Where do the things you purchase come from initially? It’s an important yet often overlooked question to which the answers can have a significant impact on the experience you have with a product. This question is true for items as basic as clothing, but it’s even more important and mission-critical when it concerns hardware you want to buy for your business. When it comes to choosing air curtains, there are many things to keep in mind: the speed and power of the motor, how noisy the unit is, its size, and much more. What about where it was made, though? 

We’re all familiar with the tags and stickers that say things such as “Made in China,” “Made in Vietnam,” or “Made in Mexico” — and we’re all familiar with ignoring those stickers, too. When you’re about to invest in an air curtain, though, the only thing you should look for is the trusted “Made in the U.S.A.” label that signifies it is the product of a domestic manufacturing effort. It’s not about patriotism — there are several reasons to consider an air curtain made in America. What are they?

Trust in Quality Materials and Construction

Investing in new hardware for a business, whether it’s an HVAC system, an air door, or even a point of sale system, requires confidence in its ability to perform to your specifications or under heavy demand. Air doors need to be able to operate continuously or on-demand and in scenarios with a high level of foot traffic. A unit that isn’t as well made as possible and does not employ prime quality components for key systems is almost bound for failure from the outset. 

Air curtains made in the USA seldom face these problems. The sticker is more than just a flag and a phrase — it’s a showcase of the fact that the manufacturer is sourcing quality materials from chiefly domestic sources and assembling them with care. The result is the ability to trust in the final product and count on it to do its job, even in the face of high daily demand. 

Deal Directly with US-Based Manufacturers

Have you ever tried to call a manufacturer’s helpline only to discover that you were speaking to someone who was merely following a script and did not know how to help you? We’ve all been there — and it’s frustrating every time. Why should you have to deal with a run-around when all you want to do is get answers to your questions or seek support from the manufacturer? With air curtains made in America, you can enjoy a more direct customer service experience whether you need assistance in sourcing the right unit, finding spare parts, or troubleshooting an issue. Otherwise, who knows who will answer the phone when making a call?

Enjoy More Easily Sourced Products for Specialty Applications

Another key advantage to US-based air curtain manufacturers is the simple fact that it becomes far easier to navigate the specialty market when you can receive prompt answers — and when you don’t have to wait for a shipment to arrive from overseas. Whether you are looking for an easier way to keep the air clean through filtration products or you want a heated air curtain that can work well in the winter over a large loading dock door, American manufacturers will provide you with more options and make the procurement process less of a hassle. 

Contribute to the Economy and Employing American Workers

Keeping your purchases domestic helps to ensure that your friends and neighbors have employment opportunities with American companies. “Buy American” isn’t just a catchy slogan, nor is it merely a patriotic pledge; it’s a way to ensure that our economy remains strong while fostering innovation and rewarding the hard work of other Americans. While it may not an impact on the operation of your air curtain specifically, the conditions that buying American-made products creates can contribute to a stronger economic environment for your business. 

Explore Options for Made in the USA Air Curtains Today

With a range of benefits to take advantage of with your purchase, choosing an air curtain made domestically can be the wisest choice when you consider everything as a whole. At Air Door Distributors, we are proud to provide our clients with easy access to leading products from American manufacturers, including Berner, all of whose air curtains undergo assembly entirely within the United States. We have over 20 years of experience helping our customers find the best air curtain for their business. You can consult our professionals at 866-402-1642 or by filling out our online contact form now to determine the type and model of air curtain that is best for you.

As a business owner, you’re likely no stranger to the hard sell from B2B providers that want to convince you they have the killer product that will make a big difference to your business. One only needs to hear that kind of sales pitch so many times before doubt and skepticism become normal parts of your reaction. However, there truly are some things you can change that can make a difference both in the short- and the long term — and air doors, also known as air curtains, are one of those things.

Far from a gimmick or an unproven technology, air doors are indeed a well-established technology with a wide range of applications, suitable for everyone from the owner of the small café to the manager of a massive warehouse. A recognized alternative to vestibules; air doors can help you control the interior climate of your building, keep the indoor air cleaner, and much more. Take a moment to read more about why air doors aren’t gimmicky, but a worthwhile investment for your business. 

1. Air Doors Are a Viable Vestibule Alternative

For decades, the vestibule was the go-to solution for isolating climate zones, ensuring energy efficiency, and promoting occupant comfort within buildings. A simple unconditioned space between the indoors and outdoors, vestibules take up valuable real estate space that could, with the right solution, be reclaimed or re-purposed. With recent revisions to energy codes, including the IECC, air curtains have become a recognized alternative to vestibules. By using a powerful sheet of air that is gentle to people walking through it, hot or cold air from outside is prevented from mixing with the interior air. The result, in many cases, is the ability to eliminate or reduce vestibules without a measurable impact in lost efficiency. For new construction projects, air doors allow you to save a substantial amount of money that would otherwise be spent on vestibule construction. 

