If you have been thinking about installing an air curtain at your business, there are probably a few things you want to know first. What are air curtains exactly? How do they work? What are their benefits? And where are air curtains typically used? This guide will seek to answer those questions and more. So, if you want to learn a thing or two about air doors or air curtains, keep reading or simply call our experts at 866-402-1642.
Table of Contents
- What Are Air Curtains?
- How Do Air Curtains Work?
- What Are the Uses for Air Curtains?
- Where Are Air Curtains Used?
- What Are the Benefits of Air Curtains?
- What Types of Air Curtains Are Available?
- What Are Some of the Leading Air Curtain Brands?
- What Can You Expect from the Air Curtain Installation Process?
- How Can You Select the Right Air Curtain for Your Needs?
- What Are the Latest Air Curtain Technologies and Features?
How Air Curtains & Air Doors Work
What Are Air Curtains?
Air curtains, also known as air doors, are devices that produce a controlled stream of air across an opening in a wall. What this technology does is create a barrier or seal of air that protects an environment from specific issues while still allowing quick and unimpeded passage for people, animals, equipment, or the like.
Wikipedia states, “An air door or air curtain is a device used to prevent air or contaminants from moving from one open space to another. The most common use is a downward-facing blower fan mounted over an entrance to a building, or an opening between two spaces conditioned at different temperatures.”
For instance, say you run a restaurant and want to keep the door open during business hours in the summertime. Having the door open invites passerby inside, increases the amount of natural light making it to your space, opens views and sightlines, and can make people eating outdoors feel like they are still a part of your establishment. If you do have outdoor diners, then leaving your door open can also help your wait staff enjoy easy passage to those tables— vital if they have their hands full with plates, drinks, or heavy trays.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) defines an air door as follows: "In its simplest application, an air curtain is a continuous broad stream of air circulated across a doorway of a conditioned space. It reduces penetration of insects and unconditioned air into a conditioned space by forcing an air stream over the entire entrance. The air stream layer moves with a velocity and angle such that any air that tries to penetrate the curtain is entrained. Air curtain effectiveness in preventing infiltration through an entrance generally ranges from 60 to 80%".
The Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) defines an air curtain as: "A directionally-controlled airstream, moving across the entire height and width of an opening, which reduces the infiltration or transfer of air from one side of the opening to the other and/or inhibits flying insects, dust or debris from passing through". In North America, the more commonly used term for an air door is "air curtain".
There are clear benefits to leaving the door of your restaurant open during business hours, and some of these benefits carry over to other types of businesses as well. However, there are also drawbacks to having an open-door policy. For instance, on hot days, you risk losing most of your cool, air-conditioned air through the open door. You also risk letting flying pests, such as flies or gnats, into your restaurant. Dust and debris, especially if the entrance to your business is close to a busy street, is another problem.
Air curtains help to solve all these issues. The controlled stream of air creates an invisible barrier where your closed door would be. People can pass through this barrier just fine, which means you enjoy the benefits that an open-door policy can bring to your restaurant. At the same time, the curtain of air helps contain hot or chilly air, stop the infiltration of flying insects, and knock debris out of the air before it crosses your threshold. All these benefits explain why air curtains are becoming more popular—not just in the food service industry, but in every corner of the commercial world.
How Do Air Curtains Work?
Now we know what air curtains do, but how do they work?
There are two answers to this question, thanks to the fact that there are two distinct types of air curtain. The first type is called a non-recirculating air curtain. These air curtains tend to be the most popular among many businesses because they are less expensive to install and cost less to maintain. The second type is called a recirculating air curtain. These air curtains cost more money to install and maintain but are also more powerful and effective as air barriers. These air curtains tend to be ideal for entrances with unusually high levels of foot traffic.
Both types of air curtains bring air into the system through an intake grille and then use a fan to propel or accelerate the air. The air passes through what is called a plenum, which helps evenly distribute it and ensure a consistent stream of air along the entire length of the air curtain. Since most air curtains are installed at the top of a door opening, the air then shoots down, covering the opening with what is, in fact, a waterfall of air.
Non-recirculating air curtains only consist of a top unit, which sits above a door or opening and discharges air downward. Recirculating units, meanwhile, look like high-tech doorframes or metal detectors. They have a full square or rectangular design that spans all sides of the door opening. This design allows the air discharged at the top of the air curtain to be collected at the bottom of the curtain and recirculated back to the top.
