HVLS Fan Maintenance: Essential Tips for Long-Term Performance and Safety

Have you ever ignored a strange noise in your car only to end up with an expensive repair later? Similar to minor issues in vehicles or computers, small signs of wear and tear in HVLS fans can lead to costly downtime.

Maintaining warehouse air circulation can be a challenge when trying to perform maintenance and routine checks on HVLS technology. In this article, we will discuss fan mechanics, practices for HVLS fan maintenance and safety tips to create a long-lasting solution with no unexpected breakdowns.

Getting started with HVLS Fan Maintenance

One question Envira-North gets often, throughout nearly 40 years of business, about long-term reliable warehouse cooling is “What do I need to do to maintain my HVLS fans?”

Of course, the most important step to take regarding HVLS technology is understanding not just how it works, but how to keep it working for as long as possible. For that, you have to create regular processes for maintaining these systems so you can continue to provide comfort cooling for all of your occupants.

Key Maintenance Areas

Regular maintenance can involve many different elements, but to know what you are looking for can be difficult.

Motor Inspections – The two main types of motors you will run into are gearless motors and geared motors (See Gearless Motor Figure). Both motors need some level of inspection, which we recommend doing 6 months after installation, and then every 1.5 years after that. Look for:

  • Hot Spots
  • Loose Screws
  • Loose electrical Components

Additionally, with the gear motors, there is some further maintenance that will need to be performed. Oil levels will need to be checked 1.5 years after installation and then every 3 years after that.

If the oil needs to be replaced, make sure you’re using the oil recommended by the manufacturer, like you would when replacing the oil in your car. For Envira-North fans, we use Shell Omala 220.

VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) Checks – Very similar to what you are going to look for on the motors. On the VFDs, look for:

  • Hot Spots
  • Loose Screws
  • Loose electrical Components
  • Discoloured Wires

We recommend a first inspection 1 year after installation and then every 1.5 years after that.

Mounting Hardware & Safety Cables – The mounting hardware is a crucial part of the HVLS system because it is what holds the fan up and prevents any safety hazards, making it one of the most important items to perform routine maintenance on. We recommend that you check this for the first time 6 months after installation and then every 1.5 years after that. Look for:

  • Loose Nuts and/or Bolts
  • Safety Cables
  • Guy Wires

For safety cables and guy wires, be sure to make sure they are clamped properly and securely.

Guy Wires can stretch throughout operation, so don’t be afraid to take the slack out.

Safety Guidelines for HVLS Maintenance

Safety is always priority number one. When performing routine maintenance, refer to the following:

  • Turn off the fan and make sure it is not in operation or powered.
  • No maintenance should be done within 6m horizontal distance from the blades or 1.2m vertical distance below the fan during operation.
  • Utilize a safety barrier 6m radius from the center of the fan when working on the fan mount or guy wires.
  • Ensure the fan controller is locked out so that the fan cannot be activated during maintenance.
  • All maintenance personnel should wear proper protective equipment mandated by local, state or provincial, and national regulations.

"Of course, the most important step to take regarding HVLS technology is understanding not just how it works, but how to keep it working for as long as possible.  "

Benefits of Routine Maintenance 

By applying these regular checks, you’ll know exactly what’s going on with your fan and if anything may happen to the fan mechanics that could impact the operation. In the short term this means occupants are comfortable, in the long term this means you don’t have to buy entirely new fan systems.

Going back to the first problem we brought up, if you knew what to look for and when, maybe your car wouldn’t break down on your drive to work. By applying solutions like this to HVLS technology, you are not only catching these problems before they become disastrous, but you also make sure you maintain proper facility cooling solutions to continue to provide relief.

Preventative Care Saves Costs  

Regular HVLS fan maintenance doesn’t just improve efficiency—it prevents accidents and extends the life of your investment. If you detect a problem with one of your HVLS fans, contact Envira-North we’re always here to help.

Other Articles You May Find Helpful

1. What Are HVLS Fans? – click here.

2. Are More Expensive Fans Really Better? – click here.

3. How to be Confident in Your HVLS Fan Selections – click here.


Brad Vincent - Sales Representative, Envira-North Systems Ltd.

Brad, specializing in international representation, harnesses his knowledge in combination with our team's expertise to create innovative and impactful solutions. Proactivity and commitment to you and your customer ensure successful projects, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and comfort in facilities worldwide.
Back All Articles Next