What to look for when buying an industrial fan?

Thanks to its size, an HVLS industrial ceiling fan can move air efficiently in large, open spaces. In the summer, these fans create a gentle breeze to keep an expansive area cool. During winter an HVLS industrial ceiling fan can pull trapped heat from above and distribute it evenly. HVLS fans are perfect for large spaces, such as manufacturing facilities, large open warehouses, and gyms.

What makes an HVLS industrial ceiling fan the right solution? We'll review the big questions you need to ask before purchasing the best model for your space.

Consider Your Climate

First, determine if your biggest concern is cooling, heating, or both. Some facilities require constant temperature control, which you should consider when choosing an air distribution solution for your space.

An HVLS industrial ceiling fan can provide benefits in any climate. Of course, they're most useful in boosting energy efficiency in regions where heat and humidity are ubiquitous.

When humidity is of concern, an HVLS industrial ceiling fan performs what it does best, which is circulating air. Properly circulated and moving air eliminates the opportunity for air to condense into moisture on cooler surfaces. Improved air circulation in a large space also creates a more even temperature distribution for cool air.

When temperatures are soaring in summer, using a fan is common sense. They can also provide efficient service during winter months when run in reverse. Heated air rises to the uppermost area of structures, leaving colder air on the level of you employees and customers. This occurrence is called stratified air, where there are layers of heated and cooler air.

An HVLS industrial ceiling fan will destratify the atmosphere inside by pulling heated air down and distributing it more evenly. By distributing this trapped heated air with a low speed, you can save on utility bills and reduce energy waste.

HVLS Industrial Ceiling Fan Types

There are two main HVLS industrial ceiling fan types: direct drive and gear driven.

Direct Drive

Benefits of a gearless HVLS industrial ceiling fan include its minimal noise and sleek design, which make it an ideal solution for commercial use in large showrooms or expansive convention centers. The motor on a gearless HVLS fan requires no maintenance.

Gear Driven

An HVLS industrial ceiling fan with a gear driven motor features an industrial grade motor and is ideal in large environments like manufacturing facilities where a polished design and noise reduction aren’t as much of a concern.

Choosing the Best HVLS Industrial Ceiling Fan Size

An important consideration is how much coverage area you need. An expansive structure may require multiple fans. The coverage area of HVLS industrial ceiling fan units varies depending on the manufacturer, and different sized fans provide different levels of surface.

HVLS industrial ceiling fan units typically range from 6 to 24 feet, and below is a general guide to help you choose the right size.

• 6 to 10 feet: The smallest options of HVLS fans are ideal for smaller spaces, such as homes, offices, and small businesses.
• 10 to 18 feet: Mid-size fans can help manage the comfort level of gyms, schools, restaurants, and multipurpose rooms.
• 18 to 24 feet: The largest models of HVLS fans are used in spaces such as warehouses, distribution centers, aircraft hangers, and manufacturing facilities.

Where to Install an HVLS Industrial Ceiling Fan

Installation factors to consider when choosing the right HVLS industrial ceiling fan model include the size of and layout of your facility. You should also consider whether there are any obstructions in the way of the large fans.

Obstructions to consider include the structure of your building, such as solid walls, storage racks, electrical conduits, water pipes, and HVAC ductwork.

Depending on the use of your space, you should also consider what it will contain and how it will be used. For manufacturing facilities and warehouses, consider the location of stacked pallets, stacks of inventory, and manufacturing equipment. A large open gym might need to factor in the size of equipment and how often outdoor air will be let in.

No matter the use of your open space, an HVLS industrial ceiling fan is an excellent choice for keeping many people comfortable at once.

Benefits of Choosing an HVLS Industrial Ceiling Fan

An HVLS industrial ceiling fan can provide several benefits for your business, improving productivity, safety, and cost.

When employees or students are more comfortable with a moderated temperature, they tend to be more productive and are able to focus on their work. By managing humidity, HVLS industrial ceiling fans can make your workplace safer, drying out moisture that collects on the floor.

The most beneficial factor for many businesses is cost. Large, expansive facilities can be expensive to heat and cool. A company can save big on utility bills with an HVLS industrial ceiling fan. Savings grow higher when you opt for a model that can run in reverse during the winter to better distribute heat.

HVLS Industrial Ceiling Fan Top Sellers

Industrial fans meet a large number of applications and exist in many configurations:
– integrated fans
– duct fans
– portable fans
– fans for electrical cabinets
– etc.

The first step is to identify the type of fan you need.

The choice of technology is generally between axial and centrifugal fans. In simple terms, axial fans provide high air flow with low overpressure and are reserved for applications with low pressure drops (short circuits), while centrifugal fans are more suitable for applications with high pressure drops (longer circuits). Axial fans are also generally more compact and noisy than equivalent centrifugal models.

A fan is chosen to provide a volume of air (or gas) at a certain pressure level. For many applications it’s relatively simple and the air flow indicated by the manufacturer is sufficient to calculate the size of the fan. Things get a little more complicated when the fan is connected to a circuit (ventilation network, air supply to a burner, etc.). The air flow delivered by a fan depends on its own characteristics but also on the pressure drop of the circuit. This is the principle of the operating point: if you plot the fan flow-pressure curve and the circuit flow-pressure loss curve, the operating point of the fan in this circuit will be at the intersection of the two curves.

While the vast majority of fans blow air at room temperature, some must operate under specific temperature or environmental conditions. This is the case, for example, for circulation fans in an oven. It is therefore important to choose a model adapted to your use.