Because they repeatedly reuse the same air to create an accelerated stream of air, recirculating air curtains are more energy efficient than non-recirculating units. However, because of their more complex design, it is more difficult to install them retroactively. Most recirculating air curtains, therefore, are mounted at a building entrance at the time of construction. Otherwise, these units can be expensive to install and can require more extensive renovation work than business owners are prepared to approve.
What Are the Uses for Air Curtains?
We have already touched upon the primary uses of air curtains, but for a refresher, they typically fall into three main categories:
- Climate control
- Flying insect and debris control
- Comfort
Climate control is likely the top application for air curtains among most commercial enterprises. In businesses where people are continually going in and out, or where leaving a door open just makes sense for business purposes, there is always the risk of heat transfer. During winter, warm air will be lost through the open door while the opposite is true in summer. Both occurrences will cause your HVAC system to work that much harder to reach the temperature you have set on your thermostat. You will see the effect of this extra operational effort in the form of higher energy bills. Air curtains provide an effective way of preventing temperature transfer, preserving a comfortable temperature inside your business while still letting you have an open door.
Flying insect and debris control are notable as well. In the summertime, winged insects such as flies, gnats, bees, and mosquitos can fly through open doors and windows and terrorize your employees or customers. Air curtains let you enjoy a nice open-air feel in your establishment while still knowing that those flying insects are going to be blasted out of the air if they try going through the air curtain.
Air curtains work similarly for debris control. If your business is in a sandy or dusty area, you might fear that every time the door opens, it’s going to let another plume of debris into your business. Similar issues exist in areas where there is a lot of pollen in the air during the springtime, or if your business is near a construction site and you want to prevent all that debris from getting indoors. Air curtains are powerful enough to knock those grains of dust out of the air before they enter your business.
Air doors are often used where doors are required to stay open for operational purposes, such as at loading docks and vehicle entrances. They can be used to help keep flying insects out by creating forceful turbulence, or help keep out outside air, thus reducing infiltration through the opening. Cold drafts can be avoided by mixing in warm air heated by the air door. Heated air doors are commonly used when supplemental heat is needed for a space, and to reduce the wind chill factor inside the opening, in colder climates.
Further applications include customer entryways, airplane hangars, cargo doors, drive through windows, restaurant doors, or shipping receiving doors. Non-heated air curtains are often used in conjunction with cold storage and refrigerated rooms.
Air doors can be equipped with or without heaters to heat the air. The fan must be powerful enough to generate a jet of air that can reach the floor. There are some studies in the scientific literature that present analytical methods to predict the sealing efficiency obtained with an air curtain.
The last reason that many businesses install air curtains is for pure comfort. Patrons enjoy an environment that is heated or cooled to a comfortable temperature. However, they do not enjoy drafts of hot or frigid air hitting them every time the front door opens. Air curtains can prevent drafts and preserve consistent temperature, for maximum comfort.
Where Are Air Curtains Used?
Virtually any business can benefit from an air curtain in one way or another. Issues such as heat transfer, flies that won’t go away, dust or pollen, and drafty air are not sequestered to any one industry. Instead, these issues can affect any company in any field, making the potential applications for air curtains nearly unlimited.
With all that said, here are some of the business types that tend to benefit the most from an air curtain installation: (note: Air Door Distributors carry a large variety of air curtains and it can be very confusing at times which one will be best for your application. Please reach out to a no obligation consultation at 866-402-16422.)
Below are some examples of common applications with both unheated and electric heated units.
1. Food Service (Quick Serve, Restaurants, Schools & Cafeterias)
5. Manufacturing, Warehouse & Distribution
7. Indoor Grow Facilities & Processing Plants
9. Residential
10. Aircraft Hangers
1. Food Service (Quick Serve, Restaurants, Schools and Cafeterias)
At Air Door Distributors, our brands Berner & Mars air curtains (air doors) (air doors) protect both kitchen and dining environments when the doors are open. air curtains (air doors) help maintain a more comfortable and quality environment that keeps outside temperatures, odors and flying insects out, improving food safety while reducing energy costs.
