Are Ceiling Fans More Economical Than AC Units?
It’s not your imagination. The summer of 2015 was the hottest on record, ever. And the 2016 summer season is shaping up to be even hotter.
Since the American public was first introduced to air conditioning at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, we have increasingly grown to expect its cool comfort when shopping and at work. But cooling large spaces in this manner is a major expense. For instance, the average office building in the U.S. spends up to 10 percent of its total energy budget just for cooling — and that doesn’t include the cost of ventilation. In today’s competitive business environment where margins are tight, many companies are finding that air conditioning is a major profit killer, especially when the mercury rises.
Clearly, staying cool is important. The question is: What are some economical cooling options that will beat the heat without generating utility bills that leave you hot under the collar?
HVLS fans to the rescue
Enter the high-volume, low-speed fan. Many people still think of fans as yesterday’s technology. But comparing today’s industrial fans with those of the past is like witnessing the difference between a Model T and a Tesla.
For example, our large Z-Tech™ HVLS fan is capable of moving 425,000 cubic feet of air per minute, with up to 40,000 square feet destratification coverage.
It does this without creating dead zones or breezes that can cause localized discomfort in the space. Its operation is virtually silent, reducing workplace stress and eliminating noise distraction that could interfere with sales.
Most importantly, it does so ultra-efficiently. Its low, 3.15-amp power consumption means that, compared to air conditioning, you can cool your space for mere pennies on the dollar. The result? You, your employees and customers will feel up to 10 degrees cooler without breaking the bank.
What does it cost to maintain HVLS fans vs. air conditioning?
Like all mechanical objects, HVLS fans will need periodic maintenance and inspection. But our fans beat the pants off air conditioning for maintenance economy.
The average commercial AC unit has a life expectancy of just 15 years. When it breaks down, it’s dead — there’s nothing you can do but replace it. In contrast, our Z-Tech™ fan has a 15-year warranty on the motor and associated parts, but a lifetime warranty on the blades, hub and mounting system. That means you can install it once and expect it to perform for decades with only occasional maintenance.
Consider this: You can easily spend $100 per inspection for each of your AC units, and they should be checked at least annually. The Z-Tech™ fan has a 8000-hour inspection interval. That means it can go more than twice as long between inspections even if you let it run 24/7.
HVLS fans and AC: A cost-effective combination
HVLS fans can be used in conjunction with air conditioning to greatly improve the net energy efficiency of your AC units. The fans’ evaporative cooling effect makes your indoor air feel so much cooler that you can set the thermostat several degrees higher with no complaints.
Our newest product, the Z-Chill™fan and diffuser system, combines the efficiency of HVLS fans with air
conditioning to achieve levels of comfort and cost effectiveness that are
revolutionizing the HVAC industry.
The bottom line is that HVLS fans are a highly efficient and effective cooling option for large commercial spaces. Whether they are used independently or in combination with your air conditioning units, our large industrial fans can put the chill on your bills and a smile on your face — even during the hottest days on record.