In industrial facilities like plants or warehouses, HVLS fans can have a significant influence on both heating and cooling expenses and employee comfort.
What Is An HVLS Fan?
An HVLS, fan, also known as a “High Volume / Low Speed” fan is an oversized ceiling mounted fan that revolves at very low speeds and moves climate controlled air through a room. They are commonly put to use in areas with high ceilings, such as factories, warehouses, and other industrial operations.
In summer months and warmer climates, this type of fan can help remove surplus moisture from the air by replacing warm, damp air with drier air. During cooler months, they can also help manage indoor ambient temperature by thoroughly circulating heated air through a facility.
HVLS Fan Size
HVLS fans are at least 7 feet across. Some types can be as large as 24 feet wide, although for the majority of industrial uses numerous smaller fans are required. Fan motor power varies, but the majority of units are between five eighths and one horsepower.
Even though the vast majority of HVLS fans are ceiling mounted, some can be configured to be installed on floor mounted masts.
How Do HVLS Fans Work?
HVLS fans are effective because of their slow velocity and large scale. HVLS fans produce massive segments of air that move at a low rate of speed, in contrast to the fast-moving, small scale air currents that are generated by ordinary ceiling fans. Tumultuous, accelerated air current from typical fans creates friction against stationary air and speed rapidly dwindles.
With large-scale fans, the larger air currents move slowly and go much further as a result of diminished air friction. Consequently, it takes much less electricity to force greater volumes of air slowly than it takes to drive smaller amounts of air at a quicker rate.
The disparity in energy usage is remarkable. It takes nearly 27 times more energy to move air at 6 miles per hour versus moving air at 2 miles per hour. 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
Throughout the winter, a single HVLS fan can help you save a lot of money on your energy bills.
Air naturally stratifies in large buildings, particularly those with high ceilings. Hot air moves toward the ceiling while cold air remains close to the floor. Heaters must work furiously to warm the area near the ground, which costs money, while the majority of that warmed air rises up to the ceiling, away from workers.
HVLS fans can move large quantities of warm air down from the ceiling, recirculating it throughout the facility, thereby balancing the interior climate and lightening the load of the HVAC system.
Reduce Cooling Costs
While HVLS fans are perfect for keeping a building warm, the opposite is also achievable: they can help with air conditioning during the summer months or in warm climates.
HVLS fans keep air moving throughout large facilities, and this movement creates an evaporative cooling effect. While the fan doesn’t physically transform the temperature of the air flowing down, it will evaporate much of the inherent humidity in the air, establishing a more pleasant environment.
Reduce Environmental Impact
Although saving money on energy expenses is a great incentive, there is the additional advantage that reducing electricity usage also improves a business’ carbon footprint. Over time, HVLS fans can generate substantial reductions in energy use, especially for operations with multiple sites.
Improve Employee Comfort & Output
Happy employees are usually more effective, so keeping your buildings at comfortable temperatures is profitable. Several studies have identified a connection between uncomfortable temperatures and decreases in workplace effectiveness.
HVLS Fans For Sale Near Me
If you’re interested in learning more about the nuances of HVLS fans for your warehouse, manufacturing plant or other industrial facility, call a professional at Welch Equipment today.
