What Is An HVLS Fan?

An HVLS, or “high volume, low speed” fan is an oversized ceiling mounted fan that revolves at very low speeds and circulates climate controlled air throughout a space. They are generally put to use in areas with high ceilings, such as factories, warehouses, and other industrial facilities.

In summer months and warmer climates, this type of fan can assist with the removal of unwanted humidity from the environment by substituting high temperature, humid air with drier air. During the winter, they can also help manage the indoor climate by thoroughly circulating warm air throughout a building.

HVLS Fan Size

HVLS fans are not less than 7 feet in diameter. Some fans can be as much as 24 feet across, although for almost all industrial configurations multiple smaller fans are required. Fan output varies, but nearly all HVLS units are between five eighths and one horsepower.

Though almost all HVLS fans are meant to be mounted on ceilings, some can be designed to attach to floor mounted poles.

How Do HVLS Fans Work?

HVLS fans are effective because of their slow speed and mammoth scale. HVLS fans generate huge segments of air that proceed at a low rate of speed, as opposed to the fast-moving, smaller air currents that are produced by standard fans. Turbulent, rapid airflow from average fans creates friction against still air and velocity quickly dispels.

When you use an HVLS fan, the bigger air columns travel slowly and go greater distances because there is far less air friction. For this reason, it takes much less energy to greater portions of air at a slower rate than is needed to move lesser amounts of air at a faster rate.

The differential in power consumption is surprising. 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

A single HVLS fan can save a lot of money on energy during the winter months.

Large buildings, especially those with high ceilings, naturally stratify air by temperature. Warmer air rises to the ceiling while cold air remains close to the floor. HVAC systems must work non-stop to warm the area close to the ground, which is expensive, while the majority of that heated air rises toward the ceiling, away from people.

Using an HVLS fan pulls a large volume of heated air down from the ceiling, recirculating it throughout the facility, thereby stabilizing the temperature and lightening the load of the HVAC system.

Reduce Cooling Costs

While HVLS fans are great at maintaining heat in a building, the opposite is also possible: they can help with cooling in the summertime or in warm climates.

HVLS fans keep air flowing throughout large spaces, and this movement creates an evaporative cooling effect. Although the fan does not physically change the temperature of the air flowing down, it will naturally evaporate moisture in the air, establishing a more comfortable environment.

Reduce Environmental Impact

While reducing energy expenses is a fantastic motivation, there is the extra bonus that reducing energy consumption also improves a business’ carbon footprint. Over time, HVLS fans can provide significant reductions in energy use, particularly for operations with many locations.

Improve Employee Morale & Productivity

Happy employees are generally more effective, so maintaining your buildings at comfortable temperatures is beneficial. Many studies have proven 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, call a material handling expert at Raymond West today.

Raymond West's Long Beach service area includes Long Beach, North Long Beach, Wilmington, San Pedro, Lomita, Torrance and nearby surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Long Beach Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Long Beach
(562) 444-1222