Brand Spotlight: Mars Air Curtains

Air curtains are one of the modern wonders we rarely think about. They create an invisible barrier that keeps conditioned air inside, improves indoor air quality, and helps block flying insects  all while allowing free flow of people and goods. 

For air curtains and air doors, Mars Air Systems is one of the category’s longest-running specialists, with a portfolio that spans compact, customer-facing models to heavy-duty industrial solutions. 

In this brand feature, we discuss the many models of Mars air curtains and what sets the brand apart from the competition.

Who is Mars Air Systems?

Mars Air Systems has been designing and building air curtains for 55+ years from its base in Gardena, California, pairing a broad product line with industry training, modeling tools, and third-party certifications. 

The company also publishes resources such as an ROI Calculator and Air Flow Modeling to help engineers and owners predict performance and payback.

According to Mars its air door models can reduce loss of conditioned air by up to 70%, repel up to 80% of flying insects, and reduce airborne contaminants (PM2.5) by up to 70%, depending on the specific air curtain model, mounting, and site conditions.

What Makes Mars Air Systems Different?

✅ Impressive product range 

One of the most prolific names in the air door manufacturing industry, Mars’ extensive range covers:

• Architectural recessed units
• Sanitation-certified foodservice models
• High-velocity units for commercial/industrial applications
• Heavy-industrial wind-stopping systems. 

✅ Third-party certifications

Mars pairs everyday commercial lines with ETL Sanitation/ANSI 37 models designed to satisfy health code requirements for foodservice applications. Similarly, its heavy -industrial “wind stopping” lines for tall, wind-exposed doors boast AMCA certification, which other brands can’t match in a single portfolio.

✅ Architectural options

The brand’s line of Phantom recessed air doors mounts flush into a header or ceiling pocket. This provides architects and designers with an aesthetically pleasing option for buildings that prioritize architectural style.

✅ Clean-air technology

For food service and clinical applications, Mars offers the Clean Air Series which integrates UVC/UVV germicidal lamps, HEPA filtration, and plasma ionization into select models to target microbial load and particulates at building entries. 

✅ Controls & BMS integration

Beyond just simple door-activated switching, Mars has developed the SimpleLink feature for building management system tie-ins.

This is highly useful for schedules, interlocks, and centralized monitoring.

✅ Selection tools and education

Mars empowers customers by providing Air Flow Modeling, ROI calculators, and CEU content for specifiers, helpful when you need more than a rule-of-thumb selection.

If you are still unsure which model is best for your needs, our trained sales staff can help you find the best unit for your application. 

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Mars Air Curtain Models

Below are the Mars series you’ll find on Total Home Supply, along with our recommendations for ideal installation scenarios.

1. Standard 2 (STD2)

The Standard series is Mars’ versatile workhouse. It is designed for the broad middle of commercial doors, such as retail stores, light industrial, and back-of-house entrances, where you want extra throw without stepping up to high-velocity.

Standard series air doors are powered by ½ HP motors and geared for ~8–12 ft mounting, with insect protection commonly up to 10 ft. 

Featured Mars Air Systems Standard 2 model:

Mars Air Systems Standard Series (STD2) Heated Air Curtain – 36″

The Standard Series (STD2) 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 (LPV2) series, but its 1/2 horsepower motor may be better suited for your space.

This heated, 460/3/60 air door is 10 5/8″ tall and includes a single 1/2 horsepower motor. It comes in a variety of lengths from 36″ to 144″. This model is 36″ long and includes a single, 1/2-HP motor. It features an internal mounted control panel, remote thermostat with heat/off/fan settings.

2. LoPro 2 (LPV2)

This is Mars’ series of low-profile and quiet air doors suitable for customer-facing installations. Units are powered by a ⅙ HP motor and housed in a slim 8″ cabinet, making them ideal for retail storefronts, restaurants and office lobbies. They are also perfect for transaction / pass-through windows where aesthetics, low noise, and compact height matter.

Featured Mars Air Systems LoPro 2 model:

Mars Air Systems LPV236-1UD-OB LoPro 2 Unheated Air Curtain

This low profile model provides insect protection for an opening of up to 7′ high and temperature separation/protection up to 8′. An additional door switch is also available that will automatically turn your air curtain on and off as the door opens and closes. Additionally, the switch features a time delay that will keep the unit on for a pre-determined, configurable amount of time.

