100% Secure PaymentsLocated just an hour west of Chicago, DeKalb, Illinois, is home to the DeKalb Fire Department, which serves the area with three busy stations. With northern Illinois' weather swinging from frigid winters to hot, humid summers, the department faces constant temperature fluctuations. Coupled with frequent emergency calls that require the station doors to open and close, this creates a unique challenge: how to keep the firehouses comfortable year-round. The solution? Heavy-duty industrial ceiling fans that are up to the task.
Finding the Perfect Solution: Hunter Industrial HVLS Fans
When the DeKalb Fire Department started looking for industrial fans, they had three key requirements: longevity, durability, and size. After careful research, they decided on the Hunter Industrial XP HVLS fans for all their stations. A standout feature of these fans is the Direct-Drive motor, which makes them more energy-efficient, lighter, and easier to install compared to traditional fans with gearboxes. Plus, the fans arrive pre-assembled, simplifying the installation process. To make the experience even easier, we offer Hunter Industrial Precision Installation™ services. Our team of Precision Certified Installers handles every detail, ensuring the fans are installed correctly the first time, saving you time and eliminating unnecessary stress. With our Partner for Life Promise, you can have peace of mind knowing your fans will be up and running efficiently. This allows you to focus on what truly matters—running your business—while we take care of the installation.
Once installed, Hunter Industrial’s HVLS fans proved to be a perfect fit for the demanding environment at the DeKalb Fire Department. In the summer, HVLS fans provide up to a 10-degree cooling effect, reducing the workload on AC units and helping extend the lifespan of HVAC equipment. In the winter, the fans efficiently redistribute heat, creating a more comfortable environment year-round. This combination of energy efficiency and performance makes them an invaluable asset for the fire stations, delivering comfort and reliability throughout the year.
4 Key Reasons the DeKalb Fire Department Trusts Hunter Industrial HVLS Fans
Industrial fans—especially high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) ceiling fans—are game-changers for firehouses and other high-demand spaces. Here’s why the DeKalb Fire Department continues to rely on these powerful fans:
1. Reliability
In a firehouse, reliability is crucial. Equipment needs to perform under tough conditions day in and day out. For over five years, the DeKalb Fire Department has trusted Hunter Industrial fans to meet their airflow needs. Before installing the XP HVLS fans, Station 1 relied on two smaller residential fans, which couldn’t circulate air properly in their 15-foot-high ceilings. Once the HVLS fans were installed, the improvement was immediate—providing the reliable airflow needed for a comfortable and efficient working environment.
2. Comfort
Prior to installing the HVLS fans, the firehouse was often described as “muggy and stuffy,” especially during summer training sessions.
As Patrick Eriksen, Firefighter Paramedic and PR Coordinator at the DeKalb Fire Department, explains, “The Hunter Industrial fans create a cross breeze and improve air quality on the bay floor, enhancing our team’s well-being and productivity by eliminating the discomfort we faced during intense summer sessions.”
As a result, air circulation dramatically improved, not only helping beat the heat but also reducing the workload on the HVAC system. This led to energy savings and lower costs, creating a more comfortable environment year-round.
3. Energy Efficiency
The DeKalb Fire Department has noticed energy savings since installing the HVLS fans. Patrick Eriksen shares, "The HVLS fans have greatly improved our energy efficiency and helped maintain optimal temperatures for the longevity of our rigs." With less reliance on air conditioning in the summer and reduced heating needs in the winter, the department has been able to cut energy costs and operate more sustainably.
4. Style
Hunter Industrial fans are as stylish as they are functional. The sleek design and modern features of the industrial fans give the firehouse a contemporary look, while seamlessly blending in with the station’s decor. Our XP HVLS fans prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style for efficiency—both can be achieved!
Hear more from the DeKalb Fire Department to see how our Hunter XP industrial fans have improved their fire station!
Continuing the Partnership: Hunter Industrial Fans for Station #4
Following the success of the HVLS fans in their first three stations, the DeKalb Fire Department is once again turning to Hunter Industrial for their fourth fire station, set to open in Spring 2025.
"When designing our new fire station, Hunter Industrial was the first choice. After seeing the benefits of HVLS fans at our other stations, we’ve reduced our reliance on air conditioning. The fans enhance comfort and improve energy efficiency, maintaining a consistent temperature without overburdening the AC, which helps preserve our fire trucks," says Patrick.
Having experienced the energy efficiency and year-round comfort these fans provide; the department is confident they will perform just as well in their newest location. By reducing HVAC costs, maintaining temperatures, and delivering powerful airflow, Hunter Industrial fans are helping to create a more efficient, comfortable, and sustainable building for the future.
Why Other Municipal Buildings Should Consider HVLS Fans
The DeKalb Fire Department’s experience with industrial fans is a testament to the positive impact they can have on comfort, reliability, and energy efficiency. Whether outfitting a firehouse, police station, or public works facility, the right industrial fans can completely transform a space.
As Patrick Eriksen puts it, “Hunter Industrial has shown nothing but great support for all of us first responders, and the efficiency we’ve gained speaks for itself.”
If you’re looking to improve airflow, reduce energy costs, and enhance comfort in your municipal building, now is the perfect time to consider investing in Hunter Industrial fans. With a commitment to reliability and energy savings, these fans deliver year-round comfort that benefits both workers and budgets alike.
FAQs:
1.What are HVLS fans and why are they ideal for firehouses?
HVLS (High Volume, Low Speed) fans are large industrial ceiling fans designed to circulate air efficiently with minimal energy consumption. They are ideal for firehouses due to their ability to provide powerful airflow, regulate temperatures year-round, and improve air circulation, all while being energy-efficient. Hunter HVLS fans help firefighters stay comfortable during long shifts by reducing the need for constant air conditioning in summer and heating in winter.
2. How do Hunter Industrial fans improve energy efficiency?
Hunter Industrial fans are designed to reduce reliance on HVAC systems by improving airflow. In firehouses, for example, they reduce the need for air conditioning during hot months and heating during colder months. This results in energy savings and creates a more productive environment, as noted by the DeKalb Fire Department, who have experienced lower energy bills since installing HVLS fans.
3. How do Hunter Industrial fans contribute to maintaining fire station equipment?
Hunter Industrial HVLS fans help maintain fire station equipment by creating a more stable atmosphere. By improving air circulation, the fans help reduce excess moisture and humidity, which can lead to corrosion or wear on firefighting equipment and vehicles. This extends the lifespan of the equipment, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring that vehicles and tools are ready when needed.
4. How do large industrial fans improve comfort in a firehouse?
Large HVLS fans from Hunter Industrial significantly improve air circulation, preventing the harsh conditions that often occur in firehouses during summer training. By efficiently circulating air, these fans maintain a comfortable temperature, even on the hottest days, and help redistribute heat in winter. This ensures that firefighters can work more comfortably during long shifts and summer training, improving productivity and morale.
5. Why should other municipal buildings invest in heavy-duty industrial fans?
Municipal buildings like fire stations, police stations, and public works facilities can greatly benefit from the efficiency and reliability of Hunter Industrial HVLS fans. Our fans enhance comfort, reduce energy costs, and provide consistent airflow year-round. Additionally, the durability and long lifespan of HVLS fans make them a smart, long-term investment, offering a cost-effective solution to manage climate control in high-demand environments. Whether you’re looking to improve air quality, reduce maintenance costs, or create a more comfortable environment for staff, investing in Hunter Industrial fans is a smart choice for any municipal building.