What is an Air Curtain? Everything You Need to Know

Walk into a store, supermarket or warehouse on a cold day and you might feel a blast of air. On one side is the cold, and as you enter the building you can feel a defining line where the warm air begins. The space in the middle keeps the cold from going in and the heat from going out. Or on a hot day, it keeps the heat out and the cold in. This is all done by an air door, otherwise known as an air curtain.

Air curtains are useful for a wide range of purposes. Read on to learn more about their function, why they’re practical, and what features you should look for when purchasing one for your business or facility.

What is an Air Curtain?

An air curtain is a special type of fan that’s used to keep an area or room temperature controlled and protected from contamination. The air curtain acts as an insulator to create a barrier between two different areas.

Typically installed above doorways, air curtains blow a controlled stream of air across the opening to create an invisible barrier. This barrier helps maintain temperature separation between the two areas, which is especially useful in commercial and industrial settings.

The air seal also acts as a barrier that helps keep conditioned air inside, while keeping outside air, dust, insects, and fumes from going into the building. 

Why Use an Air Curtain?

Air curtains do more than just control climate. They are also an effective way to keep flying insects, dust, and fumes out of an environment.

For this reason, air curtains are commonly used in commercial spaces such as stores, warehouses, garages or workshops that demand both climate control and protection from contamination. For example, an auto body shop may use an air curtain to keep pests, dust and debris out of the workspace to prevent contamination while painting. Hospitals and schools may also use air curtains to keep areas climate controlled and contaminant-free.

In addition, air doors are an energy loss solution for nearly any heavily traveled business entrance.  They can help to reduce costs and energy associated with heating and cooling. Restaurants, warehouses, drive-up windows, service entry areas, and cold storage areas are just some of the facilities that can benefit from installing air curtains.

Air curtains can also be helpful for buildings looking to get LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. LEED v4 for Building Operations and Maintenance projects allow air curtains to contribute to LEED points, where the building’s annual energy performance is measured.

Pros and Cons of Air Curtains

Pros

✔ Energy efficiency: Air curtains help maintain the indoor climate by preventing heat loss or gain, reducing the load on HVAC systems and leading to energy savings.

✔ Cost savings: By reducing the energy needed for heating or cooling, air curtains can lower utility bills.

✔ Comfort: They help maintain a consistent temperature, enhancing comfort for employees and customers.

✔ Hygiene and cleanliness: Air curtains help keep out dust, pollutants, and insects, resulting in a cleaner environment.

✔ Odor control: The air seal can keep odor and aroma from reaching other spaces, for example in a commercial kitchen.

✔ Convenient access: They allow for easy access to and from the building without the need for physical doors, which is particularly useful in high-traffic areas.

✔ Improved visibility and safety: In busy environments, air curtains provide an open view and reduce the risk of accidents that could occur with physical doors.

Cons

Initial cost: The upfront cost of purchasing and installing air curtains can be relatively high.

Noise: Some air curtains can be noisy, which might be a concern in certain environments.

Effectiveness: In very windy conditions, the effectiveness of air curtains can be reduced. However, special models are available for environments with winds up to 15 MPH.

How Much Can Air Curtains Save?

Air curtains can provide considerable energy savings by reducing the amount of energy required to heat or cool a building. The exact savings depend on various factors, including:

• The size of the doorway
• The type and efficiency of the air curtain
• The climate and temperature differences
• The frequency and duration of door openings

On average, businesses can save up to 30% on energy costs by installing air curtains. This is because air curtains minimize the amount of outside air entering the building, reducing the load on HVAC systems.

Practical Applications for Air Curtains

Air curtains are versatile and can be used in various settings, including:

Retail stores: To maintain a comfortable shopping environment while keeping doors open for customers.

Restaurants: To keep indoor areas comfortable and free from pests.

Warehouses and distribution centers: To maintain temperature zones and reduce energy costs without impacting workflow.

Commercial kitchens: To prevent the spread of heat, fumes, and odors.

Cold storage facilities: To maintain the cold chain and reduce energy usage.

Medical facilities: To help control air quality and maintain sterile environments.

Airports and transportation hubs: To improve comfort and efficiency in high-traffic areas without impeding passenger flow.

How to Choose an Air Curtain

If you’re interested in purchasing an air curtain, here are some factors to consider:

1. Heat vs unheated

Some air curtains offer heat for ultimate climate control, which can be valuable for commercial spaces in cold climates. 

We carry both heated and unheated air curtains to cater to different applications and regions.

2. Size

The larger the size, the larger the barrier. Our air curtains range in size from 26 to 144 inches to accommodate a wide variety of spaces. If you have a large opening that requires an air curtain, you will need a more powerful and larger air curtain than if you had a smaller opening. Height is also important. Make sure to measure the opening height and consider the climate and bug stopping effectiveness of the model you are looking at.

3. Installation type

Most air curtains are surface mounted, making them visible. However, you may also opt for an option that’s recessed in the ceiling, like the Phantom series.

4. Power 

We carry 115v, 208-230v and 460v models, as well as single-phase and three-phase options.

5. AMCA Certification

Several building codes such as ASHRAE 90.1-2019, allow for air curtains to be used as an alternative to vestibules in applicable settings, provided that the air curtains are properly sized for space and certified by the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA).

AMCA-certified air curtains follow ANSI/AMCA Standard 220. They bear the AMCA Certified Ratings Program seal for two categories: Air Performance, as well as Sound and Air Performance.

Click here for the list of AMCA-certified air curtain manufacturers.

Best-selling air curtains

Now that you’re familiar with the different types of features, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for in an air curtain. Here are some of our top sellers:

Unheated air curtain:

Mars Air Systems LPV236-1UA-OB LoPro 2 Unheated Air Curtain – 36″ – 115 Volt

This low-profile and sleek air curtain offers a non-obstructive, customer-facing design that will look good in many installations. At only 8 inches tall, it comes in a variety of lengths from 25″ to 144″. 

It allows for a cost efficient barrier that will blend in to any environment. Its durable light gauge construction is finished in a corrosion resistant obsidian black to meet your design aesthetics. Units 25″ to 72″ long feature a single 1/6 HP motor in a one-piece design, while units 84″ to 144″ feature a two, 1/6 HP motor design. Each unit offers variable speed control.

Heated air curtain:

Mars Air Systems STD272-2EEN-OB Standard Series (STD2) Heated Air Curtain – 72″ – 208 Volt – 3-Phase

The Standard Series of Mars Air Doors offers a variety of lengths to provide an environmental barrier to your space of up to 12 feet, while protecting your space from insects up to 10 feet. The STD2 has a stronger motor and is a little louder than the LoPro series, but its 1/2 horsepower motor may be better suited for your space.

This heated, 208 Volt, 3-phase air curtain is 10 5/8″ tall. It comes in a variety of lengths from 36″ to 96″. The STD272-2EEN-OB is 72″ long and includes two 1/2 HP motors. Features include an internal mounted control panel, remote thermostat with heat/off/fan settings.

The Expert Source for Air Curtains

Air curtains are an efficient and effective solution for maintaining climate control, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing comfort and hygiene in many different settings. While they require an initial investment and regular maintenance, the benefits they provide can lead to significant cost savings and improved environmental control. 

If you’re tired of watching money and energy flow out the door, an air door could be the answer to your needs while improving comfort and indoor air quality. Shop our air curtains today!