What Is An HVLS Fan?

An HVLS, fan, also known as a “High Volume / Low Speed” fan is a massive ceiling fan that rotates at very low speeds and moves warm or cool air through a room. They are generally used in areas with elevated ceilings, such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, and other industrial buildings.

In warm climates or during the summer, these types of fans can help remove excess humidity from the atmosphere by substituting high temperature, humid air with drier air. In cooler environments, they can also help manage the indoor climate by thoroughly circulating warm air throughout a space.

HVLS Fan Size

HVLS fans are not less than 84 inches in diameter. Some varieties can be as large as 24 feet across, although for most industrial uses multiple smaller fans are employed. Fan output varies, but nearly all HVLS units are between ⅝ horsepower and 1 horsepower.

Although almost all HVLS fans are designed for ceilings, some can be configured to attach to floor mounted poles.

How Do HVLS Fans Work?

HVLS fans are effective because of their low speed and mammoth scale. HVLS fans create large segments of air that move slowly, as opposed to the fast-moving, smaller air currents that are produced by ordinary fans. Tumultuous, accelerated airflow from typical fans creates friction against stationary air and speed quickly dissipates.

With large-scale fans, the bigger air currents move at slower speeds and go much further as a result of diminished air friction. Consequently, it requires less electricity to force larger volumes of air slowly than is needed to move lesser volumes of air at a quicker rate.

The disparity in energy usage is remarkable. 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

During the winter months, a single HVLS fan can contribute significantly to energy cost savings.

Large buildings, especially those with high ceilings, naturally stratify air by temperature. Hot air moves toward the ceiling and the cooler air stays near the ground. Heating systems must work non-stop to heat the area near the ground, which is expensive, while almost all of that warm air floats up to the ceiling, away from people.

Using an HVLS fan pulls a large volume of heated air away from the ceiling, assisting in recirculation throughout the building, thereby normalizing the environment and enabling the HVAC system to work more efficiently.

Reduce Cooling Costs

While HVLS fans are perfect for keeping a building warm, the reverse is also true: they can assist with air conditioning during the summer months or in warm climates.

HVLS fans keep air moving throughout large spaces, and this circulation elicits an evaporative cooling response. While the fan doesn’t truly change the temperature of the moving air, it will naturally evaporate moisture in the air, establishing a more agreeable environment.

Reduce Environmental Impact

While reducing energy expenses is a great motivation, there is the extra bonus that reducing electricity usage also improves a business’ carbon footprint. Over time, HVLS fans can deliver substantial reductions in consumption, particularly for operations with multiple sites.

Improve Employee Morale & Output

Happy employees are typically more effective, so keeping your facilities at optimal temperatures is beneficial. Several studies have proven a relationship between inhospitable temperatures and decreases in productivity.

HVLS Fans For Sale Near Me

If you’re interested in learning more about the advantages of HVLS fans for your warehouse, manufacturing plant or other industrial facility, talk to a professional at Raymond West today.

Raymond West's Riverside service area includes Redlands, Colton, Rialto, Bloomington, Moreno Valley, Hemet, Perris, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Coachella Valley and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Riverside Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Riverside, CA
(951) 384-2444