The Buyer's Guide: Mixed Flow Fan vs. Centrifugal Fan for Ducted Systems

You are designing a ventilation system that requires moving air through ductwork. You know a simple axial fan won't cut it, as it can't handle the resistance (static pressure). This leaves you with two powerful contenders: the traditional Centrifugal Fan and the modern Mixed Flow Fan. Both are designed to perform under pressure, but they have key differences in design, performance, and ideal application.

Making the wrong choice can result in an oversized, inefficient, or unnecessarily noisy system. As technical experts in both technologies, we at Hon&Guan have created this buyer's guide to compare these two fan types directly. We'll help you understand the nuances so you can select the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your project.

Defining the Contenders: Two Approaches to Pressure

  • The Centrifugal Fan (Blower): This is the classic high-pressure workhorse. It draws air into its center and slings it out at a 90-degree angle. Its scroll-shaped housing converts high-velocity air into high static pressure. It is typically bulky and housed outside of the duct line.

  • The Mixed Flow Fan: This is a modern, hybrid technology. Housed inside a tube-like body that fits directly in a duct line, its special impeller pushes air both axially (straight) and radially (outwards). This creates a powerful and efficient diagonal airflow that excels at moving high volumes of air against moderate resistance.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Performance in a Ducted Environment

Let's compare these two fan types on the factors that are most critical when designing a ducted ventilation system.

Feature Centrifugal Fan Mixed Flow Fan The Verdict & Hon&Guan's Take
Peak Application Extremely High Pressure. Ideal for industrial dust collection, material conveying, and systems with multiple heavy filter banks. Moderate Pressure, High Volume. Perfect for residential/commercial HVAC, bathroom/kitchen exhaust, and hydroponics. The centrifugal fan is the undisputed king of extremely high pressure. However, for the moderate pressure levels found in most HVAC and ventilation ductwork, the mixed flow fan operates at a much higher efficiency. Don't pay for pressure you don't need.
Energy Efficiency Efficiency drops off significantly when not operating at its specific, high-pressure design point. Highly Efficient across a wider range of operations. Pairs perfectly with energy-saving EC motors. For most residential and light commercial applications, the mixed flow fan will be the more energy-efficient choice, leading to lower operating costs.
Physical Footprint & Install Bulky and requires significant space. Installation is more complex, often needing a dedicated platform and transitional duct fittings. Compact and installs directly in the duct line. This saves space and simplifies the installation process significantly. The inline nature of the mixed flow fan is a massive advantage in terms of space savings and architectural integration.
Noise Level Can be very loud due to high-speed operation and the large housing radiating sound. Inherently Quieter. The advanced aerodynamics create less turbulence, and the inline design contains the noise within the duct. For any application where noise is a concern (e.g., residential, office spaces), the mixed flow fan is the clear winner, offering a much quieter acoustic profile.
Cost Higher initial cost for the fan unit itself and more complex, costly installation. Lower initial cost for the fan and a simpler, less expensive installation. While both are investments, the mixed flow fan typically offers a lower total installed cost for applications within its performance range.

Application-Based Purchasing Recommendations

  • Invest in a Centrifugal Fan if:

    • Your system involves moving solid particulates (like sawdust).

    • You need to overcome extremely high static pressure (> 4-5 in. w.g.).

    • The application is heavy industrial, and noise/size are not primary concerns.

  • Choose the Modern Mixed Flow Fan if:

    • Your application is residential or commercial HVAC, exhaust, or supply.

    • You need to balance strong airflow with the ability to overcome moderate pressure from ducts and filters.

    • Energy efficiency, quiet operation, and a compact footprint are key priorities.

Hon&Guan: Pioneering Mixed Flow Technology

At Hon&Guan, we have focused our engineering on perfecting the Mixed Flow Fan because we recognize it as the most intelligent solution for the vast majority of modern ventilation needs. Our mixed flow fans offer a smarter, quieter, and more efficient way to move air through ducts compared to older, bulkier technologies. We provide the precise performance needed for today's energy-conscious and space-constrained building designs.

Final Buying Considerations

  • Performance Curves: Always consult the manufacturer's performance chart. Compare how much CFM each fan type delivers at your specific static pressure requirement.

  • System as a Whole: Consider the total cost, including the fan, accessories, and installation labor. The mixed flow fan often emerges as the more economical choice overall.

To learn more about our high-performance ventilation solutions or for assistance with your specific application, please contact the Hon&Guan team at sales01@hongguanfan.com.