question because there are models of inline duct fans that can be used for exhaustion, as also models of exhaust fans that may work well with airflow increase.
For some people, the difference is usually in the design of the fan; whether it is made to pull or push air (or both), as well as the size and diameter of the fan.
An exhaust fan, like the iLIVING 12″ Shutter Exhaust Fan, is primarily meant to expel polluted indoor air outside the house or building, but it also provides room for fresher outdoor air to come in. Its blades are primarily designed to pull air from inside the house and push it out.
On the other hand, most inline duct fans, like the AC Infinity CLOUDLINE Quiet 6” Inline Duct Fan, work by pushing air through a duct. They do not exhaust or pull air out if specifically installed for duct airflow.
This is also because an inline duct fan is placed inside the duct, just about a meter from one end. But to answer the question plainly, an inline fan is not the same as an exhaust fan. They have different uses and purposes for installation.
Inline Duct Fan Vs Exhaust Fan
So, how does an inline duct fan differ from an exhaust fan? You probably already have an idea, but we’ll throw in a few pointers for emphasis.
The first point of comparison is in the function that the two appliances perform. The inline duct fan is installed to help get warm or cold air from HVAC units to all parts of the house or building.
They enhance airflow, thereby increasing its volume and velocity and ensuring that even the most distant room in a building can get the cooling or warmth effect of the HVAC unit. On the other hand, an exhaust fan is meant to exhaust stale air along with air vapor and bring in fresher air.
These two appliances are quite competitive when it comes to performance. However, we must add that while they both only consume minimal energy, an inline duct fan is logically more efficient in terms of performance.
Nothing is to guarantee that some of the air expelled by the exhaust fan doesn’t find its way back into the house through the same vent. Besides, when outdoor humidity is equally high, it’d simply be an exchange of humid air.
Both the inline duct fan and the exhaust fan are installed in the duct (even though some exhaust fans are simply placed in an opening on the wall). However, the exhaust fan is closer to the outdoor than the inline fan.
While the exhaust fan may be visible from outside through the vent, you’re unlikely to see the inline duct fan because it is placed a meter or more away from one end of the ductwork.
4. Air Pull or Push?
This is a matter that is still being debated across the HVAC world. The jury is still out to decide whether it’s better for fans to pull or push air. Truth is, most exhaust fans are designed to pull; it only makes sense considering where they’re located.
On the other hand, inline duct fans are installed to push air already circulating in the duct. This air is released by the HVAC unit into the duct and then pushed by the inline fan to reach distant parts of the building.
5. Pollution Control
One major advantage of an exhaust fan is that it helps to prevent mold and mildew by expelling vapor out of the house. This helps to keep indoor air fresh and free of bacteria.
Meanwhile, an inline duct fan doesn’t exactly do this, but it can prevent condensation which may lead to mold growth if not controlled.
Which Is Better? Inline Duct Fan Or Exhaust Fan?
The question we always throw back when people try to compare two seemingly different appliances is, “based on what?”. It is not a fair comparison because both devices have different applications.
Using them the right way will certainly bring the best out of them. If you want to compare based on price and energy consumption, we may have to go with the exhaust fan because it is generally cheaper and consumes less energy than inline duct fans.
But, they cannot do the job that inline duct fans do unless they’re re-engineered to do so.
In the same vein, inline duct fans are better when it comes down to performance efficiency. Once sealed with