HVLS Fan Buying Guide: Everything to Know Before Purchasing
Published:
9/01/2022
What is HVLS? How do HVLS Fans Work? Where do HVLS Fans get installed? Check out this article for the answers and more.
Overview of HVLS Fan: Introduction to HVLS Fans
What is an HVLS fan?
HVLS is shorthand for high-volume low speed. It dates back to the late 1990s when William Fairbank and Walter K. Boyd invented and patented the first HVLS fan. It was developed for agricultural applications, dairy production.
Designed with the goal of Improving air circulation, these HVLS fans replace hot, humid air with drier air, which can prevent moisture buildup, reduce slip hazards, allergies, and improve overall air quality. Some of the many benefits of a HVLS fan.
High-Volume Low-Speed Fan Applications
HVLS fans fall under industrial applications or commercial. In industrial applications fans prevent heat stress, improve worker and livestock comfort, and increase productivity. In commercial applications HVLS fans are used in lieu of increasing air movement to prevent stratification.
Industrial Applications
- Refrigerated Warehouses
- Food Manufacturers
- Barns
- Hangars
- Distribution Centers
Commercial Applications
- Shopping Malls
- Churches
- Office Buildings
- Airport Terminals
- Fitness Centers
- Schools
How do HVLS Fans Work?
We all know that warmer air rises because it’s lighter and cold air sinks because it’s denser (this process is called thermal stratification). Air can become stagnant during this process and become problematic. Why? There is no airflow to help circulate the air.
HVLS fan solve that problem. The blades produce enough power to move air from the ground to the ceiling and vice versa without disturbing the occupant. The air mixes creating a cooling or heating effect that is distributed evenly throughout the space ultimately leading to cost and energy savings.
Stratification
Stratification is the process of forcing cooler air to the ceiling level. Thermal stratification is common problem facilities face with ceilings taller than 4 m.
This is especially problematic in industries where cool temperatures are essential in keeping and preserving goods. Inconsistent temperatures can affect the shelf life of many products which can cost company hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Destratification
Destratification is the process of forcing warmer air to the ground level breaking up thermal stratification. This process can help with reducing energy bills and maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the facility.
How do I Know Where to Install an HVLS Fan?
Just like the saying goes for any business, “location is key,” the same applies to installing HVLS fans.
If the fan is not installed in the appropriate location, positioned correctly in relation to the floor area and movement below, airflow will not circulate effectively. Placing a fan too low in heating applications can cause draughts, while inefficient stratification can take place if the fan is too high in cooling applications.
Another thing to keep in mind during the installation process is noise level. Some fans may operate louder than others. If you have static workers sitting at a desk, consider a HVLS fan with a low dB level. Seek professional advice to ensure a design that is best suited for your workers and building space.
How do HVLS Fans Save Me Money?
Destratification systems can cut energy consumption as much as 50%. It’s well worth the investment, business can see a return on investment in as little as one year.
The same is true for trying to keep a building cool during the summer. By installing a HVLS fan you constantly circulate the air. This allows for the entire space to stay the same temperature which results in the heating/cooling system to work less.
How to Choose the Right HVLS Fan?
Ingress Protection (IP)
A critical factor when considering purchasing an HVLS fan is the environment in which the fan will be installed and operating in. Disregarding this when making your purchasing decision can inhibit performance, reliability, lifespan, and safety. Understanding the Ingress Protection Rating can help to ensure you purchase the right equipment to meet your needs.
What is Motor IP?
IP is the abbreviation for Ingress Protection. IP classification is used to measure how well a motor can withstand the ingress of dust and water. Following the letters, “IP” are two numerals, the first signifying the resistance to dust and the second to water.
How is Motor Ingress Protection (IP) Defined?
IP rating helps to define the level of protection needed for equipment used in an environment where dust, particles, water, etc. can compromise the motor and thus performance. The rating scale for motor IP ranges from IP00, no protection, to IP66, complete protection.
IP Term Definitions
Motor IP First Digit - Solids
0 - No protection provided
1 - Protected from touch by any large surface of the body such as hands greater than 50 mm.
2 - Protection against touching with the finger and ingress of solid objects exceeding 12 mm in diameter.
3 - Protected from touch by hands greater than 2.5 millimeters. Protection from possible ingress of tools or thick wires.