2. Air Doors Keep You and Your Customers More Comfortable

Since the air door creates separation between spaces, it means your HVAC system needs to run less often. Not only does that equal less wear and tear, but it also means far fewer fluctuations in the interior temperature of the space during the day. Consider a convenience store, for example. In the morning, when business is slow, the AC system cools the entire area to a comfortable temperature. Around lunch time, the constant flow of people in and out of the building creates a great deal of air mixing, which raises the interior temperature — and causes your HVAC system to struggle to keep up with demand. The result is a space that experiences peaks and valleys in its temperature, rather than an even level throughout the day. 

3. Air Doors Have a Real Impact on Energy Efficiency

Now consider the effects beyond comfort. When you’re able to smooth out temperature changes and eliminate those peaks and valleys, what is the result? Simple: your AC unit does not need to turn on and operate nearly as often. Instead, it only needs to run occasionally as the temperature in the space rises naturally. Again, this equates to less money spent on maintenance — but also less money spent on electricity. Without troublesome short cycling or heavy periods of operation to cool a steadily warming space, you’ll find your monthly and annual energy bills decline quickly — ultimately, air doors pay for themselves with a relatively quick turnaround time. 

4. Air Doors Are a Versatile Solution Adaptable to Many Scenarios

Air doors work incredibly well in small applications, such as for cafés, restaurants, and grocery stores, but they scale up to massive applications, too. From keeping warehouse workers warm in the winter by covering the loading dock door with an air curtain to using specialized units for killing bacteria and sanitizing the air in hospitals, air curtains are easily adaptable to suit a variety of needs. This adaptability is one of the biggest reasons why this technology is no gimmick — manufacturers continue to innovate to find ways for clients like you to take full advantage of their power. 

Discover How to Adapt Air Doors to Suit Your Business Today

If air doors are a gimmick, then they must be one of the most useful contrivances ever devised given the many advantages described above. The truth is, though, air curtains are simply a highly useful tool that businesses of all stripes can use to their advantage with the right choice and proper installation. Air Door Distributors has over 20 years of experience helping our customers find the best air curtain for their business. You can consult our professionals at 866-402-1642 or by filling out our online contact form now to determine the type and model of air curtain that is best for you.

Air curtains are used for a variety of purposes including thermal isolation and contaminant control between two open areas. They create an invisible barrier that allows vehicle and pedestrian traffic to move easily between two areas.

There are two main types of air curtain design; recirculating and non-recirculating. They operate differently, but are designed to achieve the same goal. Both designs propel air downward toward the floor at an optimal angle that will accomplish the desired objective of separating two areas of differing temperatures and controlling the direction of air flow.

Non-recirculating air curtains are the most commonly used systems. This air curtain design consists of a single unit, normally mounted horizontally above a doorway. It discharges air downward toward the floor, slightly outside the door opening. Since it is a single unit mounted above a doorway, it is less expensive to install, more economical to maintain, and it lends itself better to retrofit situations.

A recirculating air curtain differs from a non-recirculating air curtain in that, in addition to the overhead unit, it also incorporates side and bottom components that surround the entire doorway. These components collect air that will be returned back to the top unit, to be discharged again. This re-use of air is what makes the unit more efficient than the non-recirculating design. Recirculating air curtains are generally reserved for new construction since labor costs for installation in an existing building are usually prohibitive. Recirculating air curtains are ideal for doorways that see a high volume of foot traffic, such as airport entrances or large retail store doorways.

Air Door Distributors carries both recirculating and non-recirculating designs. All it takes is a phone call to get expert help selecting the perfect unit for your requirements.

Design and Operational Differences

The Non-Recirculating Air Curtain

A non-recirculating air curtain generates and discharges an air stream that is not returned back to the intake. To prevent the entry of outside winds, the discharge nozzle in the air curtain is angled outward at roughly 15 degrees so that the air leaving the unit meets the wind trying to enter the building.  Non-recirculating air curtains draw indoor air through an air inlet screen and into fans that push air downward. As the air travels toward the floor, outdoor air, and indoor air are routed onto each side of the unit’s air stream. This combined air stream strikes the door’s threshold, and splits into two separate air streams.  One flows to the outside of the doorway, and the other air stream flows back into the building. This separation of air streams forces conditioned air back indoors, and keeps outdoor air outside. While very effective, the drawback to this design is that there is always a need to draw in new air from inside the doorway.

The Recirculating Air Curtain

A recirculating air curtain achieves the intended goal in a slightly different manner than the non-recirculating air curtain. It generates and discharges a lower velocity air stream, but with more volume of air. The discharged air is captured by the return grill at the floor, returned to the intake area via the side panels of the unit, and recirculated back to the supply fan.

