and force it out at high speed, allowing for focused drying on specific areas like wet floors or walls. They are highly efficient for structural drying in areas prone to water damage.
Axial Air Movers: Known for their high airflow and efficiency in large spaces, axial air movers are typically used in larger rooms or open areas. They move air in a straight line and cover more ground, making them great for drying big areas quickly. These are often used alongside dehumidifiers for whole-room drying.
How to Use Radial Air Movers
Radial air movers are best for drying specific, hard-to-reach areas. Here’s how you can make the most out of them:
Place them strategically: Position the radial air mover under carpets, around baseboards, or in confined spaces like crawl spaces. The 360-degree air output will help distribute air throughout the small area.
Close proximity is key: Since radial air movers are smaller, place them closer to the water-damaged area to maximize airflow.
Use multiple units: If drying a larger space with multiple confined areas, consider using several radial air movers to ensure consistent airflow in all affected zones.
Pair with dehumidifiers: While the air mover increases air circulation, a dehumidifier will help remove moisture from the air, expediting the drying process.
How to Use Centrifugal Air Movers
Centrifugal air movers are excellent for targeted drying, especially on floors, walls, and furniture.
Direct the airflow: Position the centrifugal air mover so that it’s aimed directly at the wet surface. You want the airflow to be as focused as possible to ensure rapid drying.
Use different angles: Most centrifugal air movers allow you to adjust the angle of airflow. Experiment with different angles to make sure that air is circulating over the affected surface evenly.
Place in hard-hit areas: Use these air movers in areas that have sustained the most water damage for focused drying power. This could include water-soaked flooring or drywall.
Layer the drying process: Use centrifugal air movers in combination with fans and dehumidifiers to create a layered drying effect. This reduces drying time and helps prevent secondary damage like mould.
How to Use Axial Air Movers
Axial air movers are the powerhouse machines when it comes to drying larger spaces.
Cover larger areas: Place axial air movers in the centre of a large room or along walls to push airflow across the entire area. Their strong, direct airflow will help distribute air throughout the space.
Use in tandem with dehumidifiers: Axial air movers are particularly effective when paired with high-powered dehumidifiers in large areas. The air mover will distribute dry air quickly, helping to remove moisture faster.
Elevate for best results: If possible, elevate axial air movers on stands or blocks to allow airflow above and below water-damaged surfaces. This technique is useful when drying furniture, carpets, or large walls.
Angle for maximum impact: Similar to centrifugal models, axial air movers can often be tilted. Adjust the angle for optimum air coverage, ensuring the most effective drying performance.
Best Practices for Air Mover Use
Regardless of which type of air mover you’re using, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:
Monitor moisture levels: Use a moisture meter to track the progress of your drying. This helps you adjust the position or number of air movers if necessary.
Use multiple air movers: In larger spaces or in cases of extensive damage, using multiple air movers will ensure even airflow and faster drying.
Safety first: Always ensure that air movers are plugged into safe, grounded outlets. Avoid overloading circuits with too many devices on one power source.
Combine with other equipment: For best results, always use air movers in combination with dehumidifiers and fans to maximise efficiency.
Conclusion
Choosing the right air mover and knowing how to use it is critical for effective restoration. Radial air movers are great for tight spaces, centrifugal air movers are perfect for focused drying, and axial air movers excel in large areas. By placing them strategically and using them alongside dehumidifiers, you can greatly reduce drying time and prevent further damage from occurring.
These powerful tools are invaluable in the restoration industry, ensuring that water damage is dealt with swiftly and effectively. Whether you’re a professional or a DIYer, mastering air movers will help you achieve optimal results in any drying situation.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to using air movers to their full potential. Need equipment for your next restoration job? Contact us at FRAHire to hire top-quality air movers and other restoration gear to get the job done right!