Restaurateurs, Food Service Managers and Bar Owners use Air curtains (Fly Fans) to:
-
Increase Customer Satisfaction and Retention
On both hot and cold days, keep customers seated close to the door, or waiting for a table, happy with a comfortable, smoke-free environment. -
Reduce Energy Cost
Air curtains (air doors) helps protect inside temperatures in the dining room, bar, or walk-in cooler. This allows the HVAC systems to run less, cooler compressors to run less, and the staff to have less to worry about. -
Reduce Employee Turnover and Complaints
Comfortable employees are happy employees, and happy employees stay. Air curtains (air doors) keep entry and drive-thru window areas comfortable and fume-free.
Maintain High Sanitation Standards
Health Departments recommend the chemical-free insect control provided by an EPH Listed NSF 37 Certified fly fans to maintain a healthier kitchen environment.
Here is a list of areas where air curtains (air doors) (air doors) are used:
1. Kitchen / Service Entry Doors
Successful restaurants use EPH Listed to NSF 37 air curtains (air doors) on their back doors for chemical-free insect control. A fly fan installed in the back of house can help meet health code and keep worker more comfortable.
Berner: SHD07 Series
Mars: NH2 Series
2. Walk In Coolers
Store managers know the benefits of using air curtains (air doors) to maintain refrigeration temperatures: energy savings through decreased compressor run times, as well as the diminished threat, and associated costs, of food spoilage.
Berner: CLC08 Series
Mars: LPV2 and LPV2 UV Series
3. Customer Entry
Maintain a comfortable welcoming entry for guests as they wait for a table or sit at the bar. Air curtains (air doors) now meet ASHRAE 90.1-2019 and other building codes as exceptions to vestibules.
Berner: AHD10, ALC08, ARD12, ARC16, CHD10 and CLC08 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, LPV2, LPV2 UV, LPN2, N2, QP10, PH10, and PH12 Series
4. Drive Thru / Concession
Quick Service Restaurants love how this special unit has revolutionized their ability to keep weather, exhaust fumes, and insects out – creating a better employee experience and thus, a better customer experience.
Berner: DTU03, ALC08 and CLC08 Series
Mars: LPV2 and LPN2 Series
5. Indoor Outdoor Bar
The only environment better than an indoor/outdoor bar is one designed with a Berner Air Curtain. It helps bars create the perfect, pest-free atmosphere for patrons while keeping it cool.
Berner: DTU03, ALC08 and CLC08 Series
Mars: LPV2 and LPN2 Series
6. Outdoor Seating Patio Doors
Leave patio doors open with providing easy access for customers and servers. Keep insects out while saving valuable energy.
Berner: AHD10, ALC08, ARD12, ARC16, CHD10 and CLC08 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, LPV2, LPV2 UV, LPN2, N2, QP10 PH10, and PH12 Series
7. Shipping & Receiving
Air curtains (air doors) protect the interior as people, goods and trash pass back and forth, and flying insects stay out.
Berner: CHD10, IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, HV2, and EP2 Series
Want to learn more about putting an air curtain in your restaurant? Check out our dedicated page.
2. Retail & Office
Busy retail and office buildings lose valuable energy through open doors. Weather they are constantly being open are intentionally left open, air curtains (air doors) can save owners tons of energy and reduce their carbon foot print. Air curtains (air doors) now meet ASHRAE 90.1-2019 and other building codes as exceptions to expensive vestibules.
Retail & Office use air doors to:
- Save energy while doors are constantly being opened
- Support the customer experience
- Reduce employee turnover & complaints
- Protect against flying insects – chemical-free
- Keep dust, fumes and pollutants out
Where air curtains (air doors) (air doors) being used in Retail & Office:
1. Customer Entry
Maintain a comfortable welcoming entry for guests while keeping blistering heat out during the summer and frigid artic air out during the winter.
Berner: AHD10, ALC08, ARD12, ARC16, CHD10 and CLC08 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, LPV2, LPV2 UV, LPN2, N2, QP10, PH10, and PH12 Series
2. Shipping & Receiving
Air curtains (air doors) protect the interior as people and goods and pass back and forth, and flying insects stay out.
