What is an Air Curtain?

August 25, 2022 | Security & Safety

An air curtain is what allows businesses to control climate in high-traffic areas. They create an invisible barrier, a constant downstream of air, that blocks heat, cold, and dust. Even with the door open, your business remains clean and comfortable, safe from the elements in all but the harshest conditions.

What is an Air Curtain and How Does It Work?

Air curtains are simple and cost effective. Ambient air is pulled in and projected down through an airfoil in order to create uniform air flow with minimal turbulence. Around 80 percent of the air is directed back into the building, while 20 percent is blown outside.

The steady, downward push deflects both wind and foreign particles. Air curtains catch and divert over 99 percent of pollutants and microbes at the door. At the same time, warm and cold air from your HVAC system is redirected back into your building, while outside air is blown away.

As a result, air curtains reduce the strain on your furnace and air conditioner. A reliable barrier against outside temperatures reduces heating and cooling cycles. The less your HVAC has to work, the less energy it consumes and the fewer repairs it requires. Air curtains require a minimal amount of electricity. For a relatively small cost, they significantly prolong the life of your HVAC system.

Air curtains can even be used to create separate environments in the same building. With an air curtain in place, rooms are effectively sealed off, while simultaneously allowing staff to access them quickly. They even destratify the air, preventing warm or cool air from accumulating along the ceiling or floor.

Where Can Air Curtains Be Installed?

Air curtains are precision engineered for specific types of openings: main doors, loading docks, pass through windows, etc. Their size and power depends both on the height and width of the opening, as well as the type of application and the environment where they’re installed. Most businesses can benefit from air curtains, but some of the most common include:

1. Hospitals. Air curtains allow healthcare facilities to maintain strict temperature and environmental controls. They stop airborne pathogens from entering and circulating through your building. For added protection, UV and HEPA filters can be installed in order to sterilize air as it flows through the unit.
2. Restaurants. Besides maintaining a comfortable environment, air curtains stop pests (e.g. flies, wasps) from disturbing diners or compromising sanitation.
3. Warehouses. An air curtain can protect a door up to 30 feet high. Unlike strip curtains, it creates a comfortable environment without impairing the visibility of workers or drivers.
4. Cold Storage Facilities. Inconsistent temperatures can lead to condensation, wet floors, and icy buildup. An air curtain is what allows staff to move in and out of storage units without upsetting their internal temperature.
5. High Tech Manufacturing. Clean rooms require strict environmental and climate control. Air curtains effectively seal off rooms from dust and outside air, creating a stable environment that’s freely accessible to your staff.

Vortex Air Curtains

Trust Vortex to install and repair air curtains. Regardless of the size of your facility, we can create a plan to protect doors and entryways, both inside and outside the building. Contact us today for a free estimate. Learn how air curtains can save money while creating safer, cleaner, and more comfortable working conditions.

Want to SHARE this?