We often have customers tell us that they only want to install large industrial ceiling fans also known as HVLS fans (high velocity low speed). These fans are a good solution for providing spot cooling to workers. We agree that keeping people cool in an unairconditioned facility is important because it increases productivity.
Benefits and Drawbacks of HVLS Fans
A benefit of installing HVLS fans is that they can lower the perceived temperature in the range of 8 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the amount of moisture in the air inside the facility. This occurs because the air flow that they create will evaporate sweat from the skin. However, a big drawback to HVLS fans is that they pull down the hottest air from the top of the building and blow it onto workers below. If the temperature at the top of the building is 20 degrees higher than the outside temperature, then the net effect is to actually make the people below the HVLS fan feel hotter.
Recommended Solution
Eldridge’s recommended solution is to use supply or exhaust fans in combination with industrial ceiling fans. Supply or exhaust fans can be sized to keep the temperature inside the building close to the ambient temperature. Using supply or exhaust fans in conjunction with industrial ceiling fans will be significantly more effective in providing convective cooling to people working directly below.