Last Updated on November 19, 2025 by Solar Whiz
Big Ass Fans are widely recognised across Australia and globally for their massive size and powerful airflow. But are they really the best option for your business or industrial facility?
Many business owners install Big Ass Fans expecting cooler, more comfortable spaces—only to discover that these oversized fans may not deliver the results they expected. Below, we reveal five key truths about Big Ass Fans and why many are now switching to solar-powered ventilation alternatives like Solar Whiz.
1. Big Ass Fans Are Expensive to Install
One of the biggest drawbacks? The price tag.
A single Big Ass Fan can cost anywhere from $795 to $4,000, and that doesn’t include professional installation. For industrial or commercial settings, you’ll likely need multiple fans, adding up to a significant upfront investment.
Installation can also be complex and costly. Ceiling height, roof pitch, structural obstructions, and compliance requirements can all increase labour time and installation costs.
2. Big Ass Fans Might be Expensive to Operate
Big Ass Fans run on mains electricity, so their operating costs depend on factors such as energy rates, fan size, and daily usage. In larger facilities where airflow is needed throughout the day, this naturally contributes to ongoing power consumption as part of normal operations.
Solar Whiz works differently because it’s powered primarily by solar energy. During daylight hours, it operates at zero cost, and the hybrid option only draws small amounts of mains power when required. Even with occasional mains use, the system’s energy consumption remains very low—around $0.0088 per hour.
This makes solar-powered ventilation a cost-effective choice for facilities wanting to maintain airflow while keeping operating expenses to a minimum.
💡 Want to reduce operating costs? Solar Whiz makes it easy. Explore your options.
3. Big Ass Fans Don’t Extract Hot Stale Air
Big Ass Fans don’t reduce the air temperature in a room, but they do improve comfort by increasing air movement. This airflow can create a noticeable cooling sensation—often described as feeling up to 6 °C cooler—by enhancing evaporative and convective heat transfer. This makes HVLS fans highly effective in many workplaces where improved air movement directly benefits occupants.
However, HVLS fans work by circulating indoor air rather than extracting it. They don’t remove warm, stale, or humid air from the building, and they don’t bring in cooler outside air.
Solar Whiz operates differently. It’s designed to actively extract hot air from your roof space or indoor environment and draw in cooler, fresher outside air. With capacities of up to 10,000 m³/h, Solar Whiz can help reduce heat buildup, improve air quality, and lessen the load on HVAC systems.
Both solutions enhance comfort—but they do so in different ways. Fans improve cooling sensation through airflow, while solar-powered ventilation focuses on removing heat and improving air exchange.
🏭 Case Study: See why SuperZu replaced Big Ass Fans with Solar Whiz
4. They Don’t Improve Ventilation or Air Quality
Big Ass Fans move stagnant air—but they don’t ventilate.
There’s a major difference between air circulation and ventilation. Real ventilation requires air exchange—pulling out hot, stale, or humid air and replacing it with clean outdoor air.
If you’re operating a warehouse, factory, gym, or animal facility, proper ventilation is essential. It improves air quality, reduces moisture buildup, and helps meet workplace health standards.
Solar Whiz delivers real ventilation by extracting heat, humidity, and airborne pollutants—creating a healthier environment for staff, clients, and equipment.
📚 Learn more about industrial ventilation
5. Big Ass Fans Require Regular Cleaning & Maintenance
Large fan blades gather dust—fast. Over time, this dust gets blown around your facility, impacting cleanliness and potentially contributing to poor indoor air quality, especially in dust-sensitive environments like warehouses, workshops, or manufacturing plants.
Big Ass Fans recommends regular cleaning, checking safety cables, tightening hardware, and inspecting wiring. They even offer a paid annual maintenance program.
Solar Whiz? It’s a set-and-forget solution. It automatically turns on when sunlight hits the panel, and with optional accessories like a thermostat, night operation kit, or hygrostat (for humidity control), you can fine-tune performance without lifting a finger.
Conclusion
Big Ass Fans are effective at improving air movement and creating a cooling sensation, making them a strong choice for many commercial and industrial spaces.
Solar Whiz offers a different approach, focusing on active heat extraction, improved ventilation, and low operating costs, including options for 24/7 hybrid operation with the night kit.
Choosing the right solution depends on your facility’s specific needs—whether you want enhanced air circulation, real heat removal, or a combination of both.
🇦🇺 Australian-made and engineered for harsh Aussie conditions.
🔗 Compare Big Ass Fans vs Solar Whiz now or Get in touch with our team to discuss a tailored ventilation solution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Big Ass Fans worth the money?
They’re powerful, but they don’t offer true cooling or ventilation. Many businesses find better long-term value in solar-powered systems like Solar Whiz.
Do Big Ass Fans cool a room?
No. They move air around but don’t reduce the temperature or remove hot air.
What is the alternative to Big Ass Fans?
Solar-powered exhaust systems like Solar Whiz extract hot air and bring in cooler outside air—improving comfort and air quality.
What is better than a Big Ass Fan?
If your goal is actual cooling, energy savings, and ventilation, Solar Whiz outperforms Big Ass Fans in nearly every category.
About the Author
Solar Whiz is an Australian-made solar ventilation system designed to improve airflow, reduce heat build-up, and enhance indoor comfort in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. With over a decade of experience, Solar Whiz has become a trusted name in energy-efficient ventilation solutions tailored for Australian conditions.
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