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What Is an Air Curtain?

Last updated on Jan 2, 2025

Commercial air curtains are powerful tools that can improve the air quality inside your business and increase the overall comfort for your guests and employees. These devices are designed to create a barrier of air that maintains indoor temperatures and prevents the infiltration of outside air, dust, insects, and pollutants. Air curtains make your business more energy efficient by keeping hot or cold air inside when doors are frequently opened. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of air curtains and how they are used.


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How Do Air Curtains Work?

Air curtains create a barrier of air that flows down from the top of an opening, such as a doorway or entrance. This downward flow of air effectively separates the indoor and outdoor environments, preventing the exchange of air between the two spaces.

The key principle behind air curtains is the creation of a pressure differential. By blowing a stream of air across an opening, air curtains help to maintain a higher pressure inside the building compared to the outside. This pressure barrier acts as a shield against flying insects, bad weather, and dust.


Types of Air Curtains

By understanding the different types of air curtains and their best applications, you can select the right air curtain to improve energy efficiency, maintain indoor air quality, and create a comfortable environment in your commercial space.

Restaurant Equipment

1. Surface-Mounted Air Curtains

Surface-mounted air curtains are installed above doorways and are visible to customers and employees. They are suitable for applications where a more visible barrier is needed, such as industrial facilities, warehouses, or loading docks. These units typically provide a downward airflow that creates a barrier at the entrance, helping to seal off the space and prevent air exchange. This design is effective at maintaining indoor temperatures and reducing the infiltration of outside air, making surface mounted air curtains a popular choice for businesses looking to improve energy efficiency.

One key difference between surface-mounted air curtains and other types of air curtains is their installation method. Surface mounted air curtains are installed directly above the doorway, typically mounted on the ceiling or wall. This installation method allows for easy access to the unit for maintenance and cleaning.

Benefits: Easy installation, accessible for cleaning and repairs

Best Applications: Loading dock doors, restaurants, grocery stores

Restaurant Equipment

2. Recessed Air Curtains

A recessed air curtain is a type of air curtain that is installed within the ceiling or wall of a building, creating a seamless and discreet appearance. This design allows the air curtain to blend in with the architecture of the space, making it an ideal choice for locations where aesthetics are a priority.

Recessed air curtains are best used in settings where maintaining an unobtrusive and clean look is essential, such as high-end retail stores, upscale restaurants, and modern office buildings. By being recessed into the structure of the building, these air curtains provide a barrier of air without obstructing the overall design of the space.

Benefits: Discreet appearance, streamlined profile

Best Applications: Retail spaces, office buildings

Restaurant Equipment

3. Drive-Through Air Curtains

Drive-through air curtains are a specialized type of air curtain designed specifically for drive-through windows at restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and other establishments where vehicles pass through. These air curtains are strategically placed above the drive-through window to create a barrier of air that helps to maintain temperature control and prevent the entry of dust, insects, and odors into the building.

One key difference between drive-through air curtains and other types of air curtains is their specific design and installation location. Drive-through air curtains are typically larger and more powerful to effectively cover the opening of a drive-through window. They are also equipped with features such as adjustable speed settings and directional airflow control to accommodate varying traffic conditions.

Benefits: Powerful airflow

Best Applications: Drive-through windows 

Restaurant Equipment

4. Low-Profile Air Curtains

Low-profile air curtains are a type of air curtain specifically designed for spaces with limited overhead clearance. These air curtains are compact and sleek, making them ideal for areas where a traditional air curtain may not fit. Low-profile air curtains are typically mounted closer to the entrance, providing effective airflow while maintaining a discreet appearance.

These air curtains are best used in locations such as small retail shops, restaurants, and office buildings where space is limited. They are particularly useful in narrow doorways and walk-in coolers where a standard air curtain may obstruct the entrance. Traditional air curtains are often larger and bulkier, requiring more overhead space for installation. Low-profile air curtains offer a space-saving solution without compromising on performance.

Benefits: Compact size

Best Applications: Cafes, snack bars, and small businesses with limited space

Air Curtain Features

When considering purchasing an air curtain for your commercial space, there are several key features to keep in mind to ensure you select the right model for your needs.

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  • Voltage: One of the first factors to consider is the voltage requirement of the air curtain. Make sure to check if the voltage matches your existing electrical setup to avoid any compatibility issues.
  • Width: The width of the air curtain is crucial as it determines the coverage area. Measure the entrance where you plan to install the air curtain to ensure you select a model that adequately covers the opening.
  • Installation Type: Air curtains come in different installation types, such as recessed, surface-mounted, or ceiling-mounted. Choose the installation type that best suits your space and requirements for seamless integration.
  • Heater Included: Some air curtains come with built-in heaters, which can be beneficial in colder climates or during winter months. Consider whether you need a model with a heater for added comfort and efficiency.
  • Door Type: It's essential to consider the type of door you will be using the air curtain with. Different air curtains are designed for use with different door types, such as swinging doors, sliding doors, or revolving doors. Select a model that is compatible with your specific door type for optimal performance.

By taking these features into account before making a purchase, you can ensure that you select an air curtain that meets your specific needs and provides effective airflow control for your commercial space.

Benefits of Using Air Curtains

Commercial air curtains are versatile tools that can benefit a wide range of businesses by helping to maintain indoor temperatures, improve indoor air quality, and reduce energy costs. Whether you run a restaurant, retail store, warehouse, office building, or other commercial establishment, investing in an air curtain can help you create a more comfortable and efficient environment for your employees and customers.

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  • Restaurants and Foodservice Establishments: Commercial kitchens and restaurants can greatly benefit from using air curtains to help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while keeping out unwanted contaminants like smoke, odors, and insects. By creating a barrier of air at the entrance, air curtains can also help to reduce energy costs by minimizing the loss of heated or cooled air.
  • Retail Stores and Supermarkets: Retail businesses, including supermarkets and convenience stores, can use air curtains to regulate indoor temperatures, reduce energy consumption, and create a more comfortable shopping environment for customers. Air curtains can also help to keep out dust, pollutants, and outdoor noise, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
  • Warehouses and Industrial Facilities: Warehouses and industrial facilities can benefit from using air curtains to prevent the infiltration of outdoor air, dust, and pests. By creating a barrier of air at loading dock doors or other entry points, air curtains can help to maintain a clean and controlled environment, improving worker productivity and reducing maintenance costs.
  • Office Buildings and Commercial Spaces: Office buildings and other commercial spaces can also benefit from using air curtains to regulate indoor temperatures, reduce energy consumption, and enhance indoor air quality. By creating a barrier of air at entryways, air curtains can help to prevent drafts, dust, and pollutants from entering the building, creating a more comfortable and productive work environment.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

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