Considering the high costs of installing and operating an HVAC system year-round in a large, roomy building, it’s understandable if business owners can’t afford the considerable expense. Fortunately, this is precisely what HVLS fans were invented for. They can improve your work environment, increase productivity, and save on costs.
Request Your Custom HVLS Fan Quote Now
Are HVLS fans really that effective? How do they work their magic?
What Are HVLS Fans?
HVLS stands for high volume, low speed. These fans are designed to move large amounts of air slowly and steadily across an expansive area. Significantly larger than their standard counterparts, their blade spans range anywhere from 8 feet to 30 feet in diameter (2.4 to 9.1 meters).
Unlike traditional fans that spin at high speeds, HVLS fans rotate slowly, pushing large volumes of air at low speeds, typically between 71 and 200 rotations per minute. They’ve become a common fixture in buildings with large open spaces that can be too costly for HVAC systems, such as warehouses, gymnasiums, manufacturing plants, arenas, hangars, and livestock facilities.
How Do HVLS Fans Work?
Traditional fans circulate air at high speeds in a limited area, usually a small- to mid-sized room or office. HVLS fans, however, generate a broad column of airflow that moves down and out along the floor in all directions. They’re able to achieve this impressive feat because of their large size and uniquely designed airfoils that capture more air.
The slow rotation of the blades produces a large volume of air movement, which creates a gentle breeze rather than a disruptive gust of wind. They provide a comfortable environment without causing papers to fly off desks or employees to feel uncomfortably windblown.
The science of HVLS fans is similar to how air-conditioning systems work. The human body is surrounded by a thin layer of still air called the boundary layer. As air moves across this layer, it disrupts it and allows for increased evaporation of sweat, which absorbs heat and provides a cooling effect.
Since HVLS fans operate at significantly lower speeds and use highly efficient motors, they consume less energy, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for air movement.
HVLS fans don’t directly cool or heat the air. They create a more comfortable environment by influencing how we perceive temperature through air movement.
Benefits of HVLS Fans
Using HVLS fans in your industrial business provides several valuable advantages:
Healthier Work Environment
By moving the air around large spaces more effectively, HVLS fans create a more comfortable environment for employees with cleaner, fresher air—leading to improved well-being and higher productivity. A healthier workplace atmosphere reduces the risk of heat stroke during hot months and decreases the amount of sick time staff need to take due to harmful conditions.
Reduced Energy Consumption
Because HVLS fans operate at low speeds, they consume less energy than traditional fans and far less power than HVAC systems. It’s better for both the environment and your business’s bottom line. A standard HVAC system could consume up to 70 kWh per day, while an HVLS fan only uses between 2 and 3 kWh.
Year-Round Comfort
HVLS fans can be used in both summer and winter to help regulate temperature and improve comfort. This is particularly important for buildings in harsh climates where temperatures frequently reach 80° F (27° C) and higher.
Reduced Moisture and Humidity
Because HVLS fans provide improved air circulation, they help reduce moisture and humidity levels in the air, which can help prevent mold growth and improve air quality. Keeping concrete floors dry also reduces the risk of slips and falls.
Find the World’s Best HVLS Fans at Big Ass Fans
Big Ass Fans is an industry-leading manufacturer of top-of-the-line HVLS fans. We offer a wide variety of industrial and commercial fans in various sizes and models for a wide array of business needs, including the world’s best-selling high-volume, low-speed fan: the Powerfoil® X4.
Engineered for durability, longevity, and efficiency, our fans are a worthwhile investment for many reasons—especially keeping workers comfortable and able to stay productive for more hours.
If you’re unsure whether an HVLS fan is right for you, the team at Big Ass Fans can conduct a SpecLab® airflow analysis of your building space at no charge. It provides a visual simulation of how our fans improve air circulation throughout every inch of your facility.
Contact Our HVLS Fan Experts Now
