Uses For HVLS Fans In The Winter

When we think “fan,” we usually think “cooling.” But if you’re thinking about investing in an HVLS fan for your facility, you’ll be glad to know its use extends far beyond the summer months. HVLS fans also provide excellent performance and cost savings in winter.

How HVLS Fans Help You Stay Warm and Breathe Easier in Winter

The motor is key to reaping the benefits of an HVLS fan during the winter months. In addition to running normally, the motors in all VividAir HVLS fans are designed to run in reverse.

When you run your fan in reverse, it pushes air down instead of up. This is great news during the winter heating season because it relieves two very common cold weather problems in large buildings — air stratification and poor ventilation.

HVLS Fans Air for Greater Comfort and Efficiency

HVAC systems are great at pumping out heat in the winter. What they’re not great at is putting that heat where it is most needed.

As heated air enters a large space, it typically rises and collects at the ceiling. When the ceilings are high, this can leave the room cold at ground level while the rafters are toasty. This means the heat has to keep running in order for employees to feel comfortable and productive at work, even when the average temperature of the space may be warm. The extra energy consumed can be significant. In one study of airplane hangars, stratified air conditions raised heating demand by as much as 38 percent.

The solution is to bring some of that heat down to ground level by mixing up the layers of air. When run in reverse, VividAir HVLS fans are the perfect tool for this job. Simply by running their fans in reverse, many facilities can reduce their heating bills by 20 to 30 percent. Depending on site and location, this can add up to thousands of dollars in savings each heating season.

Enjoy Fresher, Healthier Air in Your Workplace This Winter

Saving on heating costs is a great reason to run your fan in the winter. But it’s not the only benefit HVLS fans can bring to facilities during cold weather. They also can help keep your employees happier and healthier throughout cold and flu season by improving indoor air quality.

According to OSHA, poor air quality in the workplace is linked to reduced concentration, greater error rates and higher absenteeism. At a time of year when windows are shut tight and the inside air can get stuffy, running your HVLS fan in reverse will help keep air oxygenated for a healthier environment. Your staff may reward you with fewer sick days, better moods and increased productivity.

What to Look for in an HVLS Fan for Winter Use

Not every HVLS fan on the market is designed for winter use. Here are a few things to look for:

  • You’ll need to select a model that can run in reverse, such as our Z-Tech™ or TAZ fans.
  • Choosing a fan that is compatible with your building management system (BMS) will help ensure optimal efficiency.
  • If you have a large space, select a fan model that enables you to gang multiple fans together for comprehensive coverage.
  • Be sure to consider factors such as building layout, obstructions within the space and HVAC integration when designing your fan array. If you are working with a manufacturer or installer, don’t forget to tell them you will be using the fans for heating as well as cooling because this can affect the system design.

Want to Know More?

We don’t just manufacture fans, we provide comprehensive consulting services to help you choose the best solutions for your needs. If you think an HVLS fan could benefit your facility during the winter, get in touch with us today to find out how much you can save.