What Is An HVLS Fan?

An HVLS, fan, short for “High Volume, Low Speed” fan is a massive ceiling mounted fan that spins at comparatively slow speeds and distributes air throughout a room. They are typically added in spaces with higher ceilings, such as production plants, warehouses, and other industrial facilities.

In warm climates or during the summer, these types of fans can help remove excess humidity from the atmosphere by replacing hot, damp air with drier air. During the winter, they can also help regulate the indoor climate by thoroughly distributing warm air through a facility.

HVLS Fan Size

HVLS fans are at least 84 inches across. Some fans can be as much as 24 feet across, although for most commercial configurations several smaller fans are used. Fan output varies, but nearly all HVLS units are between five eighths and one horsepower.

Even though most HVLS fans are designed for ceilings, a few specialty fans can be designed to be installed on floor mounted masts.

How Do HVLS Fans Work?

HVLS fans are effective because of their low speed and large scale. HVLS fans create massive segments of air that proceed slowly, as opposed to the rapidly moving, small scale air flows that are created by ordinary fans. Tumultuous, rapid airflow from average fans generates friction against static air and speed quickly dispels.

With large-scale fans, the bigger air columns move slowly and go much further as a result of less air friction. Accordingly, it takes much less energy to move greater portions of air at a slower rate than it takes to drive lesser volumes of air at a faster rate.

The difference in energy consumption is startling. 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

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. Warmer air rises toward the ceiling and the cooler air stays near the floor. Heaters must work non-stop to heat the area close to the ground, which costs money, while the majority of that heated air floats up to the ceiling, away from people.

HVLS fans can move large quantities of heated air down from the ceiling, recirculating it throughout the building, thereby balancing the temperature and enabling the HVAC system to work more efficiently.

Reduce Cooling Costs

While HVLS fans are perfect for balancing heat recirculation in a building, the reverse is also achievable: they can help with air conditioning during the summer months or in regions that are consistently warmer.

HVLS fans keep air circulating throughout sizable facilities, and this circulation elicits an evaporative cooling effect. Although the fan does not truly transform the temperature of the circulating air, it will evaporate much of the inherent humidity in the air, creating a more comfortable environment.

Reduce Environmental Impact

Although saving money on energy costs is a great incentive, there is the extra benefit that reducing energy usage also shrinks a business’ carbon footprint. Over months and years, HVLS fans can generate significant reductions in energy use, especially for enterprises with numerous sites.

Enhance Employee Comfort & Productivity

Content employees are typically more effective, so keeping your buildings at comfortable temperatures is beneficial. Numerous studies have proven a connection between uncomfortable temperatures and reductions in productivity.

HVLS Fans For Sale Near Me

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of HVLS fans for your warehouse or production facility, talk to a material handling expert at Raymond West today.

Raymond West's Orange County service area includes Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Orange County Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Orange County, CA
(714) 790-9300