As the air stream is discharged from over the door, it splits into three separate streams: center, interior and exterior.  The center air stream contains enough air capacity to satisfy the demand of the air handler.  The exterior air stream consists of outside air which flows back outside the doorway. The interior air stream consists of the indoor, conditioned air which flows back into the building. To prevent the entry of outside winds, the discharge nozzle is fixed straight toward the center of the return grill at the bottom of the door. The air stream draws back toward the building, while still being pulled into the return grill.

In order to operate properly, the air stream has to be strong enough to reach the return grill but not so strong that it splits airflow the same way as a non-recirculating air curtain. The discharged air must meet the return grill at the floor in order to ensure a stable air stream throughout the entire process.

The recirculating air curtain is more efficient than the non-recirculating curtain, but requires a greater up-front cost. Installing one of these units in a high traffic doorway at the time a building is constructed makes perfect sense. Installation into an existing building may be cost-prohibitive, but could make sense if a building has been repurposed, and an air curtain is required for the new use of the building.

As you can see, there are some commonalities these two air curtain designs share, but some stark differences in their execution. With all the designs and models available, there are a variety of options to suit your specific air curtain needs. Air Door Distributors has over 20 years of experience helping our customers find the best air curtain for their business. You can consult our professionals at 866-402-1642 or by filling out our online contact form now to determine the type and model of air curtain that is best for you.

Organizations are always looking for that edge over their competition. Too often they look for a consultant to tell them how to improve their processes in order to gain more market share. 

Air curtains are much cheaper than consultants and their effects will last for years to come, all the while improving your organization’s work performance. 

You may be aware of the energy savings that air curtains can provide for you. However, that is not all they are good for. There are a number of incredible uses and benefits that air curtains produce. Air Door Distributors has one of the widest offerings of air curtains that will suit any business’ needs.

Air curtains keep the temperature in your workplace stable. The air curtain blocks both hot and cold air from entering the building. Your air curtain will work in all seasons; this will lead to a more consistent temperature inside of your building. Employees will stop complaining about the temperature and will be able to dress correctly for the workplace. Not to mention they will certainly be more comfortable. A more comfortable workforce means they will be both happier and more productive. Not to mention, an air curtain will lower the toll on your overall heating and cooling system. 

The benefits of air curtains don’t end there. Everyone hates those annoying insects that always seem to find a way inside your building. Insects can bother customers and employees alike. If there are too many insects in your building, you may find that customers are simply not returning –– or worse, that you have an unexpected visit from the health inspector. 

Stopping the insects from entering your building will also lead to improved employee performance. The air curtain prevents bothersome insects from getting inside your building by pushing them out with a strong flow of air. Instead of swatting away flies, employees will be more concentrated and happier during their work days. 

Keeping potentially toxic fumes out of the building is another added benefit of air curtains. The constant air flow will prevent any gasses or fumes from entering the building. This will lead to an overall safer environment for employees and customers alike.  There has been research into air curtains as a barrier to both fumes and fire. Air curtains can in fact play a vital role in fighting future fires and smoke in a building –– and thus potentially save lives. 

In the case of an evacuation, an air curtain can potentially save the lives of your employees. An air curtain allows doors to stay open during business hours. During an emergency, any barrier to an exit could be a dangerous obstacle for the person who is trying to escape. The open door will allow the evacuees to flow seamlessly through the doorway without a door holding them up.

Another benefit an open door offers is that customers will be able to easily access your business. People with handicaps, parents with strollers, and other guests struggling with accessibility will be able to access your business, whereas otherwise they would have struggled to open the door. Not to mention, an open door is much more inviting than a closed door. Potential customers who have walked past your business multiple times may stop in because there is an open door.

The practicalities of air curtains continuously provide safety benefits. People slip and fall at work constantly; it is one of the leading causes of injury in the workplace. An interesting feature that is often overlooked regarding air curtains are their drying abilities. In a workspace where there is a cold area next to a hot one –– such as a freezer being next to a kitchen –– condensation is likely to appear in the entrance. A properly fitted air curtain can reduce or eliminate condensation in the doorway. This will lead to fewer workplace accidents and employees that are happier with their work environment.

Automated doors can be another potential hazard for employees and customers alike. There have been numerous injuries that could have easily been avoided if the business had decided to install an air curtain. The improved visibility will decrease the number of collisions that occur when employees are rushing in and out of doorways. Employees will also not collide with the door since it will be open. 

Spending the few hundred or thousand dollars on an air curtain is certainly worth it for many businesses. Air curtain owners will enjoy a plethora of hidden benefits they had not considered when they purchased the product. Air Door Distributors has over 20 years of experience in the air curtain industry, we pride ourselves on offering the best brands possible. Contact us at 866-402-1642 or by filling out our online contact form to find the perfect air curtain for you and your business.

