Whelp, summer’s over. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but hey… there’s always next year! So, along with football season and colorful fall foliage comes the return of colder weather. As we’ve discussed before (Strait Talk, February 2015), this is the time of year when your HVLS fans really start returning on their investment by lowering heating costs. But don’t be like all those other jabronis that continue to spin their fans in reverse. Why? Let’s discuss further! As we learned all the way back in February 2015, the most efficient way to destratify air is to spin your fans slowly in the forward direction. This will mix the air vertically, giving you a warmer overall temperature profile ceiling to floor. So why not use reverse? Doesn’t it work for home ceiling fans? The answer is yes, but there’s a reason it works in a residential setting: the fan is usually much closer to walls. Also, most house fans do not have a forward setting slow enough to not create a breeze. So running them in reverse not only mixes the air, it keeps those in the room from getting chilly. The same is not true in a warehouse or other industrial setting. Since HVLS fans are best used in large, open areas, they are generally not near walls. Because of this, running them in reverse results in lower air mixing efficiency, and can increase the time needed to equalize the floor to ceiling temperature. Proper destratification involves spinning your fans in the forward direction at a speed fast enough to move air, but slow enough that it does not create a discernible breeze. So what’s the moral of the story? You never need to use the reverse direction on your fans – just vary your speeds from season to season. Turn them up in the summer to create a cooling breeze, and dial them back in the winter to destratify. Seriously… how easy is that?! Looking for more helpful fan knowledge? It’s only a phone call away! Talk to the fan experts at Patterson today – before the real cold weather sets in! You could be well on your way to saving 25-30% on your heating bills!* *Actual savings depend on heating costs, size of facility, number of fans, and other factors. THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT
2 Comments
WET CONCRETE FLOORS? |
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or, heaven forbid, spending all your time playing Pokémon GO), you know it’s really REALLY hot outside. Like crazy hot – fry an egg on the sidewalk hot. If you’re not near a pool, a lake, or a beach, being outdoors just isn’t any fun. And let’s face it – working inside a sweltering warehouse or other facility this time of year is no picnic either. So, in addition to staying hydrated (hopefully you have a fully stocked “hydration station” like we do here at Patterson), why not throw some affordable, high quality fan products into the mix? Since 1989, Patterson has been “locked and loaded” with a variety of air movement products for every facility’s need. Want air flow down aisle ways, in truck trailers, or in mezzanine areas? Take a look at Patterson’s complete line of high velocity fans. Open areas? Perfect for the High-5 HVLS fan! Work station cooling? Patterson has you covered with cage fans, spot coolers, and Power Tubes. Basically, if you have an air movement issue – Patterson has a fan for that! All of this fan awesomeness is backed by the friendliest, most knowledgeable sales reps in the industry! Why not do yourself (and your employees) a big favor this summer, and give Patterson a call right now! |
THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT
MYTH BUSTING:
THE TRUTH BEHIND HVLS COOLING
So... apparently there’s been a lot of talk out there in the air movement industry about how HVLS fans can lower ambient temperatures inside buildings (I’m looking squarely at you…Fans with a Posterior Larger than Normal). Is this really true? Can you simply place HVLS fans throughout your facility and have it act like air conditioning? Sadly, friend, the answer is no. Then… why do fan companies make these claims? Let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?
All of you smart readers out there know that fans do not cool air, they simply move it. So why do fans make us feel cooler? Well… one reason is because you’re hot and sweaty! Wait…what? It’s true! Let’s break it down. When a fan accelerates air, you feel that air move across your skin. And since its summer (or at least close to it), you’ve been sweating – a lot. So when this accelerated air meets your perspiring skin, the sweat evaporates. This evaporation carries heat away from your body, so even though there’s been no change in the air temperature around you, it FEELS cooler!
Even if you’re not moving around and sweating, HVLS fans can still make you feel cooler without an actual ambient temperature drop. This is due to the fact that we all have a heat “envelope” of 88 - 92°F air that encases our bodies. When air movement removes this “envelope” in a continuous fashion, relief can be felt despite the lack of perspiration. See there? A mystery solved and an advertising myth debunked all in two paragraphs!
Here’s something else the “other guys” won’t tell you. When the air temperature around you reaches 95°F or more, using fans to move air across your skin will actually make you feel hotter, not cooler. If this is routinely the case in your facility, you may want to think about other ways to reduce the overall temperature profile (evaporative roof cooling, anyone?).