Berner: CHD10, IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, HV2, and EP2 Series
3. Convenience & Grocery
From the main entrance to loading docks in the back of the store, Air curtains (air doors) provide a long-term solution to reducing supermarket operational costs while supporting the in-store experience and sustainability goals.
Convenience & Grocery stores and other retailers use air doors to:
- Save energy while door are constantly being opened
- Support the customer experience
- Reduce employee turnover & complaints
- Protect against flying insects – chemical-free
- Keep dust, fumes and pollutants out
Where air curtains (air doors) (air doors) being used in Convenience & Grocery Stores:
1. Customer Entry Doors
Stores use both ambient and heated air curtains (air doors) on these high-traffic main entrances, along with or instead of a vestibule. Aesthetically pleasing air curtains (air doors) protect the front of the store from outside temperatures and traffic fumes as shoppers come and go.
Berner: AHD10, ALC08, ARD12, ARC16, CHD10 and CLC08 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, LPV2, LPV2 UV, LPN2, N2, QP10, PH10, and PH12 Series
2. Shipping & Receiving Doors
Air curtains (air doors) offer an energy-efficient way to protect the loading dock when unloading stock. They keep indoor temperatures stable, flying insects out, and the interior fume-free.
Berner: CHD10, IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, and EP2 Series
3. Walk-In Cooler, Cooler Rooms & Beer Caves
One of the largest factors to energy waste is the amount of time the door is open. They continue by stating that a cooler door may be open over 200 times a day. Using air curtains (air doors) can drastically reduce energy cost lowing overall operational expenses.
Berner: CLC08 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, QP10 Series
4. Shopping Cart Doors
Large grocery and retail chains combine air curtains (air doors) with cart-sized openings to both dry shopping carts and diminish heating/cooling loss.
Berner: CLC08, SLC07, CHD10 and SHD07 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, LPN2, STD2, STD2 UV, and N2 Series
5. Employee & Service Doors
Store managers use air curtains (air doors) over man doors to protect the back of the store. They shield the opening from outside temperatures, secondhand smoke, truck exhaust, and flying insects.
Berner: CLC08, SLC07, CHD10 and SHD07 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, LPN2, STD2, STD2 UV, and N2 Series
6. Outdoor Seating Patio Doors
Keep cigarette smoke and flying insects out while keeping conditioned air in. This maintains the comfort of those on the inside as people go outside.
Berner: CLC08, SLC07, CHD10, ALC08 and AHD10 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, LPN2, STD2, STD2 UV, N2 and QP10 Series
4. Healthcare & Hospitals
A huge concern for hospitals is keeping indoor environments stable and sanitary. Air curtains (air doors) for healthcare facilities are specifically designed to help with that goal. They do this by maintaining indoor temperatures and keeping pollutants such as cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust out. A common situation air curtains (air doors) address is keeping ambulance fumes out of the E.R.
Healthcare & Hospitals use air doors to:
- Save energy while doors are constantly being opened
- Protect against flying insects – chemical-free
- Keep dust, fumes and contaminants out
- Kill viruses, bacteria and mold
Where air curtains (air doors) (air doors) being used in Healthcare & Hospitals:
1. Customer Entry Doors
You can use both ambient and heated hospital air curtains (air doors) on high-traffic main entrances, along with or instead of a vestibule. They protect the Welcome and Waiting areas from outside temperatures and traffic fumes as visitors and staff come and go.
Berner: ALC08, AHD10, CLC08, CHD10, ARD12 and ARC16
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, STD2, STD2 UV, QP10, PH10 and PH12 Series
2. ER (Emergency Room) Entry Doors
Keep vehicle exhaust out and the triage and registration areas comfortable as doors open to allow first responders and their patients in.
Berner: ALC08, AHD10, CLC08, CHD10, ARD12 and ARC16
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, STD2, STD2 UV, QP10, PH10 and PH12 Series
3. Shipping & Receiving Doors
Health Systems use air curtains (air doors) as a simple and energy-efficient way to keep indoor temperatures stable. Plus, fend off flying insects and keep the interior fume-free when unloading supplies or taking out the recycling.
Berner: IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, EP2 Series
4. Kitchen Service Entry Doors
Air curtains (air doors) are recommended by foodservice consultants to use for chemical-free insect control on kitchen doors. They can also contain smells when used over hallway doors.
