An industrial cooler lowers the air temperature by evaporation and brings in fresh air. An HVLS fan does not cool the air; it moves it, so people feel cooler. Choose coolers when the shed is hot and the air itself must be cooler, HVLS fans when the need is air movement over a large floor, and both together for the best comfort.
What each one does
| Industrial duct cooler | HVLS fan | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowers air temperature | Yes | No |
| Brings in fresh air | Yes | No, it recirculates |
| Air movement across the floor | Near the diffusers | Whole floor |
| Works in humid weather | Less cooling | Yes |
| Needs water | Yes | No |
| Needs a high roof | No | Yes |
| Power | 1.1 to 4.5 kW per 1,000 to 3,000 sq ft | 0.5 to 1.5 kW per 2,200 to 10,800 sq ft |
| Installation | Wall or roof mounting, ducting, water line | Roof structure mounting |
Choose industrial coolers when
- The shed is clearly hotter than outside, from machines, ovens or a metal roof
- Fumes, smoke or stale air need replacing with fresh air
- People work at fixed stations that ducts can reach
- The climate is hot and dry for much of the year
Choose HVLS fans when
- The building is large and high, like a warehouse or distribution centre
- The main complaint is still, stuffy air
- The location is humid for long periods
- There is no easy water supply, or water on site is a concern
Why they work best together
Coolers supply cool, fresh air; HVLS fans spread it. With fans mixing the air, the cool supply reaches people far from the ducts, and fewer coolers may be needed for the same comfort. In the monsoon, when coolers do less, the fans keep working.
A simple decision path
- Is the air inside hotter than you can accept? If yes, you need coolers.
- Is the roof high and the floor open? If yes, HVLS fans will help.
- Both? Plan coolers for the work areas and fans for the whole floor.
- Add exhaust wherever coolers are used, so the fresh air can leave.
Example
A 30,000 sq ft factory with a 9 m roof: duct coolers over the production lines, three 24 ft HVLS fans across the floor, and 54 inch exhaust fans on the far wall. We size this from your drawing.
See industrial coolers, HVLS fans and factory cooling.
Frequently asked questions
Is an HVLS fan better than an industrial cooler?
They do different jobs. A cooler lowers the air temperature; an HVLS fan moves air. Hot sheds need coolers, and many use both.
Can HVLS fans and air coolers be used together?
Yes. The fans spread the cooled air across the floor and keep working in humid weather.
Which costs less to run?
An HVLS fan uses less power per square foot, but it does not cool the air. Coolers still cost far less to run than air conditioning.