Before you buy HVLS fans, we will dig deeper into the article. It is important to know what exactly we are talking about. Nothing is as important as the air we breathe, but managing IAQ can be demanding. High Volume Low Speed(HVLS) fans are specially made for desertification and mobilizing large volumes of air in any space. This makes HVAC systems to function more productively while optimizing comfort and health in all conditions.
What are HVLS FANS?
Technically, an HVLS fan is a ceiling fan that is bigger than 7 feet (2.1) in diameter. As opposed to a small, high-velocity fan that generates small, turbulent air channels that disperse in a short time, HVLS fans majorly rely on size rather than on speed to move a specific amount of air. Earlier, these fans were originally designed for large commercial workplaces such as factories and barns but as the technology grew, their use extended to other small-scale workplaces as well. We can find them in a wide variety of industrial, commercial, and agriculture, often working jointly with HVAC systems for energy-saving purposes. We can also notice it energy-friendly HVLS fans have now taken over leading roles in the green building movement. In short, before you buy HVLS fans, we know these fans are the perfect fit for large facilities while keeping the workers and employees cool and comfortable.
We manufacture HVLS fans to hang from the ceiling with no cords which account for a safe environment by avoiding trip hazards. This is an important factor, considering many plants and facility managers have identified cords as one of the most popular workplace hazards. It cannot go unnoticed that we reduce the overall direct interaction between an employee and a fan to a fair degree by various HVLS models. The maintenance-free aspect of direct-drive motors, which reduces the risk of oil leakage, compounded this feature.
Now, there are different HVLS fans. Different facilities use different fans who fall under the criteria of their requirements. Some HVLS fans come with gearbox motors while some have direct-drive motors. Direct drive motors are less noisy and have efficient maintenance and workability systems. They have fewer parts and hardware but provide optimum performance. They are also less expensive.
The next question before you buy HVLS fans that might come into your mind is about their functionality.
Features of an HVLS fan
Earlier, engineers focused more on fan speed and less on efficiency and productivity. Many of us agree that cool air feels good on a hot sunny day. You also need to be careful about excessive air circulation. Today, engineers design HVLS fans to reduce too much air movement which could otherwise cause technical problems.
HVLS fan blade wingspans range from 7ft to 24ft and move large volumes of air with minimal energy utilization per square foot, lowering costs and increasing comfort. HVLS fans installed in buildings have experienced less absenteeism, fewer employee complaints, and a rise in productivity and performance.
Buildings with high ceilings experience high amounts of heat stratification in winter, where warmer air rises to the ceiling and cooler air sinks down toward the floor level. This mechanism causes a facility’s heaters to work two to three times harder to keep employees and building residents warm while most of the heat continues to be trapped above in the air. According to an estimate, air temperature can increase by 0.5 to -1.5 degrees per foot in ceiling height. This means that if it is 65 degrees on the floor, it could reach up to 85 to 90 degrees at the roofline. HVLS fans perform air circulation so that warm air trapped at the ceiling is brought down to floor level.
A building’s indoor air quality and temperature are crucial factors that influence everything, be it heating bills or employee health. HVLS fans offer brilliant solutions to improve indoor air composition and increase a facility’s efficiency, comfort, and savings.
How do HVLS FANS Work?
The air from the HVLS fan moves towards the floor in a column in all directions, moving horizontally until it reaches an airflow or some other blockage. The air turns upwards and flows back towards the fan.
Here comes the theory of convection-like air currents that build up as the air continues to spin. This increased air circulation constantly removes humid air and substitutes for drier air. The aftermath is a silent, non-disruptive, and regular distribution of 3-5 mph breezes over large spaces with a cooling effect for occupants of up to nearly 6 degrees celsius. During winter, HVLS fans evenly redistribute warm air trapped at the ceiling.
Their size provides an advantage to the user. They consume power at a fraction of the cost of multiple small ceiling fans. As mentioned before, HVLS fans with energy-efficient motors with different frequency drives and airfoil designs inspired by airplane wings move humongous volumes of air while eliminating noise.
Before you buy HVLS fans, it is crucial to consider a few things beforehand.
Type of Motor Unit
Both commercial and industrial HVLS fans have fan lines coupled with direct drive motor units. Some of these HVLS fans have both gearboxes and motors. The major difference between gearbox-driven and direct-drive motor units is sound, price, and speed.
Diameter of Fan
The size of the fan you buy has a lot to do with its functionality. It is important to record the size of the space in relation to the fan size. HVLS fans have a wide variety of sizes ranging from 6 to 24ft in diameter.
Air Movement and Speed
The speed at which a fan rotates has no relation to its performance and productivity. In fact, an HVLS fan's revolutions per minute are fairly lower than a high-speed fan. This means its large diameter and long blades have an important role to play.
HVLS features a large diameter and slow rotational speed, which allows the fans to move easily. The lower revolutions per minute HVLS fans allow them to move large volumes of air at slow speed.
Types and Number of Blades
There are two factors to consider with blades.
1. Number of Blades
HVLS fans have various numbers of blades as per the manufacturer. Some say by many engineers that 6 blades are optimal for energy accommodation and air movement. Some blades come with a specific width and shape.
2. Shape of Blades
A popular misconception about HVLS fans is the number of blades. Some HVLS fans have fewer airfoils that move less air or move the air less efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The amount of airflow generated by the fan per watt of energy used to power the fan is usually measured by HVLS fan efficiency.
In short, overall efficiency has a deep connection to moving more air using less energy.
Most of these HVLS fans are energy-efficient because their duty involves moving an extensive amount of air at lower speeds. However, some HVLS fans are more energy-friendly than others. Another essential factor is heating, ventilation, and cooling costs. By using HVLS fans with HVAC systems, one can turn up the thermostat because of the excellent air distribution of the HVLS fans while making the space more comfortable and saving energy.
Why Should you go for HVLS FANS?
There are several benefits of using HVLS fans in your space:
1. Comfort and Pocket Friendly
When it’s hot outside, HVLS fans can be a godsend. By stirring up enormous volumes of air instead of small sections, they make the environment cooler and more comfortable for the users.
Some HVLS fans are so efficient at keeping the environment cooler, that one can hardly think about using air conditioners even if it is a hot July afternoon we’re talking about.
2. Workplace Safety
Few of us are aware of sweating slab syndrome. It occurs when condensation builds up on the cement floors. As a result, the floor becomes slippery, which might jeopardize employees’ lives. HVLS fans support evaporation. They are excellent for moisture reduction on the ground, reducing the risk of slipping on the floor.
Heat stress is another safety risk that facility managers should look after. During hot summers, workers need to keep themselves cool and comfortable. The ultimate solution to reduce heat stress concerns is to increase air velocity. HVLS fans are your answer to this increased air velocity.
3. Pest Control Management
No one likes to have pests in their building. However, some problems are harder to control, especially those that can fly. One can take the help of physical barriers like door screens and dock shelters can prevent pest threats, but one needs to take additional measures to keep pests out. To avoid extra effort and struggle, HVLS fans assist in keeping these pests out and improving your facility and safe.
We hope the above article helped you know more before you buy HVLS fans, what functions they have, what features set them apart, and what benefits you should expect from HVLS fans. Feel free to contact us for more detail!