Berner: CHD10 and SHD07 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, NH2 Series
5. Employee & Service Doors
Air curtains (air doors) are used to protect employees and the building from outside temperatures, secondhand smoke, truck exhaust, and flying insects.
Berner: CLC08, SLC07, CHD10 and SHD07 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, LPN2, STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, NH2 Series
5. Manufacturing, Warehouse & Distribution
Manufacturing, Warehouse & Distribution spaces are built for work, and so are industrial air curtains (air doors) (air doors). By keeping unconditioned air, fumes and insects from entering building through open doorways, industrial air curtains (air doors) are recognized by plant operations professionals and engineers. Air curtains (air doors) are a smart way to maintain a comfortable environment from the office and entrance to the shipping and receiving doors all while reducing energy costs.
Manufacturing, Warehouse, & Distribution use air doors to:
- Save energy while doors are constantly being opened
- Protect against flying insects – chemical-free
- Keep dust, fumes and contaminants out
- Kill viruses, bacteria and mold
Where air curtains (air doors) (air doors) being used in Manufacturing, Warehouse & Distribution:
1. Shipping & Receiving Doors
Air curtains (air doors) for loading dock doors, bay doors and other large openings are used to maintain a more comfortable and more energy efficient loading area.
Berner: IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, EP2 Series
2. Rapid Roll Up Doors
Air curtains (air doors) work with rapid roll-up doors in cold storage openings to protect temperatures and slow down moisture transfer as doors open and close.
Berner: IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, EP2 Series
3. Conveyor Doors
Keep a continuous stream of air covering the conveyor window as a product passes through.
Berner: CLC08 and CHD10 Series
Mars: LPV2 and STD2 Series
4. Customer Entry Doors
Facility managers use air curtains (air doors) on main entrances to keep the office area comfortable.
Berner: ALC08, AHD10, CLC08, CHD10, ARD12 and ARC16
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, STD2, STD2 UV, QP10, PH10 and PH12 Series
5. Interior Space Separation Without Doors
Separate conditioned spaces to non conditioned space within processing areas.
Berner: IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, EP2 Series
6. Employee & Service Doors
Used to protect the building from outside temperatures, secondhand smoke, truck exhaust, and flying insects.
Berner: CLC08, SLC07, CHD10 and SHD07 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, LPN2, STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, NH2 Series
6. Transportation & Terminals
Airside or landside – air curtains (air doors) offer the best protection for airports. They protect indoor temperatures and keep pollutants, like cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust out. Plus, they give this protection while providing sizable energy savings.
Transportation & Terminals use air doors to:
- Save energy while doors are constantly being opened
- Protect against flying insects – chemical-free
- Keep dust, fumes and contaminants out
- Kill viruses, bacteria and mold
Where air curtains (air doors) (air doors) being used in Transportation & Terminals:
1. Passenger Drop Off & Pick Up Doors
Thousands of travelers pass through airport doors daily. Airport authorities rely on air curtains (air doors) to maintain indoor air comfort while keeping down energy costs. Air Door Distributors’ air curtains (air doors) provide protection while supporting aesthetics.
Berner: ALC08, AHD10, CLC08, CHD10, ARD12 and ARC16
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, STD2, STD2 UV, QP10, PH10 and PH12 Series
2. Baggage Loading & Unloading Doors
As bags, cartons, and cargo are being loaded and unloaded, baggage dock door air curtains (air doors) keep employees warm or cool and machinery operating while saving energy.
Berner: CHD10, IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, HV2 and EP2 Series
3. Ground Service Doors
Between the terminal and the tarmac, air curtains (air doors) are protecting interior temperatures. They also provide insect control as catering, maintenance, and service vehicles enter and exit.
Berner: CHD10 and SHD07 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, N2, HV2, NH2 Series
4. Gate Doors That Open Onto The Apron
Air doors shield travelers and flight attendants occupying the boarding lounge from outside temperatures.
Berner: CLC08, ALC08, CHD10 and AHD10 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, STD2, STD2 UV Serie
5. Shipping & Receiving Doors
Air curtains (air doors) for loading dock doors, bay doors and other large openings are used to maintain a more comfortable and more energy efficient loading area.