Looking for more truths in air movement advertising? Check out Patterson’s complete lineup of fans, designed to make good use of all that body cooling sweat you’ll be producing this summer season!
All of you smart readers out there know that fans do not cool air, they simply move it. So why do fans make us feel cooler? Well… one reason is because you’re hot and sweaty! Wait…what? It’s true! Let’s break it down. When a fan accelerates air, you feel that air move across your skin. And since its summer (or at least close to it), you’ve been sweating – a lot. So when this accelerated air meets your perspiring skin, the sweat evaporates. This evaporation carries heat away from your body, so even though there’s been no change in the air temperature around you, it FEELS cooler!
Even if you’re not moving around and sweating, HVLS fans can still make you feel cooler without an actual ambient temperature drop. This is due to the fact that we all have a heat “envelope” of 88 - 92°F air that encases our bodies. When air movement removes this “envelope” in a continuous fashion, relief can be felt despite the lack of perspiration. See there? A mystery solved and an advertising myth debunked all in two paragraphs!
Here’s something else the “other guys” won’t tell you. When the air temperature around you reaches 95°F or more, using fans to move air across your skin will actually make you feel hotter, not cooler. If this is routinely the case in your facility, you may want to think about other ways to reduce the overall temperature profile (evaporative roof cooling, anyone?).
Looking for more truths in air movement advertising? Check out Patterson’s complete lineup of fans, designed to make good use of all that body cooling sweat you’ll be producing this summer season!
THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT
CALCULATING ROI
FOR HVLS FANS
When it comes to evaluating potential capital expenditure projects, one acronym stands above the rest – ROI, or return on investment. If you’re considering HVLS fans, calculating ROI helps estimate the time period necessary for full payback in the form of energy savings. But how are these calculations done, and what critical information is needed to do them? Keep reading to find out!
Energy savings from HVLS fans are generally realized during the winter months, due to destratification (see Strait Talk, February 2015). Because of this, knowing your heating cost and consumption information is vitally important, as HVLS fans can help reduce them both by up to 30%!* Also important is the cost of your electricity, since heaters consume electrical power as well as natural gas when they are in use. Other inputs that help “fine tune” your ROI calculation include: facility square footage, hours of operation, number of heaters, heater voltage and amperage ratings, and average length of the winter heating season.
So how is all this data used to calculate ROI? It all starts by estimating current resource consumption costs (both natural gas and electrical – I will spare you the boring formulas here). Once a total consumption amount is determined, calculate a projected savings amount as a percentage of that total consumption (15-20% is usually a solid, conservative savings estimate). Then, subtract your fan electrical costs (again, boring formula) from your savings – this is your net savings amount. Finally, divide your net savings by the projected cost of your new fans and – Bob’s your uncle – you have ROI (in number of heating seasons)! Pretty easy… right?!
Of course, as with any calculation, the result should be used as a guide toward making an informed cap-ex budget decision. It should not be taken as “gospel,” as any number of factors can affect the actual savings amount (e.g. price of natural gas, unusually harsh or mild winters). But overall, an HVLS ROI calculation can provide valuable insight into current resource consumption issues, and identify potential air movement solutions.
Want to learn more about ROI calculations for HVLS fans? Give your regional Patterson sales representative a call today, and let them introduce you to our High-5 fan. You’ll soon be spinning your way to lower heating costs this winter!
*Actual savings depend on heating costs, size of facility, number of fans, and other factors
Energy savings from HVLS fans are generally realized during the winter months, due to destratification (see Strait Talk, February 2015). Because of this, knowing your heating cost and consumption information is vitally important, as HVLS fans can help reduce them both by up to 30%!* Also important is the cost of your electricity, since heaters consume electrical power as well as natural gas when they are in use. Other inputs that help “fine tune” your ROI calculation include: facility square footage, hours of operation, number of heaters, heater voltage and amperage ratings, and average length of the winter heating season.
So how is all this data used to calculate ROI? It all starts by estimating current resource consumption costs (both natural gas and electrical – I will spare you the boring formulas here). Once a total consumption amount is determined, calculate a projected savings amount as a percentage of that total consumption (15-20% is usually a solid, conservative savings estimate). Then, subtract your fan electrical costs (again, boring formula) from your savings – this is your net savings amount. Finally, divide your net savings by the projected cost of your new fans and – Bob’s your uncle – you have ROI (in number of heating seasons)! Pretty easy… right?!
