In any type of commercial building with high ceilings of 12 to 40 feet, air stratification is an issue. The stratification of the air occurs in horizontal bands or layers from the bottom of the room to the top. Each of these layers is a different temperature, with the cooler bands at the bottom of the room and the colder bands at the top.
Based on the size and shape of the room, as well as the height of the ceiling, it is not uncommon for the temperature difference in these hot to cool bands to be as much as 15 degrees. The hot air trapped at the top and the cool air at the bottom do not mingle, which means the HVAC system runs overtime, which simply compounds the issue.
The Use of Destratification Fans
Commercial destratification fans are used to break up these bands and mix the hot and cold air, creating a uniform temperature from the floor to the ceiling. This is a benefit to the HVAC system, and it ends up saving the commercial property owner in energy bills throughout the year.
The use of energy efficient commercial destratification fans does not result in a noticeable draft or breeze in the space. Instead, these fans, which are usually ductless and standalone types of fans, push air from the top of the room to the bottom, creating a natural air cycle down from the fan, across the room, and into the fan from the top.
The cycling of the air by commercial destratification fans can also be exceptional at preventing the buildup of condensation on windows and doors, or on refrigeration units or fixtures. This not only offers an improvement in the appearance of the commercial space, but it can also improve air quality by preventing the development of mold and mildew on floors, walls, and around fixtures in the space.