4 - Protected from touch by hands greater than 1 millimeter. Protection against the ingress of most wires and screws.
5 - Protected from limited dust ingress. Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but dust cannot interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment.
6 - Protected from total dust ingress
Motor IP Second Digit - Liquids
0 - No protection provided.
1 - Dripping water, and falling vertically will have no harmful effect. Must pass a test duration of 10 minutes, with water dripping equivalent to 1 mm of rainfall per minute.
2 - Dripping Water, while tilted up to 15 degrees will have no harmful effects. This level means it must pass a test duration of 10 minutes, with water dripping equivalent to 3 mm of rainfall per minute.
3 - Spraying water at an angle of up to 60 degrees from vertical will have no harmful effects. This level means it must pass a test duration of 5 minutes with a water volume of 0.7 liters per minute, with a pressure of 80 - 100 KN/m^2.
4 - Water that is splashed against the enclosure from any direction will have no harmful effects. This level means it must pass a test duration of 5 minutes, with a water volume of 10 liters per minute, and a pressure of 80‐100 KN/m^2 .
5 - Water jets with a 6.3 mm nozzle aimed at an enclosure from any direction will have no harmful effects. This level means it must pass a test duration of a minimum of 3 minutes, with a water volume of 12.5 liters per minute, and pressure of 80‐100KN/m^2 .
6 - Powerful water jets from a 12.5 mm nozzle, aimed at an enclosure from any direction, will have no harmful effects. This level means it must pass a test duration of 3 minutes minimum, with a water volume of 100 liters per minute, with a pressure of 100KN/m^2 , at a distance of 3 meters.
7 - Can be immersed in water for 30 minutes, at a depth of 1 meter, and will have no harmful effects.
8 - Continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer. Typically, the equipment is hermetically sealed.
Benefits of High-Volume Low-Speed Fans
HVLS fans are generally ceiling fans that move slowly to distribute large amounts of air. They rely on the size of the blades rather than the speed to circulate the air.
1. Feel Cooler
Keeping the workspace at a comfortable temperature can help employees stay productive.
2. Feel Warmer
When employees are comfortable they are happier and thus more productive.
3. Reduce Costs
Reduce the cost of your bill by up to 50%.
4. Improve Air Quality
If your facility or building doesn’t have good air circulation, unhealthy air can stay stagnant within the building. Stagnant air can be extremely unhealthy for employees.
5. Healthier and Saver
Installing an HVLS fan can reduce condensation, corrosion, and mold. Reducing condensation on floors can prevent metal and other materials and equipment from rusting.
Continue Reading >>> 11 Benefits of High Volume Low Speed Fans
Is HVLS Fans Right for Your Industry?
Agriculture
- Maintain a comfortable temperature
- Reduce food spoilage
- Keep animals healthier
- Keep bugs away
- Reduce unpleasant smells
- Improves air quality by efficiently circulating the air
Barns, Riding & Equestrian
- Maintain a comfortable temperature
- Quiet, won’t bother animals
- Saves space
- Keeps bugs away
- Reduce unpleasant smells
- Improves air quality by efficiently circulating the air
Barns, Riding & Equestrian
- Maintain a comfortable temperature
- Quiet, won’t bother animals
- Saves space
- Keeps bugs away
- Reduce unpleasant smells
- Improves air quality by efficiently circulating the air
Manufacturing / Warehouse
- Maintain a comfortable temperature for workers
- Increases productivity by keeping employees cool and happy
- Prevents condensation from building up on cement floors
- Prevent sweating slab syndrome (slip hazards)
- Reduce pest control
- Prevent birds from flying indoors
- Blades produce a high-velocity airflow pushing bugs away
Continue Reading >>> HVLS Applications: Is HVLS Fans Right for Your Industry?
Blue Giant HVLS Fans for Sale
Ready to purchase a High-Volume Low Speed Fan? The Blue Giant fan is among the best industrial-grade fans. From its economic efficiency to cost savings, eco-friendly, exhaust-free, and low-noise features, it’s a great value.
Contact us today to see which model is best for you, Blue Giant 3 Blade, Blue Giant 5 Blade, or Blue Giant 6 Blade. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
You can purchase a Blue Giant HVLS Fan at any one of our 3 locations (Dallas, Kilgore, and Odessa). Give us a call anytime, request a quote, or fill out our contact us form and one of our team members will be in touch.
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