What Is An HVLS Fan?

An HVLS, fan, short for “High Volume, Low Speed” fan is a massive ceiling mounted fan that revolves at comparatively slow speeds and distributes warm or cool air through a room. They are typically added in spaces with elevated ceilings, such as production plants, warehouses, and other industrial operations.

In summer months and warmer climates, this type of fan can expel unwanted moisture from the atmosphere by supplanting warm, humid air with drier air. During cooler months, they can also help manage temperature by thoroughly distributing warm air through a facility.

HVLS Fan Size

HVLS fans are a minimum of 7 feet across. Some fans can be as much as 24 feet across, although for the majority of industrial uses multiple smaller fans are used. Fan output 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 set up to attach to floor mounted posts.

How Do HVLS Fans Work?

HVLS fans are effective because of their slow speed and large size. HVLS fans generate huge segments of air that move at low speed, as opposed to the rapidly moving, modest air currents that are produced by conventional fans. Tumultuous, high-speed air current from typical fans creates friction against static air and speed quickly dispels.

With large-scale fans, the bigger air columns move slowly and go greater distances as a result of diminished air friction. For this reason, it takes much less electricity to force greater portions of air at a slower rate than is needed to drive 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

Throughout the winter, a single HVLS fan can help you save a lot of money on your energy bills.

In large structures, especially those with high ceilings, air naturally stratifies. Warmer air rises toward the ceiling while cold air remains close to the floor. Heaters must work non-stop to heat the space near the ground, which costs money, while the majority of that heated air moves up to the ceiling, away from people.

HVLS fans can move large quantities of heated air down from the ceiling, assisting in recirculation throughout the building, thereby balancing the environment and enabling the HVAC system to work more efficiently.

Reduce Cooling Costs

Although HVLS fans are ideal for balancing heat recirculation in a building, the opposite is also achievable: they can assist with cooling in the summertime or in warm climates.

The fans keep air circulating throughout large facilities, and this airflow elicits an evaporative cooling effect. Although the fan does not actually change the temperature of the moving air, it will reduce moisture in the air through evaporation, producing a more pleasant environment.

Reduce Environmental Impact

While reducing energy costs is a great incentive, there is the added benefit that lowering electricity usage also shrinks a business’ carbon footprint. Over months and years, HVLS fans can provide substantial reductions in consumption, especially for operations with numerous locations.

Improve Employee Comfort & Productivity

Satisfied employees are generally more productive, so keeping your facilities at comfortable temperatures is beneficial. Several studies have proven a correlation between inhospitable temperatures and reductions in workplace effectiveness.

HVLS Fans For Sale Near Me

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

Raymond West's Santa Clarita / Valencia facility serves the northern region of Los Angeles County and the San Fernando Valley, including Valencia, Santa Clarita, San Fernando, Sylmar, Sun Valley, Reseda, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Hollywood and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Santa Clarita / San Fernando Valley Material Handling Equipment Supplier

28303 Industry Dr
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 206-0462