What Is An HVLS Fan?

An HVLS, fan, also known as a “High Volume / Low Speed” fan is a massive ceiling fan that spins at very low speeds and distributes warm or cool air through a room. They are generally used in areas with elevated ceilings, such as factories, warehouses, and other industrial buildings.

In warm climates or during the summer, these fans can assist with the removal of excess moisture from the atmosphere by replacing hot, damp air with drier air. In cooler environments, they can also help control the indoor climate by fully distributing heated air through a building.

HVLS Fan Size

HVLS fans are not less than 84 inches across. Some fans can be as much as 24 feet wide, although for most commercial configurations several smaller fans are employed. Fan output varies, but most are between ⅝ horsepower and 1 horsepower.

Even though most HVLS fans are ceiling mounted, some can be designed to attach to floor mounted posts.

How Do HVLS Fans Work?

An HVLS fan’s effectiveness is due to its slow velocity and large scale. HVLS fans create massive segments of air that travel at a low rate of speed, in contrast to the fast-moving, small scale air currents that are created by standard ceiling fans. Turbulent, accelerated air current from typical fans produces friction against static air and velocity rapidly dispels.

When you use an HVLS fan, the bigger air columns move at slower speeds and go much further as a result of less air friction. Consequently, it requires less energy to larger portions of air slowly than is needed to move lesser volumes of air at a more rapid 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 a 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. Warmer air moves toward the ceiling while cold air remains close to the ground. Heaters must work overtime to heat the area close to the floor, which is expensive, while the majority of that warmed air moves toward the ceiling, away from workers.

HVLS fans can move large quantities of warm air away from the ceiling, recirculating it throughout the facility, thereby stabilizing the interior climate and lightening the load of the HVAC system.

Reduce Cooling Costs

While HVLS fans are ideal for keeping a building warm, the opposite is also true: they can help with cooling during the summer months or in warm climates.

HVLS fans keep air flowing around sizable areas, and this movement elicits an evaporative cooling response. While the fan doesn’t physically alter the temperature of the circulating air, it will naturally evaporate moisture in the air, establishing a more agreeable environment.

Reduce Environmental Impact

While saving money on energy expenses is a great motivation, there is the added benefit that lowering electricity usage also improves a business’ carbon footprint. Over time, HVLS fans can generate significant reductions in consumption, particularly for operations with multiple sites.

Improve Employee Morale & Output

Happy employees are generally more productive, so keeping your facilities at comfortable temperatures is advantageous. Several studies have shown a correlation between extreme temperatures and reductions in output.

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, contact a warehouse consultant at Raymond West today.

Raymond West's Boise service center serves most of Idaho, including Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Idaho Falls, Caldwell, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Post Falls and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Boise Material Handling Equipment Supplier

743 W McGregor Ct #100
Boise, ID 83705
(800) 675-2500