The Basic Functionality of an Air Curtain
The basic functionality of an air curtain is pretty straightforward. The Air Curtain (Air Door) creates a barrier of air that prevents both flying insects and outside air from entering. Along with temperature and bug control, Air Curtains can also contribute to significant energy savings by lessening the load on HVAC systems. This is the “elevator pitch,” the 101 on Air Curtains.
Effectiveness and Considerations
While an air curtain’s effectiveness may lay in its simplicity, there are some important things to consider to make sure the air curtain best complements the environment in which it’s being used. And by making the right selections, the air curtain evolves from a device that separates environments to a critical component of a building’s green initiative, helping to lower both its energy bills and carbon footprint.
In this article, we’ll highlight some key things to consider when matching the air curtain with its application.
Heat or No Heat
We’ll start off with an easy one and that’s whether to add heat. Generally, you’ll want to add heat if the air curtain will be operating in a region that experiences colder winters. Basically, if a building utilizes heat in the late fall, winter or early spring, consider adding heat to your air curtain. Along with providing a buffer to cold winter winds, it can act as a space heater to provide supplemental heat around a notoriously cold area, the door. The next question is what type of heat to add. Most Powered Aire air curtains offer electric, hot water and steam heat as options. Indirect gas is also available on select units. Generally, the architect, engineer or project manager will select the proper heating method, which ties in with the overall heating source used by the building.
Inside or Outside Mount
This too is a somewhat simple decision as the majority of air curtains mount on the inside of a building (the conditioned side). Air curtains are a complement to a building’s HVAC system and when placed on the inside, they create a barrier of air that works to prevent the conditioned air from escaping. In humid environments, interior-mounted air curtains also help mitigate the buildup of condensation by blocking the entrance of humid outside air and helping the HVAC system operate more efficiently. Generally, the only time an air curtain should be considered for an outdoor mount is when its primary use is for insect control. Exterior-mounted air curtains are not utilized (or considered) if energy savings is more important than insect control.
In-Ceiling or Exposed
Fortunately, a choice between form and function doesn’t mean that you’re sacrificing performance for aesthetics. An in-ceiling air curtain, which is largely hidden from view, offers the same performance levels as an exposed air curtain. The difference is that an in-ceiling unit is simply tucked away into the ceiling. In retrofit applications or post-construction installations, exposed air curtains are generally easier to install as they do not require as much “deconstruction” to incorporate them in the ceiling.
Energy Savings or Insect Control?
If the primary goal of an air curtain is energy savings, it will need to be mounted on the inside and programmed in a manner that maximizes efficiency. A control system, such as Powered Aire’s SmartTouch, will help maximize key functions such as fan speed, heat, and temperature control.
Architectural or Standard?
Similar to in-ceiling or exposed mount air curtains, architecturally-focused air curtains offer the same performance as the standard/in-ceiling varieties. The key difference is the aesthetics. Architectural air curtains are low-profile and generally tend to match a building’s design. Options such as highly reflective stainless steel, gloss white or matte black further add to an air curtain’s ability to blend in. Traditional air curtains are a great choice, but if design and style are paramount, consider an architectural air curtain.
Custom Cover?
While Powered Aire places a high value on aesthetics, at times, an end user will want the air curtain to match the building’s interior. From custom wraps to custom colors, Powered Aire will make every effort to best match the air curtain to an individual need.
Plenum or No Plenum?
From a performance standpoint, always choose an air curtain that incorporates a plenum into its design. Most Powered Aire air curtains feature plenums, ensuring the most powerful and equally distributed curtain of air. Without a plenum, and by blowing the air directly downward, dead spots are common between the air curtain motors/blowers, which impact efficiency and effectiveness. By utilizing a plenum, the discharged air is pressurized and exits the air curtain uniformly across the entire width.
Remote or On-Board Control?
If your air curtain will be incorporated into a Building Management system, you’ll simply want to make sure that the right controls are included. Powered Aire air curtains offer BACnet controls that allow the air curtains to “communicate” with the building control network. This is ideal when considering management at multiple locations (such as retail chains or distribution centers). For smaller/single applications, we recommend mounting a SmartTouch control on the air curtain or on a nearby wall.
Where to Mount?
To maximize performance, the air curtain should be mounted as close to the top of the opening as possible. Many times, however, obstructions such as door tracks, cannisters, sensors, operators, pipes or other items make this impossible. Powered Aire always recommends “removing the gap” and offers numerous mounting methods that help get the air curtain close to the opening. From uni-strut to angle brackets to threaded rod to combinations of them all… there’s usually a way to get close to the opening. In instances where the air curtain needs to be mounted away from the opening, Powered Aire can also provide PVC Baffles that help seal off the gaps and maintain the barrier.
Vertical Mount or Horizontal Mount?
Mounting an air curtain directly over the opening is generally the easiest and most efficient method. The floor also acts as a “splitter” separating the barrier of air and creating the most effective air door possible. It is always recommended to mount above the door. In the instance where a horizontal/above door mount is not possible, an air curtain can be mounted vertically on the side of the opening. While not as effective, it is still possible to create a consistent barrier of air with a vertically mounted air curtain.
Ease of Installation
Last but not least, it’s always important to consider ease of installation. Always check the documentation to make sure the air curtain has been designed with the installer in mind. When reviewing your choices, we recommend using air curtains that offer options such as pre-installed controls and factory-supplied mounting brackets to lessen installation time. Most Powered Aire air curtains also include wiring diagrams and instructions that are geared toward quick and efficient installations.