Buying Guide for Barn Ceiling Fans
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ceiling Fans Combat Heat Stress Best Barn Ceiling Fans Additional Benefits Frequently Asked QuestionsAnyone in the agricultural field who manages livestock will tell you that ceiling fans are essential equipment in barns and other areas where animals are housed. It's not only about keeping animals cool; there are many health reasons for installing industrial ceiling fans in barns.
In this Buying Guide for Barn Ceiling Fans, we'll cover everything you need to know about adding fans to your building. We'll discuss the benefits of ceiling fans for large barns, as well as the different types and sizes to help you determine the best barn ceiling fans for your needs.
Ceiling Fans for Large Barns Combat Heat Stress and Other Conditions
Moderate to severe animal heat stress occurs when temperatures range from 80°F to 90°F with high humidity levels. According to the USA Regenerative Agricultural Alliance, Inc. (USARA), this can cause significant physiological stress to your animals, leading to increased respiration rates and body temperatures.
Heat stress in dairy cattle may lead to decreased feed intake, lower milk production, and reproductive issues. For instance, a cow's milk production can decrease by up to 2.5 pounds per head per day under mild heat stress and by more than 10 pounds per head per day under severe heat stress.
Other conditions brought on by poorly circulated air include the buildup of harmful gasses like ammonia and environmental factors such as dust, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. And let's not forget about the flies and other pests that can stress out your animals.
The solution is installing industrial fans for barns. HVLS ceiling fans and other air circulators provide a healthy, quiet, comfortable environment for your animals to thrive in.
Best Barn Ceiling Fans
Configuring your barn for the best airflow coverage will depend on several factors, such as the size of your building, the number of animals it houses, and whether you have one large open space or several small areas that need to be covered. Fortunately, there are several solutions to ensure you provide the best environment for your livestock.
HVLS Fans
High-volume, low-speed (HVLS) ceiling fans are designed for large-coverage areas with high CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings for powerful airflow. HVLS fans provide a cooling effect up to 10°F to reduce the effects of heat stress. An added benefit is that HVLS fans are whisper quiet, so you needn't worry about spooking horses and other livestock. Choose from several types of HVLS fans to meet the needs of your barn, stable, or livestock shed.
Titan HVLS Fan: These fans are known for high performance and versatility. Titan HVLS fans are available in five blade sizes from 14 feet to 24 feet, ensuring thorough air circulation in every corner of your facility.
Eco HVLS Fan: The Eco HVLS fan provides efficient and economical air movement, making it a cost-effective choice for large spaces. The Eco has eight blade sizes from 8 feet to 24 feet.
XP HVLS Fan: Perfect for smaller spaces, the XP HVLS fan delivers powerful air circulation without occupying too much room. There are five blade sizes for the XP, ranging from 7 feet to 14 feet.
DDI HVLS Fan: Built for simplicity and robust air circulation. The DDI HVLS fan is designed for industrial environments and is equipped with 20-foot or 24-foot blades.
Air Circulators & Commercial Fans
These fans provide consistent and controlled airflow where it's needed most in barns, stables, chicken coops, and livestock sheds. There are several configurations to suit various spaces:
- Trak Fans: These commercial ceiling fans have blade sizes ranging from 5 feet to 8 feet.
- Wall Mount Fans: Orbital wall fans provide targeted cooling in specific areas of your barn, stable, or chicken coop. Jan Fans can also be wall-mounted.
- Barrel/Drum Fans: Large, portable drum fans are movable to different locations as needed, providing strong airflow and cooling wherever necessary.
- Pedestal Fans: These fans have adjustable pedestals, offering flexibility in placement and direction for localized cooling and airflow. In hot climates with low humidity, using misters or sprinklers along with your outdoor pedestal fan can help by increasing the rate of evaporative cooling.
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Additional Benefits of Ceiling Fans for Large Barns
Along with reducing heat stress to improve the comfort and productivity of your cows and other livestock, ceiling fans for large barns enjoy the following benefits:
- Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient barn fans consume less electricity than traditional fans, leading to significant cost savings on energy bills. The efficient design of HVLS fans allows them to move a large volume of air with minimal power usage.
- Customization and Control: HVLS fans typically offer automated control options, including run-times, speeds, and direction – of one fan or zones of up to 30 fans. This ensures precise control over the barn's climate. Additionally, the fans have adjustable speeds and directions to maintain optimal airflow in all seasons and conditions.
- Safety Features: Modern HVLS fans come equipped with advanced safety features, including motor and drive overload protections and error notifications, ensuring a safe environment for both animals and workers.
- Environmental Impact: By enhancing air circulation, these fans help reduce dust, odors, and moisture buildup, contributing to a healthier environment. Check out the 700E Environmental Control Package for the 700E controller.
- Durability: Many HVLS fans are damp rated, but may offer additional protection against harsh elements. For instance, the IP66 drive enclosure is an optional upgrade.
Industrial Fans for Dairy Barns
See Hunter HVLS fans in action at Turner Dairy Farm.
FAQs: Industrial Ceiling Fans for Barns
Below are common questions about ceiling fans for large barns. Please contact us if you'd like additional information.
Ceiling fans help regulate temperature, improve air circulation, and reduce moisture buildup, creating a more comfortable environment for livestock and workers.
The size of the fan depends on the barn's dimensions. Measure the length, width, and height of the space to determine the appropriate fan size.
Blade span should be chosen based on the barn's size. Larger barns may require fans with a blade span of 24 feet or more, while smaller barns can accommodate fans with a span as little as 7 feet.
Look for features such as durable construction, energy efficiency, quiet operation, easy maintenance, and the ability to operate in high-moisture environments. It's also smart to choose fans backed by exceptional service and support – along with an industry-leading warranty.
Yes, most barn ceiling fans have adjustable speed settings to control airflow and adapt to varying circulation needs.
Regular maintenance includes cleaning the blades, checking the motor and electrical connections, and ensuring there are no obstructions. Hunter Industrial fans are designed for easy maintenance, making them ideal for barn environments.
Get the Best Barn Ceiling Fans for Your Livestock from Hunter Industrial
Energy-efficient barn fans alleviate heat stress and offer numerous other benefits for animals and those who care for them. Hunter Industrial has the HVLS fans and air circulators you need to keep the air moving and inhabitants cool, comfortable, and healthy. Order yours today!