When it comes to air curtains, everyone has the same desire: for the air curtain to work as intended. Luckily, there has been momentum in the air curtain industry to highlight air curtains that are certified. Certification means that the air curtain does exactly what it says it does. This can be extremely comforting to a new purchaser of an air curtain. 

Deciding whether or not your air curtain needs to be certified largely depends on the end application of your air curtain. If you have a small space, checking for a certification may not be worth it to you. On the other hand, if you need to maintain a building code, you will certainly want to know if your air curtain is certified. 

The AMCA and Certified Air Curtains

The Air Movement and Control Association International (AMCA) is a third party organization in the business of certifying all devices related to air, including air curtains. The AMCA aims to ensure that industry air systems maintain their integrity. They work hand-in-hand with air curtain manufacturers, as both sides want to deliver a quality product. 

An air curtain with an AMCA Certification Seal affords you the peace of mind that you will be following all of the correct building codes while improving your building’s performance. Products are tested for energy efficiency, sound, and overall performance. The AMCA also continually tests products to see if manufacturers are maintaining the proper standards. It should be noted that the AMCA certification program is voluntary. Nevertheless, you may find it troubling if your air curtain manufacturer does not have a certified air curtain. 

The following companies offer AMCA certified air curtains: Berner International LLC, Dayton Electric Manufacturing Co., King Company, Mars Air Systems, Powered Aire, Soler & Palau, and Williams The Comfort Product Company. These brands offer a wide variety of different air curtains that are designed to fulfill any need. You can conveniently find nearly all of those brands’ certified air curtains online at Air Door Distributors. 

The International Code Council and Air Curtains

The International Energy Conservation Code is one of the most important building codes. Established in 2000, the code has been adopted by state and municipal governments in the United States. The code establishes the minimum regulations for energy-efficient buildings. New materials and devices are continuously being added to the code to keep up with technology. 

Back in 2013, the AMCA and other lobbyists convinced the International Code Council that air curtains were a viable replacement for a vestibule. Architects and engineers are probably familiar with the vestibule term, but if you’re not, let’s talk through it. A vestibule is a small foyer that leads into the entrance of a lobby, hall, or passage of a much larger building. In the past, commercial buildings that were equal to or greater than 3,000 square feet had to have a vestibule according to the IECC code. 

The 2015 version of the International Energy Conservation Code approved air curtains as a replacement for vestibules. This was great news for architects and designers as they did not need to waste the space that was taken up by the vestibule and they were no longer constrained by this outdated mandate. They also could lower the price of their buildings due to cost savings. Vestibules can cost upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars, while air curtains top out at around $3,000. 

An emergency evacuation of a building can be an extremely dangerous situation where people can get trampled over. A vestibule can lead to a greater chance of injury as people that are evacuating will have to open two sets of doors in order to escape the building. On the other hand, an air curtain will lead to a clear flow of steady traffic since there is only one set of doors that needs to be passed through.

An added benefit of using air curtains is that they result in a cleaner indoor air environment. Air curtains can keep dirt, grime, dust, debris, and even insects out of the building. According to ANSI/NSF Standard 37: Air Curtains for Entranceways in Food and Food Service Establishments, air curtains have been approved for use in restaurants as a way to keep airborne insects out of entrances and windows. Air curtains have consistently matched or outperformed vestibules when it comes to energy savings as well. The constant air flow of the air curtain keeps both the hot and cold air out of the building, even when the door is wide open. 

Air Door Distributors are the experts when it comes to all air curtains. We pride ourselves on offering the best brands possible and helping our customers find the right products for their business. If you need help finding an air door that fits your building code or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at 866-402-1642 or by filling out our online contact form.

The most difficult part of installing an air curtain is mounting them. Getting it perfectly aligned and accurate is a struggle for many first-time installers. If you make a mistake it can be nearly impossible –– not to mention very costly –– to fix. In fact, you could end up destroying the very doorway that you are attempting to improve. Air Door Distributors understands all of the proper mounting methods and can recommend the most effective method for you and your business.

Human beings are by nature creative engineers that find solutions to the problems presented to them. There is an endless number of ways that an air curtain can be mounted to provide the proper air flow to a doorway. The most common ways that air curtains are mounted are either via the wall or via the ceiling. However, the most common ways don’t always work for everyone. Engineers have developed other mounting methods to get around environments where the conventional methods do not work.

Properly mounting an air curtain to a wall is arguably the easiest method of mounting. It is almost as simple as mounting a television to a wall. The first step is to remove the mounting plate from the back of the air curtain. This is generally accomplished by unscrewing the screws that hold the two pieces together.

From there, you can use the mounting plate as a guide to mark and drill the correctly sized holes for the air curtain to fit. Next, you will go ahead and fasten the mounting plate to the wall with fasteners that can hold the air curtain. