What Is An HVLS Fan?

An HVLS, fan, also known as a “High Volume / Low Speed” fan is an oversized ceiling mounted fan that rotates at low speeds and distributes climate controlled air through a space. They are commonly used in areas with high ceilings, such as production plants, warehouses, and other industrial facilities.

In summer months and warmer climates, these fans can help remove unwanted moisture from the atmosphere by substituting high temperature, moist air with drier air. During cooler months, they can also help regulate indoor ambient temperature by thoroughly distributing heated air through a space.

HVLS Fan Size

HVLS fans are a minimum of 84 inches across. Some types can be as large as 24 feet wide, although for almost all commercial applications numerous smaller fans are required. Fan motor power varies, but nearly all HVLS units are between ⅝ horsepower and 1 horsepower.

Although the vast majority of HVLS fans are ceiling mounted, there are some that can be designed to attach to floor mounted masts.

How Do HVLS Fans Work?

HVLS fans are effective because of their low speed and large scale. HVLS fans create huge columns of air that travel at low speed, in contrast to the fast-moving, small scale air flows that are generated by ordinary fans. Turbulent, accelerated air current from average fans generates friction against still air and velocity quickly dispels.

With large-scale fans, the bigger air currents move more gradually and go much further as a result of diminished air friction. Accordingly, it requires less electricity to greater volumes of air slowly than it takes to drive lesser amounts of air at a faster speed.

The differential in power consumption is surprising. 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 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.

Air naturally stratifies in large buildings, particularly those with high ceilings. Warmer air rises toward the ceiling while cold air remains close to the floor. Heating systems must work overtime to warm the area close to the ground, which is expensive, while almost all of that heated air moves up toward the ceiling, away from employees.

HVLS fans can move large quantities of heated air down from the ceiling, recirculating it throughout the space, thereby normalizing the temperature and lightening the load of the HVAC system.

Reduce Cooling Costs

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

The fans keep air circulating around sizable spaces, and this movement elicits an evaporative cooling effect. Although the fan doesn’t physically transform the temperature of the moving air, it will reduce moisture in the air through evaporation, creating a more comfortable environment.

Reduce Environmental Impact

While saving money on energy costs is a fantastic reason to consider HVLS fans, there is the added bonus that lowering energy usage also improves a business’ carbon footprint. Over months and years, HVLS fans can generate significant reductions in consumption, particularly for operations with many sites.

Improve Employee Morale & Output

Satisfied employees are generally more effective, so maintaining your facilities at optimal temperatures is advantageous. Numerous studies have shown a connection between inhospitable temperatures and declines in productivity.

HVLS Fans For Sale Near Me

If you want to know more about the advantages of HVLS fans for your warehouse or production facility, talk to a material handling expert at Raymond West today.

Raymond West's Tucson facility serves Pima County, including Tucson, South Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita and surrounding areas

Raymond West | Tucson Material Handling Equipment Supplier

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(520) 729-4222