How to Justify HVLS Fan Systems

How to purchase an HVLS fan

Warehouse ceiling fans don't just cool; they  de-stratify air, increase productivity, and lower utility bills & create a remarkably comfortable environment. So justification isn't simply about reducing energy costs, although that can play a large role in the process.

The first thing to realize is that high volume, low speed warehouse fans are air movement systems, not just cooling systems. They move and mix lots of air, and they do it very efficiently. As a result of the masses of air they move they are very effective in aiding cooling, heating (through heat de-stratification) and ventilation.

Establishing return on investment

HVLS fans ROI is driven by multiple factors, listed below:

Employee retention

Today's workforce is mobile, and doesn't hesitate to leave workplaces for a number of reasons. A more comfortable environment helps your retain your workforce in tight labor markets. Reducing employee churn is often a prime reason people install HVLS fans. See Dealing with Warehouse Labor Shortages for more information.

Productivity increases

HVLS fans result in productivity increases because they economically improve the work environment. comfortable and healthy work/living environment. NASA research indicates productivity decreases, starting when temperatures reach 75 degrees (3% decline), and getting worse as the temperature increases. At just 80 degrees (an 8% decline), and a whopping 18% at 85 degrees. The relatively low cost of Big Ass Fans may be recouped only with improved productivity.

Error rates skyrocket the hotter it gets. Economical steps like HVLS fans are an economical way to reduce picking, packing, assembly and other error rates.

Read our comprehensive analysis of productivity, error rates and heat here.

Energy cost reductions

Because they operate at low speeds, HVLS fans use a fraction of the power of conventional fans. They're powered by about what it takes to run three conventional light bulbs, and move as much air mass as twenty-five 48" fans that operate with basically the same size motor.

HVLS reduces cooling costs by 20% in cooling applications

HVLS may relieve the need to run air conditioning in the facility (due to cost, buildings without insulation, multiple open doors, large/sparsely populated buildings, fume or smoke producing areas and more). This lets you make a hot warehouse or plant floor much more comfortable at a fraction of the cost of a HVAC. There are times when HVAC isn't possible, even when it's desired.

• HVLS fans move large masses of air at the right speed for the evaporative cooling effect of 6-8 degrees cooler
• You can set your AC warmer (up to 15 degrees warmer) without compromising comfort in the facility
• Coupled with air conditioning, fans enable 6-8 degree thermostat increases with 3-5% energy reductions per degree. You will be able to run your cooling systems less frequently while still maintaining comfort
• This can eliminate costly ducting (and related resources needed to build and install)

Cooling is the main role for HVLS fans, but they also help reduce costs in cold weather applications.

Heating applications: similar savings

• For heat de-stratification: Expect 20% more in heat savings (and potentially more in most applications)
• Industry rule of thumb is about a 3-5% savings for every degree of thermostat reduction. Fan use doesn't cause thermostat reduction; it causes less frequent heater cycling
• And high roof facilities, usually with their blasting heaters in the ceilings trying to blow the hot air which naturally rises, often have a 15-degree differential or more from floor to ceiling, HVLS fans even out these temperature gradients, resulting in the equivalent sensation of thermostat reduction

Air mixture issues

HVLS fans mix bad air, including humid air that can cause damage to objects and food products, so they reduce damage and waste due to unwanted moisture.

Birds and insects

Big Ass Fans help eliminate birds and bugs and all the environmental damages they cause in an operation.

Need help justifying a project?

Contact us for fast assistance specifying the right fan layout, quantity and settings. We can help you create an excellent business case for adding fans to your operation.