September 6th, 2022 by Sarah Miles

Keeping premises warm that have a lot of people coming and going, and therefore a door that is constantly being opened, is very difficult. Plus, there is the cost of wasted energy to be considered and with prices soaring, that’s a real issue for businesses and other organisations.

However, there is a heating solution that addresses both of these concerns and has several other advantages too – an air curtain. This is an electric heater that sits above a door opening.

How does an air curtain save energy?

Air curtains literally create a curtain of air by pushing air down in front of the door from above. What this does is create a kind of invisible barrier that prevents the exchange of air between the inside of the space and outdoors. It keeps the warm air in and the cold air out.

It means that even though the door may be being opened frequently and people passing through, heat doesn’t escape. This results in the inside maintaining a consistent temperature and minimal heat being wasted. Many air curtains are Lot 20 compliant which means they have met a number of criteria on energy efficiency.

The ‘curtain of air’ doesn’t just retain heat

Another advantage of the barrier the air curtain creates is that it doesn’t just block cold air from entering the space, it also blocks contaminants like traffic pollution, pollen, cigarette smoke, and even insects. This creates a much more pleasant, and safer, environment – especially for businesses like cafés and restaurants where people are eating.

Use for cooling too

Air curtains use a fan to push air down as well as disperse it around the space. On many models, you can use the fan without the heat to cool the area instead of warm it. You can then use it all year round to create a pleasant temperature.

Great for when space is limited

Air curtains are generally very compact units that pack a lot of punch for their size. Because they are mounted over the door, there’s no need to find wall space, that could be at a premium in a retail or service environment, as you would with radiators.

Easy to operate

Air curtains are very easy to use and come with a range of features that help you manage it efficiently. A timer allows you to set it to the specific opening times of your business and remote controls mean you’re not having to reach up high to adjust settings. Some can even be operated via WiFi.

Thermostats allow you to control the temperature very precisely and open door and window detection mean that heat won’t be wasted even if a door or window is left open for long periods (the unit will shut down when it detects this is the case to minimise energy loss).

A touch of style too

While air curtains are functional and positioned in a discreet area, it doesn’t mean no effort has been made on aesthetic appeal as many are stylish, with curved lines and even different colour options. Perfect for businesses for whom design is important such as boutiques, restaurants, and bars.