HVLS fans are designed to help improve air circulation, reduce the effects of humidity, and maintain a consistent environment throughout your space. With a variety of sizes, styles, and features available, choosing the right HVLS fan is a challenging task. This article will act as a high-level buying guide, going over key considerations, including the size of the space, ceiling height, airflow performance, energy efficiency and more.
The term “HVLS” stands for High-Volume, Low-Speed. HVLS fans are huge, with some measuring around 10 feet to as much as 24 feet in diameter, and move a tremendous amount of air. These large industrial ceiling fans create a cooling effect of nearly 10 degrees Fahrenheit and generate airflow throughout a large area. In the colder months, these large ceiling fans effectively mix the layers of air in your facility through a process called “Destratification,” which helps to redistribute heat. Using HVLS fans decreases the burden on your HVAC system and can lead to an energy savings of up to 30%!
A wide variety of businesses make use of HVLS ceiling fans. If you have tall ceilings and prioritize comfort and safety, HVLS fans are right for you! Here are just a few of the common settings where you will find HVLS industrial ceiling fans:
Are HVLS fans right for you? Here are a few things to consider before you purchase.
Building Requirements for HVLS Fans
The first question that needs answered is, how large is your space? Industrial HVLS ceiling fans are available in a large range of sizes, from 7 feet all the way up to 24 feet in diameter. Even the smaller fan options are powerful though, with the Hunter XP fan having a maximum affected area of 1,225 square feet. On the other end of the spectrum, 24-foot fans, like the Hunter Titan, have a maximum affected area of 22,500 square feet. Depending on the size of your space, multiple industrial ceiling fans may be necessary. HVLS ceiling fans must hang AT LEAST 10 feet off the ground, and the fans perform best when hanging between 20 and 30 feet up.
HVLS Fan Mounting Structures
Next, you need to consider if you have the proper mounting structure for HVLS ceiling fans. HVLS fans need to be mounted on sturdy structures that can withstand roughly twice the maximum hanging weight of the fan. These mounting structures include I-beams, purlin structures, Unistrut, and glulam beams. This usually isn’t an issue, as most industrial spaces are designed with these sorts of materials. However, some fans are heavier than others, so it is important to ensure that your space is sturdy enough to support the weight.
Additionally, you must make sure your HVLS ceiling fan is installed with enough clearance from any obstacles. This means the fan must be at least 2 feet away from any lighting fixtures, and 5 feet out of reaching distance from walkways or mezzanines.
Not all HVLS fans are the same. Now that you have discovered if you have the right space for large diameter ceiling fans, let’s go over a few things that set some HVLS fans apart.
As is commonplace with most large, industrial equipment manufacturers, most companies require customers to get a quote to find specific HVLS fan pricing. That way, they can learn more about your specific needs to ensure they recommend the correct product.Hunter HVLS ceiling fans are extremely affordable when compared to other leading brands, and the benefits of going with Hunter are unmatched. (More on that later.)
It is also important to consider HVLS fan performance. HVLS fan performance is measured in CFM, which stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. This is basically a way of measuring how much air is being pushed through the fan in a set period. The Hunter Titan HVLS fan is capable of moving air at rate of 316,000 cubic feet per minute, which is 47 times as powerful as the average home ceiling fan!
HVLS Fan Durability and Warranty
Is the HVLS fan you are considering built to stand the test of time? Some manufacturers still use outdated technology, like gear-box motors that can leak oil! Hunter HVLS fans are designed with oil-free direct drive motors, and the blades are constructed with air-craft grade materials and redundant safety systems. We are the only HVLS manufacturer to offer an Adjustable Downrod, which takes the guesswork out of ordering and installing your fan.
Are you worried about accidentally hitting your fan with a fork truck? Don’t worry, we’ve already tested that for you:
In fact, we are so confident in our HVLS products that we offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty on our Titan, ECO, and XP models. That is the best HVLS fan warranty around!
Lead Times and Support
These days, it is difficult for industrial suppliers to keep their warehouses fully stocked. Before you place your HVLS fan order, make sure you know exactly how long it will take before the fans arrive at your warehouses. The last thing you want is to place your order, thinking you will have the fans before it gets too hot, only to discover it will take weeks or months for the fans to even leave the warehouse. With Hunter Industrial & Commercial, you can rest assured knowing that we offer 10 DAY LEAD TIMES! We will get the air flowing when you need it!
Have a question or concern? Our customer support is standing by to lend a helping hand. Learn more here.
Need more help?
As we have covered in this Industrial Fan Buying Guide, there are many things to consider before purchasing your HVLS ceiling fan. At Hunter Industrial & Commercial, we have experts ready to help, every step of the way. With over 135 years in the ceiling fan industry, we have certainly learned a thing or two. Give us a call at 1-844-591-3267 or click the button below to get a FREE QUOTE!
Start by considering the size of your space and the area of affect you need to cover. To estimate your needs, we have created a handy HLVS Selection Tool, available here: https://tool.hunterfan.com/
In short, yes. Industrial fans create a cooling effect of up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and cut energy costs by up to 30%.
This depends on the manufacturer, model, and fan size. To find out more, CLICK HERE.
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