What Is An HVLS Fan?

An HVLS, or “high volume, low speed” fan is an oversized ceiling fan that rotates at low speeds and distributes warm or cool air through a space. They are commonly 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 help remove excess moisture from the air by replacing warm, humid air with drier air. In cooler environments, they can also help regulate indoor ambient temperature by fully distributing warm air through a space.

HVLS Fan Size

HVLS fans are a minimum of 7 feet across. Some fans can be as much as 24 feet wide, although for almost all industrial applications several smaller fans are required. Fan motor power varies, but the majority of units are between ⅝ horsepower and 1 horsepower.

Even though the vast majority of HVLS fans are meant to be mounted on ceilings, some can be designed to be affixed to floor mounted posts.

How Do HVLS Fans Work?

HVLS fans are effective because of their low speed and mammoth scale. HVLS fans generate huge segments of air that proceed at low speed, as opposed to the rapidly moving, modest air flows that are created by standard ceiling fans. Turbulent, high-speed air current from typical fans generates friction against still air and velocity rapidly dissipates.

When you use an HVLS fan, the massive air currents move more gradually and go much further as a result of less air friction. Consequently, it takes much less energy to greater portions of air at a slower rate than is needed to move smaller amounts of air at a quicker rate.

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 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.

In large structures, especially those with high ceilings, air naturally stratifies. Warmer air moves to the ceiling and the cooler air stays near the floor. HVAC systems must work furiously to heat the space near the ground, which is expensive, while most of that heated air rises up toward the ceiling, away from people.

Using an HVLS fan pulls a large volume of warm air down from the ceiling, recirculating it throughout the building, thereby normalizing the interior climate and lightening the load of the HVAC system.

Reduce Cooling Costs

While HVLS fans are perfect for balancing heat recirculation in a building, the reverse is also possible: they can help with air conditioning in the summertime or in warm climates.

HVLS fans keep air circulating throughout sizable facilities, and this circulation generates an evaporative cooling effect. Although the fan does not actually alter the temperature of the circulating air, it will reduce moisture in the air through evaporation, producing a more comfortable environment.

Reduce Environmental Impact

Although reducing energy expenses is a fantastic motivation, there is the added bonus that reducing energy consumption also shrinks a business’ carbon footprint. Over months and years, HVLS fans can deliver significant reductions in energy use, particularly for operations with many sites.

Enhance Employee Morale & Output

Content employees are typically more productive, so maintaining your facilities at comfortable temperatures is beneficial. Several studies have shown a relationship between uncomfortable temperatures and decreases in workplace effectiveness.

HVLS Fans For Sale Near Me

If you want to know more about the benefits of HVLS fans for your warehouse, manufacturing plant or other industrial facility, contact a warehouse consultant at Raymond West today.

Raymond West's Oxnard / Ventura service area includes Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Ventura, Santa Paula, Westlake Village, Simi Valley and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Oxnard Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Ventura County, CA
(805) 667-0888