The 3 Best HVLS Fan Manufacturers

HVLS fans have become the go-to option for providing powerful cooling and airflow for a number of applications where complete reliance on air conditioning systems isn’t feasible. Their success has not gone unnoticed and their growing popularity garners the interest of many fan manufacturers, but not all are created equal.

In this article, we’ll explore HVLS fans and their benefits and discuss the top 3 manufacturers to achieve your cooling needs with confidence.

What is an HVLS Fan?

High volume, low speed (HVLS) are the largest fans utilized for powerful air flow and associated cooling. Because their blades are so long, they do not need to spin very fast to push large volumes of air, meaning their results come at low energy costs - an important factor when trying to cool large facilities. 

Instead of prohibitively expensive air conditioning and/or air turnover unit systems, even just 1-2 HVLS fans can cool and provide air flow for the largest of warehouses and manufacturing facilities.

How Do Large HVLS Ceiling Fans Provide Cooling?

All fans work via the evaporative cooling effect, whereby air passed over the skin causes sweat to evaporate and the body to subsequently cool off. This is readily noticeable if you’ve ever been outside on a hot day with a breeze vs. one without. HVLS fans maximize the capabilities of this process in large areas by moving huge amounts of air with their long blades.

Due to their length and how much air they displace, it isn’t necessary to spin quickly, meaning HVLS fans not only provide effective cooling but do so at low energy costs.

Things to Look for When Selecting HVLS Fans

HVLS fans can be a huge boon to facilities where air conditioning isn’t feasible, and only a handful, if not just one, are all that is needed to provide significant cooling. It’s important then to select HVLS fans with the following qualities to ensure it meets your cooling and air flow goals.

Size and Airflow Capacity

The size of the area you need cooled will correspond to the blade length. HVLS fans range in blade lengths of 7 up to 30 feet, with most in the 12-24’ range. 

Energy Efficiency

The major benefit of HVLS fans is their ability to move significant amounts of air while spinning slowly, meaning their energy needs are low. One thing to make sure of when looking at HVLS fans is to verify that this is indeed the case, as the motor and its assembly will dictate whether the fan is actually energy efficient or not.

Build Quality and Materials

It’s important to verify that quality materials are used as many HVLS fan applications are commercial and/or industrial and need to be able to stand up to harsh environments. HVLS fans built from aluminum and steel are excellent at withstanding such conditions and will hold up against factors like humidity and dust.

Motor and Drive System

The motor and drive system is directly related to not only effective operation but energy efficiency. Look for HVLS fans that feature Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) or Direct Drive motors as these will be energy-efficient and as well as quiet.

Control Options

Verifying HVLS fans that have a substantial amount of control options can be critical, especially if you’re looking to integrate them within building automation systems.

The 3 Best HVLS Fan Manufacturers

1. Hunter Industrial

Hunter Industrial is an offshoot of Hunter Fan Company and therefore offers a legacy of innovation in the fan world. Their HVLS fans are known for advanced motor technology like direct drive motors, offering the best in energy efficiency and quiet operation.  

2. Super Duty Fans

As the name suggests, Super Duty Fans offers HVLS fans for the most demanding of environments. Their fans are known for being rugged, able to function readily in environments where dust, fumes, moisture, and extreme temperatures abound, making them a great choice for industrial settings.

3. Big Ass Fans

Their name isn’t just great marketing but the truth of it: Big Ass Fans are the pioneer of HVLS fans and are the go-to. As the market leader, they are known for their cutting-edge HVLS technology that includes motor and blade design, IoT connectivity, and aircraft-grade build quality. Big Ass Fans is recognized widely for great customer support and HVLS fans that can handle the harshest of environments.

HVLS Fan Facts

Can HVLS Fans Help Air Conditioning Systems?

Yes! It doesn’t have to be an either/or situation when it comes to fans and air conditioning. If HVLS fans are utilized in conjunction with air conditioning, this provides an extremely powerful adjunct as the fans will ease the strain on the air conditioning system, meaning you will save on energy costs.

Can Large HVLS Fans Also Provide Heating?

Yes, HVLS fans can help provide some measure of heating in winter months due to their ability to destratify the air, bringing warm air that has risen to the top of high-ceilinged structures and bringing it down to where the activity is.

Get Access to the Best HVLS Fan Manufacturers with TBC Supply

TBC Supply’s mission is to provide customers with access to the best in industrial fans. When it comes to HVLS fans, we are proud to feature products from Hunter Industrial, Big Ass Fans, and Super Duty Fans, the industry-leaders.