Because there is more room for hot air to rise, there is a greater tendency for "pockets" of hot and cold air to develop in these types of buildings.
These problems are compounded by the hot sun beating down on the roof during the summer months.While some facility managers might deal with this challenge by simply cranking up their HVAC system, this can lead to elevated energy costs and excessive strain on cooling systems.
Increasing airflow by de-stratifying the air is the most efficient way to cool a building with high ceilings.
Why HVAC Alone Doesn't Maximize Efficiency in High-Ceiling Facilities
It's true that HVAC systems can help increase the amount of cold air in a facility with high ceilings, but that doesn't necessarily lead to a colder space. Because of a phenomenon known as air stratification, where patches of hot and cold air develop in the facility, it can still feel hot in a building even if the air conditioning is running at a relatively high level.
Using HVAC by itself to cool a facility with high ceilings also puts undue strain on the HVAC system. In the hotter months of summer, cooling has to be cranked up to a high level. Facilities with high ceilings also require more ductwork, which means there are more places for leaks that end up costing money. Even if leaks are fixed right away, running HVAC systems at a high level shortens their lifespan.
How HVLS Fans Efficiently Cool High-Ceiling Facilities
HVLS fans are designed to distribute air efficiently. In a facility with elevated ceilings where there is more room for stratification, HVLS fans can be used in tandem with HVAC systems to move cooler air around so that it is evenly dispersed. This provides a number of benefits for a space with high ceilings: Makes employees feel cooler and more comfortable while they are working. An HVLS fan can lower the effective temperature by as much as 8°.Decreases the strain on the facility's HVAC system. HVLS fans can allow you to lower the tonnage of your air conditioning by 25% or more.Improves air quality by more efficiently moving stale air out of the building.
The Bottom Line
If your space has high ceilings, it's important to select an HVLS fan that provides sufficient airflow and coverage. MacroAir's fans are rated to move over 300,000 CFM of air, and the largest models can cover a space as large as 22,000 square feet. With the right fan or set of fans, you can make cooling your high-ceiling facility a breeze.
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