Tips for Selecting the Right Air Curtain for Your Building

Posted by Alex Romanov on

image by Rosenberg Canada

 

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient environment, selecting the right air curtain is paramount. At Airtecnics North America (Part of Rosenberg Group), we understand the critical role air curtains play in separating indoor and outdoor climates. They prevent unwanted air infiltration, maintain temperature control, and enhance overall comfort. However, choosing the appropriate air curtain for your specific needs requires careful consideration of various factors. Understanding these factors ensures that the air curtain will perform effectively, providing the best possible barrier against external conditions. In this article, we delve into the essential considerations you must keep in mind to select the right air curtain, ensuring optimal performance and maximum efficiency for your building.

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting an Air Curtain

1. Height of the Installation: The height of the air curtain installation, measured from the discharge diffuser to the floor, is crucial. This measurement directly impacts the effectiveness of the air barrier. An air curtain needs to cover the entire height of the opening to effectively separate the indoor and outdoor environments. Incorrect installation height can lead to inefficiencies in temperature control and energy usage. Ensuring the correct height maximizes the air curtain's performance and helps maintain indoor comfort by preventing drafts and reducing the infiltration of outside air.

Maximum installation height recommendations for air curtains

2. Width of the Door: The width of the door dictates the size and type of air curtain required. A wider door may need multiple air curtains or a specially designed unit that can cover the entire opening effectively. If the air curtain does not match the width of the door, gaps may allow unconditioned air to enter, compromising the indoor environment. Selecting an air curtain that fits the door width ensures a seamless air barrier that can maintain temperature control, reduce energy costs, and improve comfort for occupants.

Airtecnics air curtains installation: RUND model at Nike store

3. Location and Weather Conditions: The geographical location and specific site conditions of the building play a significant role in air curtain selection. Buildings in areas with extreme weather conditions, such as high winds, heavy rainfall, or significant temperature fluctuations, require air curtains with higher performance capabilities. These conditions can challenge the air curtain's ability to maintain an effective barrier. Choosing a model that can handle the specific environmental stressors of the location is essential for optimal performance.

4. Multiple Doors: The presence of multiple doors in close proximity can complicate air curtain performance. When doors are situated on opposite façades or in the same area, the flow of air through these openings can create pressure differentials and turbulence that weaken the air curtain's effectiveness. It's important to consider the layout and positioning of all doors to ensure that the selected air curtain can manage these complexities and maintain a consistent barrier across all openings.

Airtecnics air curtains installation: RUND model at The Forum building

5. Multi-Storey Buildings: In multi-storey buildings, air curtains must contend with vertical air movement caused by escalators, stairs, and open atrium spaces. This vertical airflow can disrupt the horizontal air barrier created by the air curtain, reducing its efficiency. To address this, air curtains may need to be strategically placed at various levels or designed to create stronger barriers that can handle the added complexity of vertical air movement.

Airtecnics air curtains installation: DAM model at the FNAC store

6. Pressure Differences: Pressure differentials between the indoor and outdoor environments can significantly impact air curtain performance. High-pressure differences can push unconditioned air through the air curtain, making it less effective. It's crucial to measure and account for these pressure differences when selecting an air curtain. Ensuring the chosen model can generate enough force to counteract these pressures and maintain an effective barrier is essential.

7. Door Characteristics: The type and operation of the door influence the air curtain's functionality. For instance, doors that remain open for extended periods or operate automatically can benefit from continuous air curtains that maintain a steady air barrier. Conversely, manually operated or revolving doors might require air curtains that can quickly activate and deactivate or provide intermittent coverage. Understanding the door's operation helps in selecting an air curtain that aligns with the specific usage patterns and enhances overall efficiency.

Airtecnics air curtains installation: WB model at Yves Rocher and ROTOWIND model at the UCH

8. Ventilation and Air Conditioning Integration: The existing HVAC system in the building must be considered when choosing an air curtain. The air curtain should complement the ventilation and air conditioning setup, ensuring that it does not interfere with or counteract the system's operation. Integrating the air curtain with the HVAC system can enhance overall energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality, and maintain consistent temperature control.

9. Electrical Specifications: The electrical specifications of the building determine the type of air curtain that can be installed. Different models require varying voltage and power levels, so it's important to ensure that the building's electrical infrastructure can support the chosen air curtain. Proper alignment with the electrical system ensures safe and efficient operation, avoiding potential power issues or the need for extensive electrical modifications.

10. Business Type and Aesthetics: The aesthetic and functional requirements of the business play a role in air curtain selection. For example, a retail store might prioritize an air curtain that blends seamlessly with its interior design, while an industrial facility might focus on robust performance. The type of business also influences the desired air curtain features, such as noise levels, visibility, and ease of maintenance, ensuring that the air curtain meets both operational needs and aesthetic preferences.

Airtecnics air curtains installation: INVISAIR model at Versace & FLY model at Pepsico

11. Installation Configuration: The installation configuration of an air curtain significantly impacts its performance and suitability for a given space. Options include free-hanging or recessed installations, which cater to different aesthetic and spatial requirements, and horizontal or vertical orientations, chosen based on door dimensions and layout. The choice between heated and unheated air curtains depends on the climate and desired temperature control. Selecting the appropriate configuration ensures optimal functionality and seamless integration with the building's design.

RUND installations examples : vertical/free-hanging/goalpost

Airtecnics offers various installation configurations for their air curtains, providing flexibility to meet diverse environmental and architectural needs. As depicted in the picture below, options include horizontal installation, ceiling fixation through threaded rods, wall/ceiling fixation through angle supports or arms, wall fixation through lateral arms, and floor fixation in a goalpost style. These configurations are available for different models such as the DAM, ZEN, WB, and others. This versatility ensures that there is a suitable installation method for every setting, accommodating various architectural constraints and design preferences.

Different options for RUND installations

Handling Challenging Conditions

Some installations with strong wind conditions may compromise the air curtain due to severe wind, extreme temperature differences indoor/outdoor, more than one door, different levels, big halls, high-pressure differences, etc. In these situations, a higher performance model is recommended. Understanding the specific challenges of the installation site allows for the selection of air curtains that can overcome these obstacles, ensuring consistent performance and maintaining indoor comfort and energy efficiency.

As explained, the air curtain selection depends on the installation situation. Evaluating factors such as height, width, location, door characteristics, and environmental conditions is crucial. By understanding the range of positions from favorable to unfavorable, you can identify the best possible air curtain solution that can effectively handle the unique challenges of each installation scenario, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. At Airtecnics North America (Part of Rosenberg Group), we provide expert guidance and high-quality air curtains designed to meet your specific needs and enhance your building's comfort and energy efficiency.


For more information on our extensive range of Air Curtains and to discover how they can benefit your business by enhancing energy efficiency, improving indoor air quality, and creating a more comfortable environment for both employees and customers, visit Airtècnics North America's website.

airtecnicsnorthamerica.com

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