How To Get Started On Only Fans

Choosing an Industrial HVLS Fan

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Fan Size

High-volume low-speed (HVLS) fans are an ideal type of fan to add to an industrial space. They're able to move large amounts of air, making them desirable for warehouses, retail spaces, restaurants and other large, open areas. They also help your air conditioning system work more efficiently, saving money while keeping the air cool all year long.

HVLS fans come in a wide range of sizes, often up to 24 feet in diameter. It's important to determine the right size before selecting any other options. Larger spaces require larger fans, so a 24-foot fan can be optimal in large warehouses and distribution centers. However, fans with smaller diameters work to circulate air in targeted areas, such as to heat, cool or ventilate a factory area where people work. The smallest size for an HVLS fan is about eight feet in diameter, but it can circulate air in nearly 3,000 square feet of space.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are important to consider when selecting the right HVLS fan for your space. A fan running at a lower speed doesn't make as much noise as a fan operating at a higher speed. Smaller fans have to move faster to be as effective at moving air, and the roar of a fan working harder and spinning the blades faster can make it hard to hear in the space.

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If you're installing the fan in an industrial space with a lot of machinery and equipment, then noise levels might not be a concern. However, if you're installing it in a place where you're frequently interacting with clients or customers, be sure to check the decibel rating on the fan before making a purchase. HVLS fans typically have a decibel rating between 50 and 60 dBa, which is around the same level of human speech, according to The Construction Specifier.

Fan Spacing

When determining the size and type of HVLS fan to buy for your industrial space, consider how you use the space and how you'll place the fans in relation to one another.

In high-traffic areas, place the fans close together along the path that people travel. This delivers direct airflow to the people working below so that the temperature feels cooler as they work. In doing so, the fans circulate and concentrate the air where you need it rather than trying to circulate air throughout the entire space.

If you have a large piece of equipment in the center of the industrial space, consider placing one fan directly over it. This pushes the air down against the equipment, which causes the air to flow outward into the rest of the space and dissipate heat. However, if you have several pieces of equipment running in a warehouse, you may be better off placing smaller fans between each HVLS fan. By analyzing your space, you can choose the size and number of fans necessary to move the air more efficiently.

Energy Consumption

HVLS fans don't use as much energy as smaller fans in the same space because they don't need to work as hard to move air. However, if you have multiple fans in your industrial space or have to leave them running constantly, the energy consumption adds up. Proper spacing and installation are key in maximizing efficiency and minimizing energy losses. As a result, you may experience lower operating costs.

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Solar-powered HVLS fans may have higher up-front costs, but they operate on the sun's energy rather than electricity. Solar panels installed on the roof of your building collect the energy from the sun and power the fans. They have battery backups to store energy during sunny days to use at night or on cloudy days when sunlight levels are low.

HVLS fans are ideal for circulating air in an industrial space. Opting for solar power gives you the added bonus of lowering overall costs and using green energy to benefit the environment, too.