Berner: IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, EP2 Series
7. Indoor Grow Facilities & Processing Plants
Indoor grow facilities and processing plants use air curtains (air doors) to eradicate mold, bacteria and viruses. By keeping unconditioned air, fumes and insects from entering building through open doorways, industrial air curtains (air doors) are recognized by plant operations professionals and engineers. Air curtains (air doors) are a smart way to maintain a comfortable environment from the office and entrance to the shipping and receiving doors all while reducing energy costs and sanitizing.
Indoor Grow Facilities & Processing Plants use air doors to:
- Save energy while doors are constantly being opened
- Protect against flying insects – chemical-free
- Keep dust, fumes and contaminants out
- Kill viruses, bacteria and mold
Where air curtains (air doors) (air doors) being used in Indoor Grow Facilities & Processing Plants:
1. Shipping & Receiving Doors
Air curtains (air doors) for loading dock doors, bay doors and other large openings are used to maintain a more comfortable and more energy efficient loading area.
Berner: IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, EP2 Series
2. Rapid Roll Up Doors
Air curtains (air doors) work with rapid roll-up doors in cold storage openings to protect temperatures and slow down moisture transfer as doors open and close.
Berner: IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, EP2 Series
3. Conveyor Doors
Keep a continuous stream of air covering the conveyor window as product passes through.
Berner: CLC08 and CHD10 Series
Mars: LPV2 and STD2 Series
4. Customer Entry Doors
Facility managers use air curtains (air doors) on main entrances to keep the office area comfortable.
Berner: ALC08, AHD10, CLC08, CHD10, ARD12 and ARC16
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, STD2, STD2 UV, QP10, PH10 and PH12 Series
Interior Space Separation Without Doors
Separate conditioned spaces to non conditioned space within processing areas.
Berner: IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, EP2 Series
Used to protect the building from outside temperatures, secondhand smoke, truck exhaust, and flying insects.
Berner: CLC08, SLC07, CHD10 and SHD07 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, LPN2, STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, NH2 Series
8. Food Processing Plants
Food Processing Plants use air curtains (air doors) (air doors) mitigate flying insects, dust, fumes and windborne pollutants. Industrial air curtains (air doors) are recognized by food plant operations professionals and engineers. Air curtains (air doors) are a smart way to maintain a comfortable environment while reducing energy costs and sanitizing.
Food Processing Plants use air doors to:
- Save energy while doors are constantly being opened
- Protect against flying insects – chemical-free
- Keep dust, fumes and contaminants out
- Kill viruses, bacteria and mold
Where air curtains (air doors) (air doors) being used in Food Processing Plants:
1. Shipping & Receiving Doors
Air curtains (air doors) for loading dock doors, bay doors and other large openings are used to maintain a more comfortable and more energy efficient loading area.
Berner: IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, EP2 Series
2. Rapid Roll Up Doors
Air curtains (air doors) work with rapid roll-up doors in cold storage openings to protect temperatures and slow down moisture transfer as doors open and close.
Berner: IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, EP2 Series
3. Conveyor Doors
Keep a continuous stream of air covering the conveyor window as product passes through.
Berner: CLC08 and CHD10 Series
Mars: LPV2 and STD2 Series
4. Customer Entry Doors
Facility managers use air curtains (air doors) on main entrances to keep the office area comfortable.
Berner: ALC08, AHD10, CLC08, CHD10, ARD12 and ARC16
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, STD2, STD2 UV, QP10, PH10 and PH12 Series
5. Interior Space Separation Without Doors
Separate conditioned spaces to non conditioned space within processing areas.
Berner: IDC12 and IDC14 Series
Mars: STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, EP2 Series
6. Employee & Service Doors
Used to protect the building from outside temperatures, secondhand smoke, truck exhaust, and flying insects.
Berner: CLC08, SLC07, CHD10 and SHD07 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, LPN2, STD2, STD2 UV, HV2, NH2 Series
9. Residential
More and more consumers are becoming more educated on the advantages of using air curtains (air doors) / air doors in residential applications. Air curtains (air doors) are used in the exacts same way for commercial businesses for insect control and temperature separation. Noise is a major concern among residential customs and Air Door Distributors carry some great quiet air curtains (air doors) to meet your needs.