Of course, as with any calculation, the result should be used as a guide toward making an informed cap-ex budget decision. It should not be taken as “gospel,” as any number of factors can affect the actual savings amount (e.g. price of natural gas, unusually harsh or mild winters). But overall, an HVLS ROI calculation can provide valuable insight into current resource consumption issues, and identify potential air movement solutions.
Want to learn more about ROI calculations for HVLS fans? Give your regional Patterson sales representative a call today, and let them introduce you to our High-5 fan. You’ll soon be spinning your way to lower heating costs this winter!
*Actual savings depend on heating costs, size of facility, number of fans, and other factors
THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT
Location, location, location! Any real estate agent worth their salt knows these three “principles” are the key to finding a great home. But location is also important when it comes to the placement of your HVLS (High Volume Low Speed) fans. Putting the right fan, in the right place, at the right height will provide a comfortable work environment regardless of season.
As mentioned in a previous article, HVLS fans work best over open areas where air can move freely ceiling to floor, then outward in all directions. For this reason, fans should not be placed near walls or other obstructions, since these may limit airflow and effective coverage area. Ideally, each fan should be between 20 and 25 feet above the floor, using extensions (known as downrods) where necessary to achieve optimum height. Facilities with very tall ceilings will need multiple fans spaced closer together to provide ample air movement at the working level, as ideal fan height may not be possible.
Other factors to consider when placing HVLS fans:
Still have questions? As always, the air movement experts at Patterson are a phone call away! Put their HVLS experience to work in your facility!
As mentioned in a previous article, HVLS fans work best over open areas where air can move freely ceiling to floor, then outward in all directions. For this reason, fans should not be placed near walls or other obstructions, since these may limit airflow and effective coverage area. Ideally, each fan should be between 20 and 25 feet above the floor, using extensions (known as downrods) where necessary to achieve optimum height. Facilities with very tall ceilings will need multiple fans spaced closer together to provide ample air movement at the working level, as ideal fan height may not be possible.
Other factors to consider when placing HVLS fans:
- Avoid mounting the fan underneath any area lighting. This will prevent the “strobing effect” when the fan is in operation.
- Blade clearances are critical! Hanging a fan too close to potential obstructions (chain suspended lighting for example) can create a safety hazard. A good rule of thumb: blade clearances should equal 15% of the fan’s diameter in all directions. Example: a 24 foot fan should not have any potential obstruction closer than 3.6 feet.
- Pay particular attention to the routing of the fan’s control cable (between the fan and the control keypad near the floor). If possible, run this cable in conduit, or in such a way as to avoid lighting fixtures. Doing so will reduce the possibility of signal noise and fan operational issues.
Still have questions? As always, the air movement experts at Patterson are a phone call away! Put their HVLS experience to work in your facility!
THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT
HIGH VELOCITY OR HIGH VOLUME?
WHEN AND WHERE?
When deciding between a high velocity or high volume (HVLS) fan, one must first assess the given area - for while both achieve the goal of people cooling, each has its own set of requirements that maximize their effectiveness.
HVLS fans work best in open areas, where air can be accelerated vertically toward the floor, then outward in all directions. Assembly and inspection lines, loading docks, and staging areas are all great examples where an HVLS fan would provide a comfortable working environment.
By contrast, high velocity fans provide horizontal air movement in more confined spaces, such as aisle ways, pick modules, or any area where material may be stacked floor to ceiling. For more information on the best fan application for your facility, contact a Patterson sales rep today!
HVLS fans work best in open areas, where air can be accelerated vertically toward the floor, then outward in all directions. Assembly and inspection lines, loading docks, and staging areas are all great examples where an HVLS fan would provide a comfortable working environment.
By contrast, high velocity fans provide horizontal air movement in more confined spaces, such as aisle ways, pick modules, or any area where material may be stacked floor to ceiling. For more information on the best fan application for your facility, contact a Patterson sales rep today!
THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT
“Warm air rises and cold air sinks” – anyone who’s taken a middle school science class has probably heard this fact at one time or another. For now, we’ll skip over the details as to why this happens, because really, who wants to relive those awkward middle school years?! But all jocularity aside, it’s this concept (commonly referred to as thermal stratification, or simply stratification) that’s straining the budgets of organizations like yours each and every winter. Why?
