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? This guide will seek to answer those questions and more.  

What is an air curtain?

An air curtain is a fan-powered device that creates an invisible air barrier over the doorway to separate efficiently two different environments, without limiting the access of the people or vehicles.

What Does an Air Curtain Do?

An air curtain uses a fan to force a curtain of air in a downward direction. The forced air creates an invisible barrier that helps to control temperatures by preventing hot or cold air from entering a doorway or building at an opening. Air curtains also are used to keep contaminants such as insects, dust, pollen, and other debris, from entering an interior space.

How Does an Air Curtain Work?

1.Once it is powered on, air is brought into the unit through the intake

2.The air then enters the fan housing and is accelerated by the fan.

3.This fast-moving air goes into a plenum, which allows for an even distribution of air along the full length of the discharge nozzle.

4.Airfoil-shaped vanes in the nozzle create a uniform air stream with minimal turbulence.

5.The air discharged through the nozzle creates a jet stream to the floor. Approximately 80% of the air returns to the intake side of the air curtain, and 20% goes in the opposite direction.

Where to Use an Air Curtain?

Air curtains are an ideal solution for controlling temperature and airflow between two spaces. Their versatility and reliability make them perfect for a wide range of applications.

Restaurants

Air curtains can improve a customer’s comfort as they enter and exit a restaurant by eliminating warm or cold areas caused by drafty doors. An air curtain can also save money on heating and cooling costs by eliminating heat and cooling losses associated with the opening and closing of the door.

Drive-Thru Windows

An air curtain at a drive-thru window keeps employees comfortable regardless of the weather outside while eliminating air exchange due to the opening and closing of the window. Additionally, an air curtain at the drive-thru window restricts the ability of contaminants to enter a kitchen.

Shopping Malls and Brick and Mortar Stores

Maintaining an optimal temperature inside of large commercial shopping centers can be a challenge. An air curtain at the entrance of a commercial store ensures that customers and employees are comfortable inside no matter how extreme the temperatures may be outside.

Warehouses

Shipping and receiving areas of a warehouse are often open to the elements, with constant heavy traffic moving in and out. Air curtains over dock doors and other various openings of a warehouse can drastically reduce the workload of heaters and air conditioners.

Hospitals and assisted living facilities

Air curtains not only keep patients and employees comfortable, but also protect sensitive areas of a hospital or care facility from outside contamination which could be harmful to patients. The airflow from the air curtain offers an ideal way to push airborne bacteria and viruses down and away from doors leading into critical areas, such as intensive care units or surgical suites.