The current state-of-the art air movers have come a long way from the sheet metal drying fans introduced by Lloyd Weaver back in the mid-1970s.

They are available in a variety of configurations — centrifugal, axial, downdraft and more.

Modern air movers also have helpful features like the ability to daisy chain with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, hour meters and rugged but lightweight plastic housings. Many are balanced for easier carrying and stackable for better storage.

Performance has also improved.

Air movers push out more air flow at greater velocity all while drawing fewer amps than ever before. These capabilities allow a structure to dry much faster and more completely than in the past.

Air mover usage

Air movers were originally designed to help dry both carpet and pad on a water loss, but there is no reason an air mover should sit on the shelf between jobs.

Even if you and your company never dry water intrusions, you'll benefit from having a few in your van and shop.

Carpet cleaning consumers consistently rank “fast drying” as being important to them. A down-draft fan or a few centrifugal fans placed in rooms where you have finished cleaning really speeds the drying time and pleases your clients.

Slow-drying upholstery can lead to problems, especially if natural fabrics are involved. Browning, shrinkage, bleeding and other issues may arise.

Directing air movement across the face of the fabric, never directly into the fabric, will get upholstery dry in a fraction of the time.

Any style of fan can help with ventilation.

Customers may have concerns about odors or fragrances or fumes from the products you are using.

Properly placing a fan in a window or doorway can make sure those odors are carried out of the home. A fan directed out the doorway where the hose enters a structure can assist in making sure carbon monoxide from your van or equipment does not enter the home.

The drying of some finishes for wood or other hard surface floors and protectors on carpet or upholstery can be hastened with air movement.

No matter what you are cleaning, a cooling breeze not only makes the working environment more comfortable but can keep you and your techs more presentable on a warm, humid day when hot cleaning solutions and vigorous activity can quickly increase perspiration.

Beyond floors

Getting back to water damage restoration, there are many uses beyond simply drying carpet and pad.

Directed heat drying systems that provide the fastest structural drying depend upon air movement to carry the heat right to where it is needed — the wet surface. Air movers are also an integral part of many wall drying systems.

It's time to check out the latest offerings from your local distributor or get the air movers off the storage shelf and into the van.

Scott Warrington has more than 40 years of experience in the carpet cleaning industry and related fields. He serves as the technical support specialist for Bridgepoint Systems and Interlink Supply. He can be contacted at scottw@bridgepoint.com.