In industrial facilities like warehouses or manufacturing plants, HVLS fans can have a tremendous influence on both heating and cooling expenses and employee comfort.
What Is An HVLS Fan?
An HVLS, fan, short for “High Volume, Low Speed” fan is a very large diameter ceiling fan that revolves at low speeds and moves warm or cool air throughout a room. They are commonly put to use in spaces with elevated ceilings, such as factories, warehouses, and other industrial operations.
In warm climates or during the summer, these fans can help remove surplus humidity from the air by replacing warm, damp air with drier air. During cooler months, they can also help regulate the indoor climate by fully distributing warm air throughout a facility.
HVLS Fan Size
HVLS fans are at least 7 feet in diameter. Some types can be as large as 24 feet wide, although for most commercial designs several smaller fans are used. Fan output varies, but most are between five eighths and one horsepower.
Though most HVLS fans are meant to be mounted on ceilings, there are some that can be configured to be installed on floor mounted posts.
How Do HVLS Fans Work?
The efficiency of an HVLS fan is due to its low velocity and mammoth size. HVLS fans produce large segments of air that travel slowly, as opposed to the rapidly moving, smaller air flows that are created by conventional ceiling fans. Turbulent, accelerated airflow from average fans produces friction against static air and speed rapidly dissipates.
When you use an HVLS fan, the bigger air currents travel more gradually and go greater distances as a result of less air friction. Consequently, it requires less energy to push greater portions of air slowly than is needed to move lesser amounts of air at a faster speed.
The difference in energy consumption is startling. Moving air at 6 miles per hour takes nearly 27 times as much energy as 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
During the winter months, a single HVLS fan can contribute significantly to energy cost savings.
In large structures, especially those with high ceilings, air naturally stratifies. Warmer air moves toward the ceiling while cold air remains close to the floor. HVAC systems must work furiously to warm the area near the floor, which costs money, while most of that heated air rises toward the ceiling, away from employees.
HVLS fans can move large quantities of warm air down from the ceiling, assisting in recirculation throughout the space, thereby normalizing the environment and relieving the HVAC system of its burden.
Reduce Cooling Costs
Although HVLS fans are ideal for balancing heat recirculation in a building, the opposite is also true: they can help with air conditioning in the summertime or in regions that are consistently warmer.
HVLS fans keep air moving throughout large facilities, and this airflow elicits an evaporative cooling effect. Although the fan does not physically alter 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
While saving money on energy expenses is a great reason to consider HVLS fans, there is the extra advantage that reducing energy consumption also reduces a business’ carbon footprint. Over months and years, HVLS fans can provide meaningful reductions in energy use, especially for businesses with multiple sites.
Improve Employee Morale & Productivity
Happy employees are generally more productive, so maintaining your facilities at comfortable temperatures is advantageous. Numerous studies have identified a connection between uncomfortable temperatures and reductions in workplace effectiveness.
HVLS Fans For Sale Near Me
If you’d like to learn more about the nuances of HVLS fans for your warehouse or production facility, talk to a warehouse consultant at Welch Equipment today.
