Guide to Air Curtains
An air curtain is the energy saving solution to an effective separation of internal and external environments in a situation where it benefits to keep the door open.
There are many situations where leaving a door closed is not practical, such as in a busy retail environment, a restaurant, or a working environment. For Example:
· In retail shops, an open door can attract trade and interest from passers-by.
· In food preparation/serving areas, where there is a need to keep the environment dust and insect free.
· In warehouses, where bay doors are left open for long periods of time.
Unfortunately heat loss is inevitable through natural convection and wind forces. Consequently this can lead to a reduction in customer/staff comfort and significantly increase energy costs. The circulation of hot and cold air is quick to establish through an open door. This is driven by differences in air buoyancy, with the dense cold air entering through the bottom of the doorway and lighter warm air escaping through the top. In some cases the prevailing wind can bombard the entire area of the doorway resulting in significant energy loss.
How does an Air Curtain work?
An air curtain will be positioned over a doorway on the interior wall of a building. They operate using fans and heater elements to create a stream of warm air that separates the internal environment from the external atmosphere by deflecting wind and natural convection.
The moving barrier of air needs to be sufficiently strong to overcome convection and wind flows. Some mixing of cold air with the airstream will occur; this is usually countered by the heater element in the air curtain. In some cases an air curtain can be applied to supplement the existing space heating.
Why Use an Air Curtain?
Air curtains allow the user to control the internal environment more effectively, making the humidity levels and temperature more controllable. An air curtain will also help to stop dust and other unwanted airborne particles from entering the environment, both of which compromise sanitation and hygiene.
Most users have found that the application of an air curtain has contributed to staff and customer comfort, and reduced their energy bill significantly.
What air curtain do I need?
HeatersUK supply a range of air curtains designed for light commercial through to heavy industrial applications. The air curtain are available in two orientations; recessed such as the Dimplex CAB10AR, (hidden in a suspended ceiling), or wall mounted such as the Consort Claudgen HE8350, (sat above the doorway). Different lengths are available to allow the user to apply an air curtain to a single or a double door opening.
The Consort Claudgen range is ideal for most light – medium commercial or domestic applications. The air curtains are available from 3kw – 18kw, in single, double, and extra wide in both recessed and wall mounted. These units are more suited to high street shops, restaurants, or office buildings, (small or large depending on output).
Ambient models are unheated and are used to maintain stable internal temperatures or to prevent warm air ingress to chill or cold stores. Ambient models are typically installed where an existing heating system is in place and there is a requirement to prevent air from entering the building.
Air curtains are available in various forms, powered by gas, electricity, or a wet system. The Dimplex DAB and CAB units are available in all forms.
The CAB range are available in 1 or 3 phase from 9 – 18kw, both recessed and wall mounted, and are designed for medium – heavy commercial applications.
The DAB range have the same options as the CAB but offers a higher output on all units. Units range from 12 – 24kw and are designed for industrial use. The DAB range is particularly beneficial in a situation with a high ceiling or doorway due to its 4 meter span as oppose to the CAB range with a 3 meter span.
If you require any more information about air curtains please call our dedicated sales team on 0845 363 7149.