Date:01/05/2017

High Volume Low Speed fans (HVLS Fans) have become a standard in warehouse cooling, based on their proven ability to provide significant heating/cooling cost savings while improving occupant comfort and safety. HVLS fans are large ceiling-mount fans that use long blades, rotating at slow speeds, to create gentle airflows within large spaces. Due to the low speed of the fans, they are very energy efficient, costing pennies per hour to operate. Depending upon fan speed, size and positioning, typical fan benefits can include:

• Improve occupant safety: In humid environments or in facilities that experience large day/night temperature swings, condensation can form on the floors. This phenomenon, known as sweaty slab syndrome, creates a significant slip-and-fall risk for building occupants. By creating a steady stream of moving air across the floor, HVLS fans promote evaporation and help keep floors dry.
• Increase Occupant Comfort: We’ve all felt the relief provided by a fan on a stifling summer day. However, placing many small fans throughout a facility to cool occupants is neither desirable nor feasible. HVLS fans offer an effective alternative. One or more fans can be used to create a gentle ‘wash’ of air through a facility which is a cost-effective way to increase occupant comfort in warm months.
• Reduce Heating Costs: Warm air is lighter than cold air and will rise. In buildings with poor air circulation and high ceilings, this can lead to thermal stratification. With thermal stratification, the heated air rises to the ceiling, leaving a facility noticeably cooler at occupant level. HVLS fans promote air circulation, moving the warm air down to the occupant level. This reduces stratification and provides warmer temperatures at floor level.

Gain Maximum Value by Planning Ahead

Understanding and evaluating the placement and application of the fan within the facility is a key factor in getting the most value from your investment. This often overlooked aspect can dictate whether you are achieving the maximum benefits available and also ensure you avoid any added costs of reconfiguring the layout of the fans later.

When selecting HLVS fan(s) the first step is to fully understand what you need them to accomplish; this helps establish the air flows you need within your facility. With an understanding of the desired air flows, the next step is to consider your facility; factors such as the internal environment, ceiling height and floor space impact the fan selection process. Finally, you need to understand how obstructions, including racking, walls, machinery, and equipment influence air flows within the building, as these all influence fan layout.

Fan selection and layout can seem like a daunting task. To help with this Entrematic Fans published ‘HVLS Industrial Fan Evaluation Guide’, a comprehensive guide to walk you through the fan selection and layout process. Additionally, rely on a reputable vendor who can provide personalized service and experience in installation design. McKinley’s experienced representatives are well qualified to help you with fan selection and layout. Contact your McKinley representative to learn more about configuring HVLS fans for your facility.