Residential use air doors to:
- Save energy while doors are constantly being opened
- Protect against flying insects – chemical-free
- Keep dust, fumes and contaminants out
- Kill viruses, bacteria and mold
Where air curtains (air doors) (air doors) being used in Residential:
1. Patio Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are the most common in residential homes connecting the indoors to the outdoors. Air curtains (air doors) / air doors provide great insect control while keeping expensive air conditioning inside.
Berner: CLC08, ALC08, CHD10 and ARD12 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, STD2, STD2 UV, QP10 and PH10 Series
2. Glass Wall Doors
Glass Wall Doors are becoming the new norm in home building letting and entire room open up to lake, sea, pool and mountain views or just a simple green back yard. Whatever the case, air curtains (air doors) can save tons of energy and keep those nasty flying pest out of you home.
Berner: CLC08, ALC08, CHD10 and ARD12 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, STD2, STD2 UV, QP10 and PH10 Series
3. French Doors
Many homes have French doors that open to patio, back yard or side yard. Again, air curtains (air doors) make the right chose for unobstructed views and easy pass thru for entertaining.
Berner: CLC08, ALC08, CHD10 and ARD12 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, STD2, STD2 UV, QP10 and PH10 Series
4. Back Doors
Back garage doors often get left open only to invite flying insects, dust and fumes. By using an air curtain, many of these issues just disappear.
Berner: CLC08, and CHD10 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, STD2, and STD2 UV Series
5. Garage Doors
Many homes use their garages for workshops or hang out areas. Using an air curtain /air door over the garage style door can keep temperatures ideal as well as keeping flying insects, dust and fumes outside.
Berner: CLC08, and CHD10 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, STD2, and STD2 UV Series
6. Pool House Doors
Some pool houses have Single Door, French Doors or even garage styles doors for open entertaining. The use of an air curtain can maintain temperatures while keeping out flying insects.
Berner: CLC08, and CHD10 Series
Mars: LPV2, LPV2 UV, STD2, and STD2 UV Series
10. Aircraft Hanger Doors
Air curtains (air doors) can be configured in almost any door opening for even large commercial aircraft. Consult us at Air Door Distributors for larger door openings greater than 14 feet high.
At Air Door Distributors, almost any door is a candidate for the amazing benefits to air curtains (air doors) (air doors). Please call us today for a free evaluation!!!
The list goes on forever, but the bottom line is clear: the benefits of air curtains are universal and can be applied to virtually any commercial business or residential customer.
What Are the Benefits of Air Curtains?
At this point, the main benefits of air curtains should be reasonably clear. However, we’ve provided a rundown below, just for quick reference.
- Energy Savings: Issues with heat transfer impair the efficiency of your heating or air conditioning system, leading to higher energy costs. By offering superior climate control benefits, air curtains help you cut your monthly energy bill significantly.
- Climate Control: Regarding climate control, air curtains help form barriers between spaces with differing air temperatures. This separation ensures more consistent interior temperature, which is more comfortable for customers, guests, and employees.
- Pest Control: At best, flying pests such as bees or fruit flies can be a nuisance. At worst, they can contaminate food, ruin wine, spread disease, or cause allergic reactions. Flying pests hate air curtains and can’t go through them without losing control and becoming disoriented.
- Environmental Friendly: Air curtains deliver the benefits above without posing a threat to the environment. The systems don’t use chemicals or anything environmentally damaging to achieve an effect: they only use air.
These four benefits are the cornerstones of virtually any argument in favor of air curtain adoption.
What Types of Air Curtains Are Available?
There are several types of air curtains currently available on the market. These varieties include (but are not limited to) ambient air curtains, electrically heated air curtains, steam coil air curtains, and gas-fired air curtains. Read below for additional details on these types of curtains.
- Ambient (Unheated) Air Curtains: Ambient air curtains are used most often for insect and environmental control and can be used at any door opening. Typically, this variety of air curtain is mounted on the inside of the door opening. Indoor mountings are ideal for environmental control (such us as blocking out fumes, dust, and pollen) ambient air curtains mounted outside the door are equally reliable for insect control. These curtains are incredibly sustainable and use very little energy to separate indoor air from outdoor
- Electrically Heated Air Curtains: Electrically heated air curtains are used for areas that need supplemental heat in and around open doorways to prevent cold drafts from entering the building. Restaurants, hospitals, and retail stores love heated air curtains, as they increase creature comfort indoors. As patrons come in from cold or blustery outside conditions, these curtains keep the cold out and the warm, comfortable air inside. These air curtains are useful year-round, as the heating component can be turned off in the summertime.