Regardless of how you might heat your facility, the sad truth is much of that heat is lost to the ceiling space. Because of this, heaters are forced to run more often in order to maintain their thermostat set points. The colder it gets, the more they run, and the more you spend. The end result is an uneven temperature profile (or gradient), whereby warmer air becomes trapped at the ceiling and the cooler, denser air sinks to the floor. Depending on ceiling height, the temperature difference, floor to ceiling, can be as much as 15-20°F!
So now that we’ve identified the problem, can anything be done, and if so, how? Thankfully the answer is yes, and the solution is Patterson’s High-5 HVLS (High Volume Low Speed) fan. Think of this fan like the ceiling fans in your home, but on a much, MUCH larger scale.
The idea, known as de-stratification, works like this: strategically place a number of High-5 fans throughout your facility, and turn them on at a slow speed in the FORWARD direction*. The fan should move air, but not create a breeze you can feel (a bit of experimentation will help you find the “sweet spot” for your building). This will facilitate a mixing of warm and cool air in a vertical, circular pattern. Over time, a continuous mixing of air will promote a more uniform temperature profile from floor to ceiling.
So how does this lower energy bills? The key is the redistribution of warm air from the ceiling. More warmth at the floor level means thermostat set points are maintained for longer intervals. Heating cycles shorten in both frequency and duration, adding dollars back to your bottom line. Realized savings could be 25-30% or more**!
Have more questions? Want to learn more about the concept of destratification? Contact the air movement experts here at Patterson Fan – The Authority in Air Movement! With more than 25 years of fan experience, we’ll deliver a tailored High-5 solution that meets both your needs and your budget!
*Best results are achieved with the fan running slowly in the forward direction. A common industry misconception is that these fans must be run in reverse for destratification. While air mixing will occur in reverse, it is much less efficient.
**Actual savings depend on heating costs, size of facility, number of fans, and other factors.
Regardless of how you might heat your facility, the sad truth is much of that heat is lost to the ceiling space. Because of this, heaters are forced to run more often in order to maintain their thermostat set points. The colder it gets, the more they run, and the more you spend. The end result is an uneven temperature profile (or gradient), whereby warmer air becomes trapped at the ceiling and the cooler, denser air sinks to the floor. Depending on ceiling height, the temperature difference, floor to ceiling, can be as much as 15-20°F!
So now that we’ve identified the problem, can anything be done, and if so, how? Thankfully the answer is yes, and the solution is Patterson’s High-5 HVLS (High Volume Low Speed) fan. Think of this fan like the ceiling fans in your home, but on a much, MUCH larger scale.
The idea, known as de-stratification, works like this: strategically place a number of High-5 fans throughout your facility, and turn them on at a slow speed in the FORWARD direction*. The fan should move air, but not create a breeze you can feel (a bit of experimentation will help you find the “sweet spot” for your building). This will facilitate a mixing of warm and cool air in a vertical, circular pattern. Over time, a continuous mixing of air will promote a more uniform temperature profile from floor to ceiling.
So how does this lower energy bills? The key is the redistribution of warm air from the ceiling. More warmth at the floor level means thermostat set points are maintained for longer intervals. Heating cycles shorten in both frequency and duration, adding dollars back to your bottom line. Realized savings could be 25-30% or more**!
Have more questions? Want to learn more about the concept of destratification? Contact the air movement experts here at Patterson Fan – The Authority in Air Movement! With more than 25 years of fan experience, we’ll deliver a tailored High-5 solution that meets both your needs and your budget!
*Best results are achieved with the fan running slowly in the forward direction. A common industry misconception is that these fans must be run in reverse for destratification. While air mixing will occur in reverse, it is much less efficient.
**Actual savings depend on heating costs, size of facility, number of fans, and other factors.
THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT
JOHN STRAIT
Patterson Fan's
Air Movement Guru & Man of Wisdom
Air Movement Guru & Man of Wisdom
Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. After that who cares?... He’s a mile away and you’ve got his shoes!
- Billy Connolly
- Billy Connolly
Categories
All
Cage Fans
Db Fans
Drum Fans
Evaporative Cooling
Fabric Air Ducts
General Fan Advice
High Velocity Fans
HVLS Ceiling Fans
Loading Dock Door Fans
Supply & Exhaust Fans
Workstation Fans