Industrial HVLS Ceiling Fan Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Size HVLS Fan for Your Space

Industrial HVLS Ceiling Fan Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Size HVLS Fan for Your Space

HVLS Ceiling Fan Size Guide: The Basics

Choosing the right size fan for your industrial or commercial space is crucial to ensure proper airflow and energy efficiency. In this HVLS Ceiling Fan Size Guide, we'll discuss your choices to help you get the right fan for your industrial space to ensure maximum comfort for workers and other occupants.

What Is an HVLS Ceiling Fan?

A high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) ceiling fan is designed to move large quantities of air while operating at a low rotational speed. Commercial and industrial HVLS fans are crucial for large industrial spaces, where maintaining a consistent temperature is important for machines and workers.

How an HVLS Fan Works

You may think that an HVLS fan is only necessary in hot weather. The truth is, these industrial workhorses are on the job year-round. When the temperatures are warm, HVLS fans work in conjunction with your air conditioning system to create a cooling effect. Workers will notice the difference – the air will feel up to 10 degrees cooler.

In cold weather, HVLS fans work with your heating system to pull warm air from the ceiling and redistribute it throughout your facility. This improvement in air circulation results in higher moisture evaporation, which in turn reduces the risk of spills and erosion. Another benefit is that the energy efficiency your facility enjoys with HVLS fans equates to energy savings for your business.

Why Ceiling Fan Size Matters

To work effectively in big open spaces, the diameter of an HVLS ceiling fan must be large – from 7 feet to 24 feet. A fan that's too small won't circulate enough air, while a fan that's too big can create too much airflow, resulting in uncomfortable drafts and wasted energy. It's crucial to consider certain factors to ensure you get the right ceiling fan size for your building.

HVLS Ceiling Fan Blade Sizes

It's not the blades themselves but their diameter that's the most important measurement in determining ceiling fan blade sizes. To calculate a fan's diameter, do the following:

  1. Count the number of blades.
  2. Measure from one blade's tip to the tip of the blade opposite it.
  3. If your fan has an uneven number of blades, measure the radius from the fan's center to the tip of any blade and double that number.

Assessing Your Space to Get the Right HVLS Fan Size

The following three factors are key in determining the best HVLS fan size for your space:

  • Ceiling Height: If you have a large open warehouse, your facility is a good candidate for an HVLS fan – more specifically, an entire fleet of them. Properly spaced HVLS fans provide the best coverage for your working environment. If you want to install fans, but your ceiling height is considerably lower, you'll benefit from more targeted industrial air circulators designed for your specific work environment.
  • Square Footage: This measurement, combined with your ceiling height, gives you the total space you need to ventilate. To determine the square footage of your space, multiply the room's width by its length.
  • Airflow Requirements: This measurement, combined with your ceiling height, gives you the total space you need to ventilate. To determine the square footage of your space, multiply the room's width by its length.

Once you assemble this information, you can determine what HVLS ceiling fan size you need. To make things easier, you can use this handy HVLS Selection Tool.

Ceiling Fan Size Chart

Check out the following chart to get a better sense of what ceiling fan blade size you'll need and how far apart you'll need to install them to make the best use of your ventilation system.

Facilities Best Suited for HVLS Ceiling Fans

Warehouses and automotive plants are obvious locations for premium HVLS ceiling fans like the Titan industrial ceiling fan. You may be surprised to learn that these high-quality fans also benefit other industries:

  • Aviation
  • Food & Beverage
  • Agriculture
  • Manufacturing
  • Fitness & Recreation
  • Horticulture
  • Distribution

If you're looking for a more economical solution without sacrificing powerful performance, you may opt for the ECO HVLS Fan.

Did you know there are HVLS ceiling fan sizes that accommodate smaller commercial properties? While these spaces are best served by ceiling fan blade sizes of 7 feet to 14 feet, the benefits you'll get from products like XP HLVS fans are worthwhile. Here are a few examples of smaller commercial spaces that have found relief from these small but mighty fans:

  • Restaurants & Bars
  • Event Venues
  • Education Centers
  • Barns
  • Garages

HVLS Ceiling Fan Mounting Height

When installed at the correct height, HVLS fans effectively circulate air throughout an ample space, reducing temperature differentials and creating a more consistent indoor environment. However, if the fan is installed too high or too low, its performance can be compromised.

For example, if the HVLS fan is installed too high, it will have difficulty generating the required airflow to circulate air throughout the space effectively. Additionally, the air may become more turbulent as it travels down, reducing the fan's effectiveness.

Conversely, if you install the fan too low, the required air movement may not reach all necessary areas. This could result in pockets of stagnant air and hot or cold spots, reducing the fan's effectiveness.

To ensure their optimal performance, install HVLS fans at a height that allows them to circulate air effectively throughout your space. This height will depend on the size of the fan, the size of the space and the specific requirements of the application.

Use the HVLS Ceiling Fan Size Guide to Find Your Fan at Hunter Industrial & Commercial

Selecting the right HVLS ceiling fan size is crucial for maximizing the comfort and energy efficiency of any space. It's essential to consider the room size, ceiling height and other environmental factors before deciding. With the help of this HVLS ceiling fan size guide, customers can make informed choices based on their unique needs and preferences. As a leading supplier of HVLS fans, Hunter Industrial & Commercial has a proven track record of providing high-quality, reliable, and efficient solutions to customers across various industries. With a dedication to innovation, technology, and sustainability, Hunter Industrial & Commercial is a trusted partner for any business seeking to enhance its indoor environment and reduce its carbon footprint. Get a free quote today or contact us for assistance creating an airflow plan for your building.

Frequently Asked Questions About the HVLS Ceiling Fan Size Guide

The following are answers to some of the questions we've received about our HVLS fans. If you need information beyond what's in our HVLS Ceiling Fan Size Guide, please reach out. We'll be happy to help!

HVLS ceiling fans offer several benefits, including improved air circulation, increased comfort, reduced energy costs and improved indoor air quality. They can also help to reduce the load on HVAC systems, extending their lifespan, and reducing maintenance costs.

While HVLS ceiling fans are most commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, they can also be found in non-industrial settings with high ceilings, such as garages, home fitness centers, and barns.

No, HVLS ceiling fans are designed to operate at a low rotational speed, which means they produce very little noise. They are typically much quieter than traditional high-speed ceiling fans.

Yes, some HVLS outdoor ceiling fans are designed for outdoor use and can be used in covered outdoor spaces such as patios, porches, pavilions, and even stadiums.