- Steam/Hot Water Coil Air Curtains: Steam or hot water coil air curtains are used to tap into a building’s existing heating system. In many parts of the country, steam and hot water are utilized to keep buildings heated in the winter. Heat loss through open doorways is a huge problem in these areas, so using a hot water or steam-based air curtain is an effective way to heat the doorway and prevent cold air from entering. Again, these air curtains can be used in the summertime, by merely switching off the heating component.
- Indirect Gas Fired Air Curtains: Indirect gas-fired air curtains are used most frequently in warehouses, manufacturing buildings, distribution centers, or similarly large buildings. These buildings use propane or gas for heat. They struggle with heat loss due to constant indoor/outdoor traffic. Still, keeping employees warm in these environments is vital, as it increases morale and productivity. Indirect gas-fired air curtains help with that mission by creating a comfortable environment. Also, many factories and warehouses require stable temperatures for sensitive products. Air curtains can stabilize temperature fluctuations even as doors open and close. Indirect gas-fired units are particularly useful here, providing a barrier against cold temperatures and winds up to 30 miles per hour. Like other heated air curtains, the heating component on these systems can be switched off during summer.
What Are Some of the Leading Air Curtain Brands?
The biggest brand names in the air curtain industry right now are Berner and Mars.
Berner International
Berner (known more technically as Berner International) is a company that dates all the way back to 1956. Berner was the first business to manufacture air curtains in the United States. It was also the company that, in the 1970s, did the legwork to create a certified system for rating the performance of different air curtain devices. Today, Berner’s influence is felt on the air curtain market. The company itself, meanwhile, continues to develop air curtains for a range of commercial entities, including restaurants, manufacturing companies, warehouses, retail stores, hospitals, airports, hotels, and more. For more information on Berner air curtains and air doors, click here.
Mars Air Systems
Mars is also a long-running air curtain brand, having been around for more than 55 years. While not the industry pioneer that Berner was, Mars has nonetheless become a fierce competitor for the leading position in the market today. Mars manufactures several of the most well-known and well-regarded air curtain products available, including series such as the LoPro and the Phantom. Like Berner, Mars serves a range of different business industries, including restaurants, cold storage, transportation, healthcare, education, and more. For more information on Mars air curtains and air doors, click here.
What Can You Expect from the Air Curtain Installation Process?
As mentioned previously, how extensive the air curtain installation process is will depend on whether you choose a recirculating model or a non-recirculating model. Non-recirculating models cost next to nothing to install because the process involves little more than mounting the curtains above a door. With recirculating models, you can expect to pay a lot more for installation, as you will need to execute a fundamental redesign of your entryway. The installation process will also take longer and will be more invasive to the rest of your space.
How Can You Select the Right Air Curtain for Your Needs?
The best air curtains will deliver all the benefits that we have discussed in this guide. As such, the most significant factors at play when you are choosing an air curtain will likely be size, design, and price.
Regarding size, the implications should be obvious. Air curtains vary in length and size, which means that some air curtains are only suitable for smaller doors while others are terrific for larger entryways. Your best bet here is to measure the dimensions of the door/opening where you will be installing the air curtain and then shop accordingly.
The design will also be a factor. For instance, if you need an air curtain for a warehouse garage door, you are going to need a fundamentally different air curtain than you would need for the front door of your principal office establishment. If you have any special needs from a design standpoint, be sure to clarify those before you call a sales associate or start searching online.
Lastly, the price is a factor. Air curtains can vary in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on size, design, type, and purpose. If you are shopping on a budget, you probably want to keep the cost down where possible, which might mean skipping the recirculating air curtain (among other things). Price shouldn’t be everything here since you want a high-quality unit that is going to deliver years of consistent and quality benefits. However, you also shouldn’t break the bank if you don’t have the budget available to do so right now.
Want to talk to an expect about an air curtain for your business? Contact us directly at 866-234-9102 or fill out our online contact form.