Temperature and humidity control play critical roles in industrial and commercial locations. Highly humid areas add excess moisture to certain types of products, such as perishable items, which spoil or develop mold or bacterial growth from the moisture. Humidity also makes employees and customers feel uncomfortable and sweaty.
High-volume, low-speed fans (HVLS fans) are a good way to help control temperature and humidity. This is especially true for facilities with wide spaces and large ceilings that make it difficult for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment to perform fast and effectively.
If your commercial or industrial location has a problem with excess moisture, here’s how HVLS fans may be the right solution for your facility.
What Are HVLS Fans?
HVLS fans are a type of industrial ceiling fan. Their sizes range from 7 feet to 24 feet in diameter, and their motors operate at speeds typically between 60 and 200 rpm.
Due to their larger size, HVLS fan’s slow rotational speed is enough to push air horizontally down to the floor. When the air reaches the floor, it rises back up to the fan and repeats the flow. This leads to spaces that feel cooler and are more comfortable.
HVLS Fans, HVAC, and Humidity
HVLS fans are commonly used with other HVAC equipment such as air conditioners, heaters and air circulators, as well as other temperature and humidity-controlling equipment. During hotter seasons, HVLS fans help distribute colder air from air conditioners or indirectly cool down indoor air by promoting better airflow. In the cooler seasons, HVLS fans redistribute warm air to create an even temperature throughout the space.
Improving air circulation in your spaces reduces the effects of humidity on your property. Depending on your area’s climate and what activities occur at your facilities, your spaces may be prone to excess moisture in the air. HVLS fans in warehouses and commercial spaces combat humidity by promoting effective air circulation and evaporative cooling. Increasing airflow in indoor spaces promotes moisture evaporation.
Benefits of Using HVLS Fans
Through humidity control, you can take advantage of the following benefits:
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Protect Perishable Items: Objects like food, paper, and untreated wood develop mold and bacterial growth because of high humidity. This leads to losses in your operations because of irreparable damage caused by humid conditions.
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Prevent Rusting and Corrosion: Several types of metals corrode in highly humid areas. This damages any equipment or tools in your facility.
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Create a Comfortable Environment: Humidity makes people in your space feel sweaty and sticky, which can be uncomfortable. HVLS fans create a cooling effect of us to 10 degrees while reducing the moisture content in the air.
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Reduce Energy Costs: HVLS fans work with your HVAC system to effectively control your work environment, all while effectively reducing energy costs year-round.
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Avoid Respiratory Irritants from Stagnant Air: Excess moisture leads to mold, mildew, and bacterial and viral growth. This can lead to allergies, respiratory irritation, or even make it easier to spread viral diseases.
- Address Safety Hazards: Stagnant air and uncontrolled temperatures lead to hazards such as slippery floors and damaged equipment. The airflow generated by HVLS fans leads to faster moisture evaporation, creating a safer environment.
Choosing the Right HVLS Fan
There are various features that different HVLS fan models offer. If you’re not sure which features are required for your spaces, you can check out our HVLS Selection Tool. This tool considers the size of your space, the temperature you want to set, your desired cooling effect, and the HVAC systems you have.
From there, you can estimate how many HVLS fans you need, and which model is most suitable for your space. You can also get in touch with us to learn more about our fan installation services.
Some features to consider when choosing an HVLS fan:
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Controls: You will want to consider which HVLS fan control option is right to meet your needs. Some controllers allow you to control an entire fleet of industrial fans, and also come with environmental sensors that automatically detect and respond to changes in your environment.
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Size and Quantity of Your Fans: This is relative to the size of your commercial or industrial space. While an industrial fan is more effective than commercial fans for promoting airflow, too few fans may not properly create enough airflow.
- Placement of Your Fan: Consider the size of your space and anything around it, like columns, lighting, and other HVAC equipment that could obstruct airflow.
Achieve Safe and Comfortable Indoor Facilities with Hunter Industrial
Hunter Industrial & Commercial provides high-quality HVLS fans for large spaces. Create more comfortable facilities for employees, clients, and those in your property with fans that complement your existing HVAC equipment.
Get in touch with us today for a free quote, guidance on the type of fans you need, and our installation and maintenance services.