An air curtain is a fan-powered device used to prevent airborne contaminants from moving between areas within a facility. Air curtains blow air downward over an opening to maintain separation between two parts of a building or between internal and external environments without restricting or limiting access in any way.

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.

Air curtains provide an ideal alternative to traditional doors. They limit the ability of contaminants and environmental factors to enter a space while allowing people to move freely between the areas.

How Do Air Curtains Work?

The downward air current acts as a barrier that limits the air flow between the two spaces. The airflow must be strong enough to push potential contaminants down and away from the opening the curtain is meant to protect.

Air curtains are available in two types:

• Heated air curtains protect from contaminants such as dust and pollen, but their primary purpose is to prevent heat from escaping through an open door. They are commonly used in applications where temperature control is a priority, such as the entrances of shopping malls and stores. A heated air curtain pushes heat back into a building during winter months rather than allowing it to escape, which can provide significant energy savings for the facility.
• Unheated air curtains are used in areas where the main concern is controlling the entrance of contaminants. The downward airflow of the air curtain prevents dust and air particles from freely moving between areas. Unheated air curtains are often used in areas where air quality is critical such as hospitals, body shops, and kitchens.

Air Curtain Applications

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.

Kitchens and Walk-In Freezers or Coolers

An air curtain prevents cold air from rushing out of  walk-in freezers or coolers every time the door is opened. It also prevents insects and contaminants from entering these critical food storage areas. Preventing the loss of cold air from these units saves money on the energy used to run them and also can positively impact maintenance by lessening the time it takes the unit to recover after opening the door.

Auto Body Shops

Auto body shops must remain dust-free in certain parts of the shop, such as areas where detailing or painting occur. Air curtains eliminate the transfer of airborne particles from the shop area to the paint booth.

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.

Conclusion

Air curtains are an effective way to separate the environments of two areas. They serve as a virtual barrier for many applications, preventing heating and cooling loss and also eliminating the flow of contaminants. At ABC Docks, LLC, we offer the highest quality air curtains available and specialize in providing the ideal product for your application. To learn more about air curtains or to request a quote, contact us today.