What is HVLS? High-Volume Low-Speed Ceiling Fans

Published:

8/01/2022

What is HVLS? How do HVLS Fans Work? Where do HVLS Fans get installed? Check out this article for the answers and more.

HVLS Applications: Is HVLS Right for Your Industry

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.

Consumers have the option of choosing between ceiling fans (common option) or portable floor fans. A fan six feet (minimum) in diameter is considered HVLS because it relies on its long wing blades to circulate the air.

High-volume low-speed fans are exactly that, they don’t require a lot of speed like your typical household ceiling fan to move the air around. These fans were engineered to provide thermal comfort to every type of worker during every season in the most energy efficient way.

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.

How? Thermostats are typically located lower to the ground, so they read a cooler temperature than if it were located higher to the ceiling. When the heating system kicks on all the warm air slowly rises to the ceiling and sits there. When the warm air leaves the space that the thermostat monitors it will kick on to heat the space to the desired temperature. This process causes the heating system to constantly run because the hot air keeps rising.

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.

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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