Using Air Curtains for Loading Docks

Even today, the logistics of transporting goods from one location to another are challenging and involve careful coordination. Shipping cargo via air is expensive — so for both long haul and “last mile” deliveries, trucking is still the primary mode of transport in use. Whether you operate a warehouse or a facility that receives regular shipments, running a safe and efficient loading dock is important. However, it also brings with it unique challenges, especially regarding your facility’s energy consumption. Loading dock doors are tall and wide, and they are frequently left open for long periods of time during loading and unloading.

With such a wide-open space, it’s all too easy for the conditioned air inside your facility to rush out, while truck fumes, dust, and even insects such as mosquitoes can enter the facility with ease. Each of these brings with them their own problems. Most importantly, though, you will frequently pay a higher energy bill due to the loss of climate-controlled air during loading work. With an industrial air curtain, you can solve this problem and create a more comfortable work environment.

How it works to keep your facility comfortable

The operational principles are roughly the same between air curtains of a smaller size and those with enough power and capacity to cover loading dock doors. The only difference is the addition of a more powerful air intake so that the curtain hardware itself does not have to work as hard to reach the bottom area of the dock. This method not only improves efficiency but also allows for quieter operations. While the air exiting the curtain is typically at the ambient temperature of the space, this has no bearing on its ability to separate interior and exterior air. However, heated models are available for facilities that must load and unload during very cold winters.

Generally speaking, though, cold air that is low to the ground will try to flow out of an open loading dock door rapidly. Hot exterior air can flow in through the top in the process of natural heat transfer. Meanwhile, idling trucks can spew fumes into the dock, making for an unpleasant environment for employees. With an air curtain installation, the air stream activates as soon as the door begins to open. You can then proceed with load operations in a workspace that remains comfortable. As a bonus, the air stream is strong enough to prevent mosquitoes from penetrating the field and entering your facility.

Energy savings can be substantial

Aside from creature comforts and convenience, the primary goal of installing an air curtain over a loading dock should be the same as in other applications: reducing energy usage. Being energy aware contributes to a more environmentally friendly business, but more importantly, lower monthly power bills. With no need to replace air lost through the dock or to re-condition a space after hours of exposure to the outdoors, you can see more wiggle room emerge in your utility budget. To find out how to secure one of these units for your loading bay, or to further discuss the benefits your business can see, reach out to the Air Door Distributors team for professional help today.