When to Use High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) Fan？

Before purchasing a ceiling fan it’s important to understand the different types of ceiling fans you should use in your home or your business. How do you know which type of ceiling fan is right for your space?

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The two main types of ceiling fans are high-volume low-speed (HVLS) and residential fans.

HVLS Fans

HVLS fans are large ceiling fans greater than 7ft in diameter and move a high volume of air at a low speed around 8 mph. Originally designed for large spaces like factories and warehouses, HVLS fans have improved due to advancements in technology and can now be found in a wide variety of industrial, commercial and even residential spaces.

In comparison, residential fans are smaller in size and are high-velocity ceiling fans that create small turbulent air streams. They are mostly used in homes to provide cooling comfort in bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and more.

Let’s look at the key differences and benefits between HVLS and residential fans to help you determine the right fan for your space.

When comparing which fan type will meet your particular needs, the major differences to consider between HVLS and residential fans are size, speed, and the direction of airflow.

Size

Typically, HVLS fans can be as small as 7ft to as large as 24ft in diameter and can cover an area of over 20,000 square feet. They are frequently used to cool spaces with more than 40,000 square feet and are an ideal solution for warehouses with open bays and frequent air exchange. HVLS fans require a minimum clearance of 10 ft to ensure adequate space.

Residential fans range in blade span and can be anywhere from 3ft to 6ft in diameter. They are generally used in smaller spaces, but the size and ceiling height of your space will determine the exact size of fan you will need.

Speed

HVLS fans spin at a relatively low speed compared to residential fans. HVLS fans can typically reach a maximum speed of 200 RPM and a minimum speed of 40 RPM. While a residential fan spins at a higher speed up to 380 RPM.

Airflow

Airflow is the biggest differentiator between residential and HVLS fans.

HVLS fans move more air providing complete air circulation throughout large, high ceiling spaces due to their long blades. They produce air columns that move towards the floor and are then pushed outward in a 360-degree direction throughout the workspace. The airflow created feels like a natural breeze, making it feel 10 to 12 degrees cooler.

In contrast, residential ceiling fans move air quickly and at a high speed in a concentrated downward motion. They also create a wind-chill effect making it feel 8 to 10 degrees cooler in a room.

The measurement to consider when comparing airflow is cubic feet per minute (CFM). This indicates the volume of air moving through the fan each minute. Residential fans can produce around 1,000 to 3,000 CFM with a 1-hp motor, whereas most HVLS fans can produce more than 15,000 CFM with the same 1-hp motor. This comparison demonstrates how a single HVLS fan can replace several fans of similar total horsepower.

The higher a fan’s CFM number, the higher the fan’s volume or capacity. The higher the volume, the better the performance.

When purchasing your next ceiling fan for your home or business be sure to keep in mind the key factors outlined in this blog. Hunter has more than 100 years of experience and offers a wide variety of fans to fit any space. We design reliable and innovative ceiling fans engineered for optimal comfort for any environment.

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HVLS vs. residential fans: A quick comparison

HVLS stands for High-Volume, Low-Speed (HVLS) fans. As their name implies, these giants, measuring more than 7 feet across, gently stir a large amount of air at speeds of about 8 mph. They were originally crafted specifically for spacious environments such as factories and warehouses. However, with technological advancements, these mechanical wonders are now suitable for a range of settings. Today, you’ll find these huge fans in commercial, industrial, and even residential settings.

On the flip side, we have residential fans. You’ll often find these ones gracing the ceilings of living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. These compact, high-velocity wonders are experts at delivering small yet turbulent air currents.

So how do you decide which fan is best for your space? We’ll break out each type’s key differences and benefits, taking important factors like size, speed, and airflow direction into account.

Size

HVLS ceiling fans have a diameter that ranges from 7 feet to a whopping 24 feet. Imagine a fan that can effectively cool an area equivalent to around half a football field! That’s what an HVLS fan can do—cool spaces up to 20,000 square feet. This makes them a popular option for expansive warehouses with open bays and high demands of air exchange. HVLS fans can even cool places larger than 40,000 square feet. It’s worth noting, though, that for optimal performance, these sizeable fans require a room with a minimum clearance of 10 ft. HVLS fans do indeed occupy a lot of space, but their superior cooling comfort is second to none.

Meanwhile, residential fans have a more modest blade span, varying from 3 to 6ft in diameter. These fans are perfectly suited for cozier environments and fit in all the different nooks and crannies of your house. However, the details of your location, such as its size and ceiling height, will ultimately define the exact dimensions of your fan.

Speed

It’s the speed that sets apart the HVLS models from their residential counterparts. Despite their enormous size, HVLS ceiling fans operate more slowly. Their top speed caps at a moderate 200 revolutions per minute (RPM), with a minimum spin of 71 RPM.

Residential fans, on the other hand, may be modest, but they make up for it with their fast pace. They quickly accelerate to a zippy 230 RPM.

Airflow

Thanks to their long blades, HVLS fans are the best in terms of airflow. They can move and circulate air well, especially in rooms with high ceilings.

Think of their mechanism as creating massive air columns descending to the floor and then billowing outwards in every direction. This creates a natural-like breeze that could drop the temperature by as much as 10 to 12 degrees.

Conversely, residential ceiling fans have a unique way of delivering airflow. Instead of the broad, sweeping motions of HVLS fans, they produce swift, fast-moving air directed straight down. Visualize a focused gust of wind that creates a chill effect in the room, making it feel between 8 and 10 degrees colder.

One crucial metric in comparing these two fans is the Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). This figure shows how much air a fan can move in a minute. For instance, a home fan with a 1-hp motor may produce about 29,000 CFM. Compare that to an HVLS fan with the same 1-hp motor, which can churn out a staggering 140,000 CFM.

This side-by-side comparison shows how a single HVLS ceiling fan can do the work of multiple similar-powered fans.

In the world of fans, size does matter. What matters is the Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). Hence, the bigger the CFM value, the more robust the performance. Simply put, a fan with a high CFM is a power player, delivering superior performance and efficiency.

If you want to know more about residential and HVLS fans, feel free to reach out to the AmeriWind customer service team.

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