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What is the purpose of an air curtain?
An air curtain (also called an air door) is a device installed above or alongside an entrance. It creates an invisible barrier of air that separates two environments without limiting accessibility. This means you can keep doors open while still protecting your indoor climate, ensuring comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.
Key benefits of air curtains
Save energy and reduce HVAC costs
Air curtains minimize the loss of conditioned air, preventing warm air from escaping in winter and hot air from entering in summer.
- Up to 30% energy savings on heating and cooling.
- Less strain on HVAC equipment, reducing maintenance costs.
- A proven ROI, often within two years.
Improve indoor air quality
Unwanted elements such as dust, fumes, and exhaust gases are blocked at the doorway. The result:
- Cleaner and healthier indoor air.
- Protection for employees, customers, and sensitive equipment.
- Compliance with stricter air quality and safety standards.
Increase safety and comfort
An open door often invites problems—drafts, slippery floors from condensation, or insects entering the building. Air curtains solve this by:
- Reducing humidity and condensation.
- Preventing insects and outdoor pollutants from entering.
- Improving thermal comfort for staff and visitors.
Air curtains size and functions
An air curtain works by creating a high-velocity, invisible air barrier across a doorway. This barrier separates the indoor and outdoor environments, preventing conditioned air from escaping and blocking the entry of outside air, dust, and insects. This helps maintain a stable indoor temperature, reduces the load on your HVAC system, and lowers energy costs.
When selecting an air curtain, it's crucial to choose the right size and type. The unit should match the width of the doorway to ensure full coverage. You should also consider the application—unheated models are for general climate control, while heated versions are ideal for comfort in cold climates.
Types of air curtain
There is a wide variety of air curtains available, each designed for specific applications and environments. Choosing the right type is essential for optimal performance.
- Unheated Air Curtains: These are the most common type and are ideal for separating environments with similar temperatures, or for use in refrigerated spaces where heat is not desired. They are perfect for climate control and pest prevention in commercial settings
- Heated Air Curtains: These units include a heating element that warms the air stream. They are perfect for main entrances in cold climates, providing a welcoming blast of warm air during winter and ensuring that cold drafts are blocked.
- Recessed Air Curtains: Designed to be mounted flush with the ceiling, these offer a clean, aesthetically pleasing, and discreet installation. They are popular for retail stores, hotels, and other environments where design is a priority.
- Industrial Air Curtains: Built for large industrial applications, these powerful units are designed to protect huge openings in warehouses, loading docks, and manufacturing plants from harsh weather and pollutants.
Do air curtains really work?
Absolutely. When properly selected and installed, air curtains are highly effective. Their performance is backed by extensive scientific research and is proven to prevent air from mixing on either side of the opening. They are a powerful, energy-efficient solution that pays for itself over time through reduced heating and cooling costs. The key is to ensure the unit has the right velocity and is sized correctly for the specific doorway.
Can an air curtain keep bugs out?
Yes, they are highly effective at this. The forceful jet of air created by an air curtain is strong enough to deter flying insects, preventing them from crossing the threshold. This is why air curtains are a standard feature in many restaurants, food processing plants, and other facilities where hygiene and pest control are critical.
Are air curtains loud when running?
When correctly installed and maintained, air curtains operate at a sound level similar to everyday conversation, making them unobtrusive in most environments. If an air curtain is excessively noisy, it often signals issues such as poor installation, worn components, or outdated technology. Modern models are engineered for quiet efficiency, delivering strong performance without disturbing staff or customers.
How do you clean an air curtain?
Keeping an air curtain clean is essential to ensure reliable performance and to extend the life of the unit. Over time, dust, grease, and other particles can build up inside the system, reducing airflow efficiency and increasing energy consumption. Regular cleaning prevents these issues and helps the air curtain operate at its full capacity.
As a general guideline, air curtains should be inspected and cleaned at least every three months, though high-traffic entrances or dusty environments may require more frequent attention. Maintenance usually involves switching off the power, removing protective grilles, and clearing away any dirt or debris from filters and internal components.
Consistent cleaning offers several advantages: improved energy efficiency, quieter operation, longer equipment lifespan, and better protection of indoor comfort. By maintaining your air curtain properly, you safeguard your investment and ensure optimal performance in any commercial or industrial environment.