For warehouses or factories, HVLS fans can have a tremendous effect on both energy expenses and employee comfort.
What Is An HVLS Fan?
An HVLS, fan, short for “High Volume, Low Speed” fan is a massive ceiling fan that revolves at comparatively slow speeds and distributes warm or cool air throughout a space. They are typically used in spaces with high ceilings, such as production plants, warehouses, and other industrial operations.
In warm climates or during the summer, this type of fan can assist with the removal of excess humidity from the environment by substituting high temperature, humid air with drier air. In cooler environments, they can also help regulate the indoor climate by fully distributing warm air throughout a building.
HVLS Fan Size
HVLS fans are a minimum of 7 feet in diameter. Some fans can be as large as 24 feet wide, although for almost all industrial uses several smaller fans are required. Fan motor power varies, but nearly all HVLS units are between five eighths and one horsepower.
Although most HVLS fans are designed for ceilings, some can be designed to attach to floor mounted poles.
How Do HVLS Fans Work?
The efficiency of an HVLS fan is due to its slow RPM and mammoth scale. HVLS fans create large segments of air that travel slowly, as opposed to the rapidly moving, smaller air currents that are generated by standard ceiling fans. Turbulent, accelerated air output from smaller fans creates friction against still air and speed rapidly dispels.
With large-scale fans, the larger air currents proceed slowly and go greater distances because there is far less air friction. Consequently, it requires less electricity to push larger portions of air slowly than is needed to move smaller amounts of air at a faster rate.
The differential in power consumption is surprising. Boosting air movement from 2 miles per hour to 6 miles per hour requires nearly 27 times more energy. The bottom line is this: you’re much better off running larger fans at very low speeds versus smaller fans at high speeds.
Warehouse HVLS Fan Benefits
Reduce Heating Costs
During the winter months, a single HVLS fan can contribute significantly to energy cost savings.
Air naturally stratifies in large buildings, particularly those with high ceilings. Hot air rises toward the ceiling and the cooler air stays near the floor. Heating systems must work non-stop to warm the space close to the floor, which costs money, while the majority of that warm air moves toward the ceiling, away from workers.
Using an HVLS fan pulls a large volume of heated air down from the ceiling, assisting in recirculation throughout the building, thereby balancing the environment and enabling the HVAC system to work more efficiently.
Reduce Cooling Costs
Although HVLS fans are perfect for balancing heat recirculation in a building, the opposite is also possible: they can help with cooling in the summertime or in regions that are consistently warmer.
The fans keep air circulating around large spaces, and this circulation creates an evaporative cooling response. While the fan does not truly alter the temperature of the circulating air, it will naturally evaporate moisture in the air, establishing a more agreeable environment.
Reduce Environmental Impact
While reducing energy expenses is a great motivation, there is the added benefit that lowering electricity usage also shrinks a business’ carbon footprint. Over time, HVLS fans can provide significant reductions in consumption, particularly for enterprises with many locations.
Enhance Employee Comfort & Output
Happy employees are typically more effective, so maintaining your facilities at comfortable temperatures is advantageous. Numerous studies have proven a correlation between uncomfortable temperatures and reductions in workplace effectiveness.
HVLS Fans For Sale Near Me
If you want to know more about the nuances of HVLS fans for your warehouse, manufacturing plant or other industrial facility, contact a warehouse consultant at Welch Equipment today.
