It’s a well-known fact that utilizing the science behind de-stratification with an HVLS fan can help maintain a temperate workplace environment. This leads to increased employee satisfaction and productivity, as well as decreased strain on your HVAC system. What might not be commonly known are the cost-saving benefits that de-stratification can offer in terms of product quality, longevity, and equipment protection. Let’s explore some ways in which using an HVLS fan for de-stratification can provide tangible advantages.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE STORAGE
There are as many different threats to the quality of your food and beverage products as there are varieties of food and beverages. Grocery stores, wholesale warehouses, and breweries store materials that are perishable. If any of these materials are compromised, not only can illnesses occur, but the public relations implications surrounding the sale of spoiled materials are difficult to overcome.
One way de-stratification can reduce food spoilage is by mitigating condensation. When air temperature varies within a storage facility, warmer air can lead to condensation. Increased humidity creates an environment conducive to the growth of microorganisms. Another scenario that stratified air can contribute to is the thawing and refreezing of meats and other products. Whether this leads to physical appearance issues or actual contamination, both can be avoided by creating a consistent air temperature through de-stratification provided by an HVLS fan.
AGRICULTURE AND GREENHOUSES
De-stratification isn’t just for winter months. While maintaining acceptable humidity levels and a temperature range is crucial for cold winter days, keeping any type of indoor agriculture healthy and thriving is a year-round endeavor. Moreover, proper ventilation and regular exchange of fresh air help your crops flourish and provide the most nutrient-rich products.
Plant diseases occur in most indoor gardening facilities due to the lack of consistent control over air temperature. During winter, if the upper greenhouse air is warm while the outside air is cold, condensation forms and drips onto the plants. This can result in various issues such as water oversaturation leading to root rot, or more visibly, decay and diseases on the surface leaves. In spring, sunny days can cause loss of water (evaporation) from both plants and soil. Maintaining the ideal temperature for your plants to thrive and managing condensation through proper airflow are two ways an HVLS fan can protect your plants.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND INJURIES
Are you familiar with the Sweating Slab Syndrome (SSS)? It’s a documented phenomenon where moisture develops on the surface of an indoor concrete slab. This occurrence might not be new to you if you work in warehouses or other facilities with high ceilings. However, during months when heating your workplace is the primary concern, the potential for SSS or traditional condensation due to uncontrolled temperatures can lead to significant issues.
Most manufacturing plants utilize large-scale equipment, often made of metal. When there are high levels of humidity in the atmosphere, the risk of equipment damage increases. Corrosion, rust, or even lubrication levels can lead to equipment failures or more frequent maintenance needs. Beyond the cost of equipment replacement or repair, condensation can lead to spills (either from the equipment or the building structure), puddles, or even small liquid droplets that result in slips, falls, and other potential employee injuries. An HVLS fan can proactively guard against condensation and reduce the time required to clean up any potential spills.
When these lesser-known benefits of using an HVLS fan for de-stratification are compared to the more common advantages of increased employee productivity and reduced energy costs, the return on investment in an HVLS fan only grows. We’d love to discuss the benefits that an HVLS fan could provide you through a personalized analysis based on your specific needs. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please feel free to get in touch with us. You can find us on our website
