Do destratification fans work?

Do destratification fans work? Yes, destratification fans do work when properly selected, positioned and controlled for the building.

In many commercial and industrial buildings, especially buildings with high ceilings, warm air naturally rises and collects at the roof level. This is known as thermal stratification. The warmest air in the building can linger where no one needs it, while the occupied area at floor level is cooler. This means the heating system has to work harder and longer to keep people comfortable.

This is solved with destratification fans, which gently move the warm air from a high level back down towards the occupied zone. They are designed to move air rather than create a strong draft, and they carry the temperature from floor to ceiling. This can make a building more comfortable and reduce wasted heat.

They are ideal for warehouses, factories, workshops, sports halls, retail units, distribution centres, showrooms and other buildings with high roof spaces. Generally, the greater the ceiling height, the more warm air can get trapped above head height. In these cases destratification fans can help reduce heat loss through the roof and make the heating system more efficient. We go into full detail here for our range- destratification fans. 

The amount of energy savings depends on the building height, level of insulation, heating system, fan selection, controls and severity of temperature difference between floor and ceiling. Destratification fans can reduce heating demand by recovering heat that would otherwise be wasted at high levels in a well-suited building. In addition, they can improve comfort by reducing cold spots and uneven temperatures.

But they have to be installed correctly. Fans that are too strong, poorly placed, or incorrectly controlled can cause discomfort or fail to mix the air. Normally, the best results are achieved by using temperature sensors or thermostatic controls, so the fans only operate when there is useful warm air at roof level to be drawn down.

So, do destratification fans work? Yes. They are a proven and practical means of reducing temperature stratification, improving comfort and supporting lower heating costs in suitable high-ceiling buildings.