HVLS Fan Frequently Asked Questions
First-time buyers tend to have a lot of questions about HVLS fans. After decades in the industry, MacroAir has heard many of them.
To help those in the process of buying or researching HVLS fans, we’ve assembled a list of the most common questions we hear from our customers. And to help you with further research, we’ve provided links to related blog posts under each question.
1. HOW DO I KNOW THAT I NEED AN HVLS FAN?
If you have a large facility that needs airflow throughout the entire space, an HVLS fan is a great solution for you. The fan can also help you in the following situations:
- High humidity causes a buildup of moisture in the facility
- Absence of an HVAC system and need to keep occupants comfortable
- HVAC system does not evenly distribute heat/cool
- Need to reduce energy consumption
6 Easy Tips for Distributing Air in Your Facility More Efficiently
2. DOES AN HVLS FAN USE A LOT OF ELECTRICITY?
No. Even if you leave it on around the clock, a well-designed HVLS fan can run for as little as $0.37 a day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reduce Energy Costs with HVLS Fans
Integrate MacroAir HVLS Fans in Building Plans for Energy Savings
3. DO I NEED AN HVLS FAN IF I ALREADY HAVE A GOOD HVAC SYSTEM?
Possibly. HVLS fans evenly distribute air which improves the effectiveness of your HVAC system. Minimizing your HVAC system’s run time saves energy and prolongs the unit’s lifespan.
4. I NEED TO COOL AN EXTREMELY LARGE SPACE. WILL AN HVLS FAN HELP?
Yes. HVLS fans can be as large as 24 feet in diameter and can cover an area of over 20,000 square feet. They are frequently used to cool facilities with more than 100,000 square feet and are an ideal solution for warehouses that have open bays and frequent air exchange.
5 Problems With HVAC Systems in Large Facilities That You Might Not Have Considered
What Cooling Solutions are Best for Facilities Over 500,000 square feet?
5. HOW DO I KNOW WHICH SIZE HVLS FAN I NEED?
The primary indicators are the size of your space and the amount of airflow you need. Other factors include building compatibility, usage, and budget. MacroAir’s customer care representatives will assist you in finding the perfect size fan for your space.
6. HOW LONG IS THE WARRANTY ON AN HVLS FAN?
The warranty on an HVLS fan varies by manufacturer and ranges from a few years to decades. Some manufacturers reduce the warranty in half if another service provider installs their fan. Other manufacturers offer a full warranty regardless of who installs it. MacroAir offers mechanical warranties up to 15 years and electrical warranties up to 10 years, regardless of who installs it.
7. SHOULD AN HVLS FAN HAVE WINGLETS LIKE AN AIRPLANE?
Winglets negatively impact the performance of an HVLS fan by increasing the amount of energy the fan uses and making the fan wear out faster. The small, curved caps added to the edge of some HVLS fan blades have sparked much debate. Some companies add winglets to capture and move more air, but it actually hinders a fan’s performance.
8. IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR AN HVLS FAN IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG?
It varies. If your fan is warrantied by a manufacturer with an excellent warranty and service, it’s not. However, it can be expensive if your fan is out of warranty or if it has sustained serious damage. Gear drive motor fans sustain more wear and tear because there are more moving parts. Choosing a direct drive HVLS fan with fewer moving parts eliminates much of that wear and tear and elongates the product’s lifetime.
How to Choose an HVLS Fan with the Lowest Maintenance and Repair Costs
9. HOW DO I KNOW WHERE TO PLACE AN HVLS FAN?
A trained HVLS fan specialist should help you decide where to place an HVLS fan based on the size of the fan and the layout of your space. Correct placement on HVLS fans with variable frequency drives (VFDs) is crucial for your HVLS fan to run optimally.
10. SOME HVLS FANS HAVE THREE BLADES, SOME HAVE SIX, AND SOME HAVE TEN. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
The differences are the amount of airflow the fan can produce, the energy it uses, and how it affects your building’s infrastructure. Different manufacturers have varying beliefs on how many blades are best for specific situations. However, with today's technology at play, fans with fewer blades move an extreme amount of air and are more energy efficient because of the lighter weight.
11. HOW LOUD IS AN HVLS FAN?
HVLS fans are much quieter than smaller, high-velocity fans. HVLS fans with direct drive motors operate very quietly. Gear motor fans are a bit louder due to the gear motor. All fans make a high frequency sound while operating due to the variable frequency drive (VFD). This is normal. The sound may be bothersome to some people. If you think the noise may be something more than carrier frequency, contact MacroAir.
Make Your Workspace Cool and Comfortable Without the Extra Noise
12. MY FACILITY GETS EXTREMELY HOT. CAN AN HVLS FAN RUN SAFELY IN IT?
Yes. The AVDX is rated for temperatures up to 140°F. Having a high heat rating is very important because when an HVLS fan is not running, the temperature at the ceiling is much higher than at ground level.
13. CAN I USE AN HVLS FAN TO IMPROVE THE AIR QUALITY OF MY FACILITY?
Yes. Because HVLS fans promote airflow throughout large areas they can be used to eliminate fumes and prevent air quality problems like Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).
14. WHAT SHOULD AN HVLS FAN’S BLADES BE MADE OUT OF?
HVLS fan blades should be extremely durable and resistant to extreme temperatures and moisture. MacroAir uses aluminum that has been anodized (an electrochemical process that makes aluminum extremely strong).
The Bottom Line
There are many elements involved in choosing the best HVLS fan solution for your facility. We know that purchasing an HVLS fan is a large decision, and we know you may have questions. We hope that answering some of the most common questions we receive will help you. Have additional questions about HVLS fan technology? We are here to help if you have further questions.