Rotary ventilators are a tried and true ventilation method for fixed buildings and mobile vehicles too. As a passive ventilation system, rotary vents help to keep air moving, and keep the elements out too.
They’ve become iconic in their own right; spinning fans on top of vans are instantly recognisable and an aesthetic that many people love.
We’ll explore what rotary vents are, what they do, and the best use cases for installation. We’ll also recommend some fantastic rotary ventilator products from our partners at CentaFlow.
What are rotary vents?
Rotary ventilation is a cost-effective passive air ventilation solution, using natural air pressure to circulate air. A hole is cut in a roofing area, the rotary vent housing is installed, and a fan installed on top.
As air flows over the fan, air is pulled up from below whilst the fan spins and allows air to be circulated effectively and without additional power.
Rotary vents work best as part of a paired ventilation solution. Combined with air vents that allow a steady flow from below, rotary fans installed on a roof ensure a consistent air flow.
Pros and Cons for Rotary Ventilation
As with all ventilation solutions, it’s not one size fits all. Rotary vents have some fantastic benefits, but there are some drawbacks to consider too.
Pros of Rotary Vents:
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Cost Effective - Rotary ventilation tends to be fairly inexpensive, making it a great option for those on both financial budgets, but also power budgets as they’re a passive solution.
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Robust Design - These vents are exposed to the elements, as such they’re designed to be robust and durable. Whilst some maintenance will be required, these products are designed to last for a long time.
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Constant and effective airflow - Rotary fans work best when the fan is spinning, but do allow circulation whilst static too. Rotary vents act like mushroom vents when the fan isn’t spinning, which is less effective but still active.
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Low profile design - Some ventilation solutions are bulky and take up a lot of space. Low profile rotary vents are great where space needs to be considered. They also work very well as an aesthetic solution too, particularly on vans and campers.
Cons of Rotary Vents:
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Some maintenance is required - As there are moving parts that can wear over time, some maintenance will be required. Whilst they are durable, the best performance comes from a well-maintained system.
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Not a standalone solution - No ventilation system is truly a standalone offer, and rotary vents work best when paired with other options. Whilst rotary vents are cost-effective, it does mean costs increase to install other vents.
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Installation requires a permanent change - Installation of a rotary vent requires a hole to be cut in the roof for the housing and to allow air to pass through. This requires careful installation and sealing to avoid any leaks, but also means a permanent change too.
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Best for low-volume, passive circulation - This method is best for passively circulating stale air and helping with temperature control. Clearing odours or contaminants is more effectively done with an active ventilation system.
Do you need Rotary Ventilation?
Ultimately, this will be decided by your own unique requirements and current ventilation set-up. Our 101 Guide to Ventilation for Vans and Caravans explores the most popular, and most effective methods.
With that being said, rotary vents have gained a reputation for being a fantastic all-round solution when paired with other methods. There’s a reason they’re commonly seen, and trusted for a wide range of ventilation requirements too.
As an easy to install and effective solution, they make a great addition to any ventilation system. When combined with active ventilation systems, their effectiveness only increases.
Learn more about Albert Jagger’s Rotary Vent Solutions
If you’re looking to find out more about our rotary ventilator range, or other solutions for van and campervan air ventilation, our team will recommend the most effective solutions.
Get in touch with us today to find out more, or request a call back so our team can assist on your specific requirements.