Air Quality Improves Food Quality

Additionally, for manufacturing and warehouse spaces that have lofted ceilings, HVLS installations can be particularly useful in de-stratifying an environment. To break this down, when heat is introduced into a space, it forms temperature levels, or strata. The warmest air rises to the ceiling while the coolest air remains at the floor level. HVLS fans can level out these variations, de-stratifying the air so that the desired space achieves a consistent, sustainable air temperature—ultimately stabilizing HVAC costs and helping ensure required temperatures are maintained.

HVLS Fans vs. Conventional Options

Not all fans are created equal. Some of the key differences between HVLS fans versus traditional high-speed fan options are the reduced noise, reduction in energy consumption, and ergonomic safety.

The design of an HVLS ceiling fan allows for a safer working environment, eliminating trip hazards from electrical cords found with high-speed fans—a key factor considering many facility and plant managers identify cords as one of the top workplace hazards. However, with many models of HVLS fans, the overall direct interaction between an employee and a fan is virtually eliminated. This feature is compounded by the maintenance-free aspect of those HVLS fans with direct drive motors, which also eliminate the risk of oil leaks posed by traditional gearbox motors. This particular characteristic has been one of the most beneficial to manufacturers, distributors, and processors in the food and beverage sector.

For instance, Hunter Industrial replaced a food distributor’s HVLS fan after its gearbox motor leaked oil onto its products. The distributor attached a makeshift drip pan underneath the fan to catch leaking oil, which also posed a risk of introducing contaminants into the facility and thereby causing spoilage, so a replacement was clearly needed. After installing a series of industrial fans with direct drive motors, the distributor experienced no further maintenance problems.

Investing in a Comprehensive Solution

Considering all these factors, HVLS fans are emerging as a comprehensive solution to improve energy savings, cost savings, workforce health, and product quality and safety conditions across the board and across industries. The importance of a facility’s air circulation and air management can’t be underestimated, and investments in the right HVLS solution for your facility can make radical transformations in realizing quality assurance standards, while boosting worker productivity and your bottom line.

Chastain is senior vice president and general manager at Hunter Industrial. Reach him at [email protected].