Impact of HVLS Fans on Airplane Hangar Air Destratification

Create Comfort, Save Energy, and Cut Costs with HVLS Technology

Large facilities like airplane hangars face one of the biggest energy challenges: thermal stratification. Heated air rises, leaving warm air trapped near the ceiling while cooler air remains at the floor. This imbalance forces heating systems to run longer and harder—wasting energy, increasing costs, and raising carbon emissions.

High Volume, Low Speed (HVLS) fans provide the most efficient solution to eliminate stratification, creating uniform temperatures from floor to ceiling.

Why Airplane Hangars Need HVLS Fans

• High ceilings and vast open areas make stratification worse.
• Heating hangars to comfortable levels requires enormous energy.
• Airports and aviation facilities are under pressure to reduce operating costs and comply with sustainability targets.

By gently circulating massive volumes of air at low speed, HVLS fans mix trapped warm air from above with cooler air below—balancing temperatures without creating draft discomfort.

Proven Results: Research Highlights

A study conducted in a 15,000 ft² (1,400 m²) airplane hangar with a 40 ft (12 m) ceiling showed remarkable benefits:

• Temperature Balance
  • Fan OFF: Floor-to-ceiling difference averaged 6.0°F (3.3°C), up to 8.5°F (4.7°C).
  • Fan ON: Gradient reduced to just 0.7°F (0.4°C)—nearly uniform.
• Fast Response
  • Only 10 minutes to destratify the entire hangar.
  • Without fans, stratification returned in 10–15 minutes.
• Energy & Cost Savings
  • Fan OFF: Heating consumed 35,958 ft³ gas / $277 per week.
  • Fan ON: Reduced to 24,881 ft³ gas / $191 per week.
  • Result: 29% reduction in heating gas consumption.
• Low Operating Cost
  • HVLS fan used only 100W (~$1.65 per week).
  • Annual estimated savings: $4,150 with ROI in just 2 years.

Benefits of HVLS Fans in Hangars

• Energy Efficiency – Cut heating fuel use by nearly one-third.
• Cost Reduction – Save thousands annually in operational expenses.
• Sustainability – Lower carbon footprint with minimal energy input.
• Comfort & Safety – Maintain stable air temperatures for staff, aircraft, and equipment.

Conclusion

The impact of HVLS fans on airplane hangar air destratification is clear:

• More comfort. Less energy waste. Lower operating costs.

For airports and large aviation facilities, HVLS fans are not just an upgrade—they are a smart investment in efficiency, sustainability, and long-term performance.