Ask the Expert: Indoor Air Quality
Why should we install destratification fans?
First, it’s important to understand
what a destratification fan system will do. A
destratification system is a grid of multiple
ceiling fans working in concert to continuously
mix the ceiling air to the floor and balance a
facility’s air temperature.
When a space’s temperature is balanced,
the need to over-heat or over-cool the space
due to stratification is eliminated and significant
savings can be realized.
Colleges and schools have indoor athletic
facilities, large classrooms and lecture halls,
libraries, storage facilities and other highatrium
areas where destratification fans are
effective and will reduce the energy used to
condition the space.
There are many other benefits from a
destratification fan system:
- Improved comfort:
Any facility has areas
that are often too cold or too hot. Occupant
comfort is improved with a quality destratification
fan installation.
- Safer work areas:
A PHI (photohydroionization)
kit can be installed in some destratification
fans to eliminate molds, bacteria,
VOCs and odors. Health conditions can be
improved in kitchens, cafeterias, locker
rooms, janitorial storage areas, etc.
- Fits into tight spaces:
An enclosed
destratification fan, unlike paddle or HVLS
(high-volume, low-speed) fans, can fit
tightly into a ceiling with rafters, ducts or
other truss structure.
- Helps swimmers:
In indoor swimming
facilities, destratification fans can remove
the layer of chloramines just above a pool’s
surface, which often irritates swimmers.
- Longer life for lighting systems:
Decreasing ceiling temperatures extends the
life of the lighting system.
This article originally appeared in the issue of .
About the Author
Christian Avedon is sales and marketing director for Airius (www.airiusfans.com), a Longmont, CO, manufacturer of destratification fans.