Last Updated on August 18, 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 are Expensive to Operate
Big Ass Fans rely on mains electricity to power their motors, which can lead to ongoing energy bills—especially if they’re running all day in a warehouse or factory.
By contrast, Solar Whiz runs on solar power—a free, renewable energy source. You can run it entirely on solar, or choose the hybrid model that taps into mains power only when necessary.
Even if you rely on mains occasionally, Solar Whiz’s energy consumption is remarkably low—costing just $0.0088 per hour to operate.
💡 Want to reduce operating costs? Solar Whiz makes it easy. Explore your options.
3. Big Ass Fans Don’t Actually Cool the Room
Despite moving large volumes of air, Big Ass Fans don’t extract hot air or introduce cooler outside air.
They simply circulate the same warm indoor air, which doesn’t reduce the overall temperature. At best, they redistribute air from your air conditioner or heater. At worst, they create a false sense of comfort while the heat load in your building continues to rise.
Solar Whiz, on the other hand, extracts hot air from your space and replaces it with cooler, fresher outside air. Our units can extract up to 10,000m³ of air per hour, reducing heat buildup, improving comfort, and lowering strain on your HVAC system.
🏭 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 may look impressive, but they fall short when it comes to true ventilation, cooling, and energy efficiency.
If your priority is lowering indoor temperatures, improving air quality, and saving on running costs, Solar Whiz is the solution built for your business.
🇦🇺 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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