Are Centrifugal Fans Quieter? | Noise Comparison & Benefits

29.04.2025

In industrial environments, fan performance is essential—but so is noise control. If you're asking, “Are centrifugal fans quieter?”, you're not alone. This is a common concern when choosing between centrifugal and axial fans for applications ranging from ventilation to dust extraction. In this article, we'll explore how centrifugal fans compare in terms of noise and what factors influence their acoustic footprint.

What Are Centrifugal Fans?

Centrifugal fans, also known as radial fans, use a rotating impeller to draw air in and push it out at a 90-degree angle. These fans are designed to handle higher pressures and are commonly used in HVAC systems, industrial processing, and dust collection. Learn more about what are centrifugal fans here.

Are Centrifugal Fans Quieter Than Axial Fans?

Generally, yes—centrifugal fans are quieter than axial fans in high-pressure applications. This is due to several reasons:

• Lower blade tip speed: The design of a centrifugal fan typically allows it to move air more slowly and efficiently at high pressure, reducing mechanical and airflow noise.
• Enclosed housing: Centrifugal fans are often housed in a scroll casing, which helps contain and dampen noise.
• Sound attenuation options: These fans can be fitted with silencers or acoustic insulation, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments.

However, the quietness of a fan also depends on other factors like size, motor type, speed, and installation conditions. Learn more about making a fan quiet here!

Factors That Affect Fan Noise

• Fan Speed: Higher RPM generally results in more noise. Centrifugal fans can achieve the same pressure as axial fans at lower speeds.
• Blade Design: Backward-curved blades, commonly used in centrifugal fans, produce less noise than forward-curved or straight blades.
• Installation Environment: Vibration, duct design, and placement can amplify or reduce perceived noise.
• Application Load: Operating a fan at or near its optimum efficiency point usually results in quieter performance.

Applications That Benefit from Quiet Fans

• Laboratories
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Office buildings
• Cleanrooms and electronics manufacturing
• Educational environments

In these cases, centrifugal fans are often chosen over axial fans to reduce ambient noise levels without compromising performance.

How to Reduce Fan Noise Further

If you're still concerned about noise levels, consider the following tips:

• Use acoustic enclosures or lagging.
• Install vibration isolation mounts.
• Choose fans with integrated silencers or acoustic dampening features.
• Ensure proper maintenance to avoid noise from wear and tear.

Are they quieter?

So, are centrifugal fans quieter? In most industrial and commercial applications where high pressure is needed, they certainly can be. Their design, efficiency, and ability to operate quietly under load make them a strong choice when noise control is a priority.

Looking for low-noise fan solutions? Fans and Blowers offers a wide range of centrifugal fans engineered for performance and quiet operation.