In industrial facilities like plants or warehouses, HVLS fans can have an enormous impact on both energy expenses and worker comfort.
What Is An HVLS Fan?
An HVLS, or “high volume, low speed” fan is an oversized ceiling mounted fan that rotates at very low speeds and moves climate controlled air throughout a space. They are most often used in areas with high ceilings, such as production plants, warehouses, and other industrial operations.
In summer months and warmer climates, these fans can help remove excess moisture from the environment by substituting high temperature, damp air with drier air. In cooler environments, they can also help regulate temperature by thoroughly distributing heated air through a space.
HVLS Fan Size
HVLS fans are at least 7 feet in diameter. Some varieties can be as much as 24 feet across, although for most industrial applications multiple smaller fans are used. Fan motor power varies, but the majority of units are between ⅝ horsepower and 1 horsepower.
Although almost all HVLS fans are meant to be mounted on ceilings, a few specialty fans can be designed to be installed on floor mounted posts.
How Do HVLS Fans Work?
The efficiency of an HVLS fan is due to its slow velocity and large size. HVLS fans create huge columns of air that move at low speed, in contrast to the rapidly moving, smaller air currents that are created by conventional fans. Tumultuous, high-speed air current from smaller fans generates friction against still air and speed quickly dissipates.
When you use an HVLS fan, the larger air columns move slowly and go much further as a result of less air friction. Consequently, it takes much less energy to push larger portions of air at a slower rate than it takes to drive smaller amounts of air at a faster rate.
The difference in energy consumption is startling. 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
A single HVLS fan can save a lot of money on energy during the winter months.
Air naturally stratifies in large buildings, particularly those with high ceilings. Warmer air rises to the ceiling and the cooler air stays near the ground. Heating systems must work overtime to warm the area near the ground, which is expensive, while the majority of that warm air floats up to the ceiling, away from people.
HVLS fans can move large quantities of heated air down from the ceiling, assisting in recirculation throughout the facility, thereby stabilizing the interior climate and relieving the HVAC system of its burden.
Reduce Cooling Costs
Although HVLS fans are ideal for balancing heat recirculation in a building, the reverse is also achievable: they can assist with cooling in the summertime or in warm climates.
The fans keep air moving around sizable areas, and this circulation generates an evaporative cooling effect. While the fan doesn’t truly alter the temperature of the air flowing down, it will naturally evaporate moisture in the air, producing a more agreeable environment.
Reduce Environmental Impact
Although reducing energy costs is a fantastic incentive, there is the extra bonus that lowering energy usage also improves a business’ carbon footprint. Over time, HVLS fans can generate meaningful reductions in consumption, particularly for operations with many locations.
Enhance Employee Morale & Productivity
Content workers are usually more effective, so keeping your facilities at comfortable temperatures is advantageous. Several studies have proven a relationship between uncomfortable temperatures and reductions in output.
HVLS Fans For Sale Near Me
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of HVLS fans for your warehouse or industrial operation, contact a professional at Welch Equipment today.
