Installing an air curtain all by yourself can be a daunting task. There are a lot of uncertainties that first-time installers encounter. If not done correctly, installing an air curtain can result in long-term problems and inefficient performance. Luckily, we are here to take you step-by-step through the installation process. Air Door Distributors offers operating and installation manuals for every air curtain model they carry on their website.
The first step is always to remove the air curtain from its packaging. Inspect it to ensure that there was no damage incurred during the shipping process. If you notice any damage, do not hesitate to file a claim with the shipping company. A damaged air curtain could be a safety hazard to both your employees and your customers.
Make sure that you siphon off enough time to install your air curtain. Generally, it will take about 2-3 hours to properly install an air curtain. This is especially true if it is your first time doing so. Air Door Distributors can provide you with an accurate time estimate, specific to your air curtain model.
Air curtains can be installed either on the wall or on the ceiling. The location of the air curtain depends on the weight and complexity of the model that you purchased. The configuration of the room where you are placing an air curtain can also play a part in the installation. A wall-mounted air curtain is much easier to install, so let’s start with that.
Make sure there is an outlet nearby that the air curtain can easily reach. Most wall-mounted units will come with a mounting plate that can easily be removed from the back of the air curtain via screws. After unscrewing the mounting plate, use the mounting plate as a template to mark and drill appropriate sized holes for fasteners.
Once the appropriate fasteners are installed in the wall, the mounting plate can be secured against the wall. Subsequently, the unit can be attached to the mounting plate via the screws that were removed at the beginning of the process. After the unit is safely secured at the top of the doorway it can be plugged into an electrical outlet and begin operation.
Read more about choosing the right brackets for your air curtain.
If there is an obstruction over the doorway, extended mounting brackets can be purchased so that the curtain can clear the obstruction. An air curtain is still effective for refrigeration up to 8 inches away from the door and up to 14 inches for insects (depending on the model).
If you are hanging the air curtain from a ceiling, follow these general instructions. However, please consult with your building manager or architect to ensure that your ceiling can support the weight of an air curtain. The last thing you want is your air curtain coming crashing down during business hours.
A ceiling-mounted air curtain can avoid potential obstructions. The air curtain will be supplied with the appropriate suspension rods that fit into the top of the unit. Attach the suspension rods on the ceiling at a place that will be able to hold the air curtain. You will want the fasteners or mounting hardware to support the weight of three times the air curtain. The air curtain can then be secured to the suspension rods and hooked up to the proper electrical supply.
Depending on the complexity of the air curtain, a junction box may need to be properly wired and connected to the power supply. This is only necessary for models that cannot be supported via a wall outlet.
Here are a few easy tips to remember when installing your air curtain.
- Mount the air curtain ½ to 2 inches above the doorway (if possible). The closer the air curtain is to the doorway, the more effective it will be.
- Mount curtains close together. If you are installing multiple air curtains over a single doorway, make sure that they are as close to one another as possible. Creating a uniform stream of air will lead to the best long-term performance and energy savings.
- Take it slow. There is no rush when it comes to installing an air curtain. An improperly installed air curtain will result in problems for both you and your customers.
- Get the sizing right. If you notice that there is some space over the area where you are placing your air curtain, remeasure and make sure that the entire opening is covered. Your air curtain will not be fully optimized if the curtain is not wider than the doorway. Air curtains can be stacked to fit any doorway.
- Do not install the curtain on the inside of a freezer. Installing an air curtain on the inside of a freezer may seem like a small detail, but this will stop the curtain from functioning as the motor and fans will freeze before they can function properly.
Have additional questions about mounting your air curtain? Check this article out.
Always read the instructions for your specific unit. There may be steps that are not covered in this article. If you are having issues troubleshooting your air curtain, check out our blog on troubleshooting. You may also reach out to Air Door Distributors for specific instructions. If you still feel uncomfortable installing the air curtain yourself, find a local handyman that can help install it. At Air Door Distributors we are proud to offer only the best brands of air curtains. We have over 20 years of experience helping our customers find the right product for their business. Contact us today at 866-402-1642 or fill out our online contact form to start saving energy and improving your workplace environment for your employees and customers.