Heavy, cold rain has been sweeping across much of Aotearoa this past week. While it's good for the gardens, the chill in the air highlights a seasonal shift in building performance. Unlike summer, where heat stress is the primary concern, colder months introduce issues such as cold spots, dampness, and increased heating costs.
At first glance, it may seem counterintuitive to run a ceiling fan in Autumn/Winter. However, the wide range of speeds offered by HVLS fans - such as those from Big Ass Fans - offer year-round benefits that go beyond cooling.
During the cooler months, HVLS fans can be run at very low speeds to combat thermal stratification. Stratification occurs when warm air rises to the ceiling while cooler air settles at the floor, creating cold spots and temperature layers (strata). This vertical temperature layering causes discomfort and inefficient heating. HVLS fans gently mix these layers to create a consistent temperature - improving occupant comfort, enhancing HVAC performance, and reducing heating costs.
Summer Benefits of HVLS
Cooling Breeze: When run at higher speeds, the large blades of HVLS fans create a perceptible breeze that enhances evaporative cooling on the skin, making occupants feel up to 6°C cooler without lowering the ambient temperature.
Eliminating Hot Spots: By continuously circulating air across large spaces, HVLS fans break apart stagnant air pockets and distribute cool air uniformly.
Improve Air Conditioning/HVAC Efficiency: When used in tandem with air conditioning, HVLS fans help improve airflow to maintain consistent temperatures. The effect is lower energy consumption and associated costs than traditional cooling systems.
Safety at heights: Using Fans reduces the heat sitting in the ceiling cavity that exhaust fans cannot deal with. This is very helpful when it comes to staff working at heights either on forklifts or mezzanine levels which we have seen can present a major safety concern yet easily rectified by strategically utilising HVLS Fans.
Increased Productivity, Engagement & Retention: There is real ROI to be had by operating the cooling breeze HVLS fans offer; we see a dramatic increase in staff happiness, reducing heat stress and increasing production.
Winter Benefits of HVLS
Air Mixing: HVLS fans gently push warm air trapped at ceiling height down to occupant level, breaking up temperature layers. The result is improved heating efficiency and consistent temperature throughout the space.
No Perceptible Draught: HVLS fans can operate at very low speeds - low enough that they don't create any noticeable breeze or draught that would disrupt occupant comfort.
Moisture Control: Cold weather and poor airflow often lead to condensation, especially on concrete floors – creating a condition known as Sweating Slab Syndrome. Enhanced airflow from HVLS fans can eliminate such issues and accelerate evaporation of condensation or melted ice before it becomes a hazard.
Energy Efficiency: By circulating air and reducing temperature differences from floor to ceiling, HVAC systems don't have to work as hard – leading to lower heating costs in winter, potentially saving 30% on your power bill and extending the life of your equipment.
Why Destratification is Key
In any large warehouse, manufacturing plant or distribution centre – thermal stratification can be a real efficiency killer. Warm air naturally rises, so the ceiling area may be significantly warmer than floor level. HVLS fans break up this stratification by gently pushing warm air downwards and mixing it with cooler air below to create a uniform temperature in large spaces. But why is this so important?
Improve Efficiency of Heating Systems:
In winter, redistributing warm air allows facilities to lower thermostat settings without sacrificing comfort. Lowering your thermostat by just 2°C can result in energy savings of around 30%. Reducing the load on heating systems can also extend their lifespan and decrease maintenance requirements. This is particularly impactful in large spaces like warehouses where traditional heating methods struggle to effectively heat the whole space.
Improved Staff Safety:
Breaking up stagnant air layers and hot/cold spots with HVLS can improve the overall air quality and improve the thermal comfort of occupants. This is particularly valuable when you have employees working at heights, to ensure that they are not exposed to excessive heat, while workers at ground level experience discomfort from cold. Thermal comfort is not only important for occupant wellbeing, it reduces worker fatigue and improves focus and efficiency – meaning you could see a productivity increase of up to 14.3%. Destratification means that staff working at all levels will experience comfortable, consistent temperature levels all year round.
Smarter Comfort, All Year Round
HVLS fans aren't just for summer – they're an all-season tool that makes large spaces more comfortable, efficient, and safe. If you find yourself battling heat in January or trying to keep workers warm in July, HVLS fans could be the solution. Installing an HVLS fan can reduce the load on your HVAC system, ensure staff comfort and safety, and improve your bottom line.
As the seasons change, making small adjustments to your facilities airflow management can make a big difference in energy efficiency and occupant comfort. So don't let your fans gather dust in winter, try running them on low speeds to provide a smarter airflow solution.
To find out how HVLS fans can benefit your facility, no matter the season, get in touch with our team by calling 09 217 6801 or emailing customerservice@jetblackfans.co.nz
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