Barn Ventilation  - How to Keep Your Animals Healthy and Happy

If you happen to know a thing or two about horses, you might be familiar with the fact that they tend to sweat when they work hard. Have you ever wondered if horses sweat like humans do when they're just standing in the heat or doing light activities?

Do Horses Sweat?

Do you know that horses sweat just like us? It's how they regulate their body temperature and get rid of extra heat. However, sweating may be less effective when the humidity is high. Their sweat doesn't evaporate quickly enough to cool them down.

This article will share tips on how to keep your horses cool and happy.

Tips to keep your animals cool

• If you're a barn manager or owner, there are plenty of ways to help keep your horses cool and comfortable.
• Keeping them in the barn on hot days is a good idea!
• Making sure they have a shady spot to stand in when they're outside.
• Using fans inside your stable or barn. It can help keep the air circulating and make it more comfortable for your animals.

From what we've seen on horse forums, it looks like a lot of people depend on box fans to help keep their horses comfortable in the heat. These fans are great for keeping cool, but it has some drawbacks:

• Some horses may have respiratory sensitivities, and stirring up a lot of dust can be a challenge for them.
• Multiple box fans needed by each horse can add up in terms of energy costs.
• Managing the logistics of plugging in and securing the cords can be quite challenging.

Is natural barn ventilation enough?

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food , and Rural Affairs of Ontario, Canada, has put out a helpful Fact Sheet on Horse Barn Ventilation! This resource is a great guide to help you understand barn ventilation. It covers everything from good air quality to natural ventilation systems' ins and outs.

According to the authors, there are two key considerations for establishing a natural ventilation system. First, make sure your building's length is perpendicular to the direction of the wind. Another factor to look into is obstacles around your barn that might prevent fresh air from flowing through.

The fact sheet also mentioned some of the great benefits of natural ventilation systems. For instance, these operate more quietly than mechanical fans and let in more natural light for horses. It also allows for more natural light as you can keep the barn doors open. The problem with natural ventilation and high-speed box fans is that they can create a lot of air movement that might not be very comfortable for both you and your horses.

We totally agree that natural ventilation systems is great for horses! It's just like how we love to feel the refreshing ocean breeze by opening windows in Southern California. However, it seems like the authors of the Ministry fact sheet may not have been familiar with High Volume, Low Speed (HVLS) fans when they wrote their document. The document emphasized the importance of a good air distribution system that eliminates too much heat, moisture, and air pollutants. An HVLS fan is actually perfect for achieving these goals because it's really efficient at addressing these factors.

HVLS Fans for Barn Ventilation: Is It Worth It?

HVLS barn ceiling fans are a fantastic choice for improving ventilation in barns. These fans are a great option in terms of safety. They also provide a gentle breeze-like effect thanks to their slow movement. You and your horses will love the refreshing breeze that the fans provide! In addition, HVLS fans are great at controlling humidity levels, which can be a common problem and cause stress for horses.

You might be asking why high humidity levels can be problematic for horses. When the air gets more humid, it can create a favorable environment for mold and pathogen growth. It can harm horses and humans, especially if it gets into the respiratory system. It can even be fatal. It's worth noting that individuals with allergies may be more vulnerable to these problems, as they can worsen their symptoms quite a bit. Installing an HVLS ceiling fan in your barn can be a great way to keep humidity levels stable. In addition, having fresh air constantly circulating can help create a healthier environment for everyone.

Benefits of HVLS Barn Ceiling Fans

You might be interested in learning about the benefits of HVLS barn ceiling fans for you and your horses. They can be really helpful when you need some barn ventilation. They can also come in handy, especially when it comes to dealing with the following issues in your barn:

• Inability to optimize natural airflow:
• Hot and humid climates:
• Freezing winter temperatures

By incorporating HVLS fans into your barn, you can overcome these challenges and ensure a comfortable and well-ventilated environment throughout the year. There is no need to rely fully on unreliable natural ventilation. Aside from solving the issues mentioned above, here are some benefits of using HVLS ceiling fans for your barn.

Cut down on energy costs

Did you know that HVLS fans are super energy-efficient, because they're bigger than regular box fans? A single HVLS fan replaces about 10 box fans. The HVLS barn fan's construction is well-designed, which means they can move more air while using less energy. Plus, it only costs about a dollar a day to run! Hence, HVLS fans are a great option for achieving optimal airflow in your barn while keeping electric bills low.

Enhance air quality

Horses can be affected by different air pollutants like dust, gases, and moisture levels. By improving the air quality, we can help our equine friends feel their best. HVLS barn fans are an effective solution for these concerns.

Our HVLS ceiling fans are designed to gently move a substantial amount of air in a 360-degree pattern. This helps continuously circulate fresh air and reduces the presence of stale air. This results in lesser pathogens, molds, and other air quality issues. In other words, HVLS fans can help create a healthier and more comfortable environment for your horses.

Reduce indoor barn temperature

HVLS barn fan can reduce indoor barn temperatures by up to 10 degrees. It's a good way to help keep your horses and you comfortable. Moreover, a substantial temperature reduction can bring several benefits. It's worth noting that running an HVLS fan only costs around one dollar per day. This can lead to great savings on your energy bill! Thus, these barn ceiling fans are practical and cost-effective options, allowing you to enjoy a more pleasant environment without breaking the bank.

Reversible direction

You have the option to run your HVLS barn fans in "reverse" during the winter season. Doing this helps mix the warm air that usually stays up high with the cooler air down low. This process is really helpful for ensuring the barn's temperature stays consistent and warm, which can save you money on heating costs. Running the fan in reverse can also help keep your horses comfortable without drying out their nasal passages too much.

Does not startle/distract animals

HVLS fans are animal friendly. Itsslow movement won't startle or distract the animals. Since on theceiling, just one fan can cover a large area of up to 20,000 square feet! Thismeans you won't need to use multiple high-speed box fans that blow air directlyinto each horse stall, avoiding potential disruptions from the airflow.

To learn more about how an HVLS barn fan can improve your natural ventilation system, feel free to connect with us. Our team of experts is always ready to assist you.

You can also check out our website for more information about how HVLS barn fans can keep your animals cool and comfortable on hot and humid days. Take a look at our selection of HVLS fans and discover the perfect fit for your barn.