Coils aren’t the only components of your heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system. There are fans in your HVAC system as well. Most HVAC systems have two different types of fans. While they both feature spinning blades, they serve different purposes. To learn more about the two primary types of fans in HVAC systems and how they differ, keep reading.
Condenser Fan
Your HVAC system has a condenser fan. The condenser fan is installed inside of the condenser unit. It’s shaped like a propeller with blades attached to a shaft. When running your air conditioning system, the condenser fan will spin. This spinning action will force air over the adjacent condenser coil. The condenser fan will stop spinning once your air conditioner system has performed its cooling process and turned off.
Furnace Fan
In addition to a condenser fan, your HVAC system may have a furnace fan. The term “furnace fan” is somewhat of a misnomer. While they are installed inside of furnaces, they are used for both heating and cooling purposes. Whether you’re running your air conditioning system or furnace, the furnace fan will turn on. The furnace fan consists of blades that, while spinning, force air over the evaporator coil and into the ductwork.
Differences Between the Condenser Fan and Furnace Fan
The condenser fan and furnace fan are used for different purposes. The purpose of the condenser fan is to expel heat from the refrigerant. As the hot refrigerant travels from the evaporator coil to the condenser coil, it will be exposed to air created by the condenser fan. The condenser fan will force air over the condenser coil, thereby releasing the refrigerant’s heat.
The furnace fan serves a few purposes. When running your air conditioning system, it will force air over the evaporator coil. As air blows over the evaporator coil, heat will be transferred to the refrigerant. If you’re running either your air conditioning system or furnace, though, the furnace fan will push air into the ductwork. It will push either cool or warm air into the ductwork so that it can be distributed throughout your home.
Another difference between condenser fans and furnace fans lies in their technology. Condenser fans are typically axial fans. They force air along a fixed axis. Furnace fans, on the other hand, are typically centrifugal fans. Centrifugal fans are characterized by the use of a rotating impeller, which allows for the creation of high speeds and pressure.