The low profile design of this unheated, 208/230 volt, air door is only 8″ tall and comes in a variety of lengths from 25″ to 144″. This 36″ model uses a single, 1/6 HP motor and is finished in a corrosion resistant obsidian black to meet your design aesthetics. 

3. High Velocity 2 (HV2)

As the name implies, the high velocity series are designed for busy commercial receiving doors, dock doors, or exposed entries where exterior wind loads or stack effect make lighter units impractical.

This robust line uses 1 HP motors with higher discharge velocities for 10–12 ft doors and better performance against wind. Insect protection ratings reach 10–12 ft when sized and installed correctly.

Featured Mars Air Systems High Velocity 2 model:

Mars Air Systems High Velocity (HV2) Heated Air Curtain – 96″

This series features 1 horsepower motors for efficient wind loads up to 14 ft. high and offers a variety of lengths to provide an environmental barrier at that height. It can also protect your space from insects up to 12 feet.

This heated air door is a 230 volt/3-phase unit that measures 96″ long and includes two 1-HP motors. Some sample installation applications include shipping/receiving doors, customer entrances, cold storage rooms and many more. Ideal exterior installation height is 10′ – 12′ and interior installation is 12′ – 14′ for the HV2 series.

4. Phantom (PH)

The Phantom series offer recessed, architecture-friendly models. They are intended for aesthetically-driven projects and premium entries where air doors should disappear into the soffit or header.

Models in the series boast fully recessed installation with performance sized to common entry heights (PH8/PH10/PH12 families). 

Featured Mars Air Systems Phantom model:

Mars Air Systems Phantom 12 Series (PH12) Heated Air Curtain – 144″

This recessed unit provides an environmental barrier up to 16 feet, while protecting from insects up to 14 feet. It is a heated 460/3/60 air door for commercial use only and includes four 1 horsepower motors. 

Features include an internal mounted control panel, remote thermostat with heat/off/fan settings, and washable polyester filter, encased in a durable aluminum construction. It is 15 1/2″ deep and can be recessed into the ceiling for a pleasing, less conspicuous aesthetic in your space. 

5. Clean Air / UVC

This clinical family of air curtains have an anti-microbial and particulate focus. They are designed for healthcare waiting rooms, schools, food retail, and any entrance where disinfection features are desired apart from the air barrier.

Models in the series integrate UVC/UVV, HEPA, or plasma ionization functionality. 

Featured Mars Air Systems Clean Air series model:

Mars Air Systems STD272-2UD-OB-UVP 72″ Standard 2 Clean Air Series Unheated Air Curtain with UV Protection

With its patented dual bulb design, the Standard 2 with UVC Protection offers scientifically proven bacterial removal with up to 99.99% surface kill effectiveness. It will eradicate pathogens, reduce unwanted odors and provide a sanitary airstream. The Clean Series UVC units may reduce or eliminate E. Coli bacteria, TB, Listeria, Salmonella and MRSA to name a few. The UVC module also continuously cleans the internal components, preventing biological growth while providing a sanitized airflow.

This unheated model uses 230 volt and measures 10-5/8″ tall with a depth of 21-3/8″. It provides insect protection for an opening of up to 10′ high and temperature separation/protection up to 12′. It is a 24v control with a 6′ cord and plug included as well as surface mounted, magnetic reed switch.

6. Accessories

Make your Mars Air system “hands-off” with these must-have accessories:

• Door limit switches to start/stop the curtain with door motion (with adjustable time-delay to avoid short-cycling)
• Motor control panels for grouped or remote control
• Mounting brackets for a secure fit
• Filters as needed for your requirements
  

Your Expert Source for Mars Air Curtains

Our extensive selection of Mars Air Systems products covers the most requested categories: LoPro 2, Standard 2, High Velocity 2, Phantom recessed, plus Clean Air UVC options, along with accessories to complete the install. 

We can even recommend mounting heights, motor sizes, and finish options for your specific installation so you can shop with confidence. Contact us today!