Air curtains can be used for a range of applications from shop doorways to warehouses, says Duncan Buxton.
Air curtains keep the cold out of heated environments and the heat out of chilled environments. Whatever your application, there is an air curtain to suit.

• For retail: Using air curtains above shop doors can increase passing trade by as much as 40 per cent by allowing the door to remain invitingly open.

Installing an air curtain inside an external door creates a barrier of air that keeps cold air out and warm air in, even with the door invitingly open. The internal temperature within the shop can be kept at an optimum level whilst also presenting an inviting appearance to a shop front. This not only maximises passing trade but improves staff and customer comfort making a store a nicer place to shop and work.

By reducing the amount of heated air escaping from a doorway, energy consumption is reduced along with heating bills.

• For offices: Office reception areas can be cold and draughty if the doors are in constant use. This causes discomfort to staff and does not present a good impression for visitors and clients when they enter a premises. By installing an air curtain the internal temperature is maintained, improving working conditions for staff and the first impression visitors receive as they enter.

Energy costs can also be reduced as the air conditioned or heated air is not allowed to escape from the building.

• For industrial areas: Factory doors are often open for long periods of time and can be extremely wide, in the case of warehouse doors. With people and delivery vehicles needing access, closing these doors to maintain the internal atmosphere is impractical. An industrial air curtain mounted above or to the side of these entrances will create a more comfortable and safer working environment.

For areas that are temperature controlled, air curtains act as an invisible barrier sealing in the chilled or heated air, providing unhindered access for staff and removing the inconvenience of fast-acting shutter doors or plastic slats.

• For cold stores: Air curtains above the doorway of a freezer or chill store will create a wall of ambient air that seals the internal and external atmospheres. This maintains the inside temperature without the need for plastic slats or fast acting roller doors, while also offering unhindered visibility and access to forklift drivers.

Cold stores that use fast acting doors or slats will have cold spots outside the entrance whenever the door is used. Also, warm air that enters the refrigerated area during these times can cause condensation and icing near to the doorway. Using an air curtain will prevent these problems as the doorway is continually sealed, even during use.

• For insect and pest control: An air curtain supplying a constant barrier of air across a door opening will stop flies and flying insects from entering a building, important for bars, restaurants, food manufacturing and food service premises.

The air curtain can be mounted on the outside or inside of the doorway. When the building contains smells, which attract flying insects it is recommended that the air curtain is mounted on the outside so that odourless air is used to create the barrier. Air curtains also discourage rodents from entering a building.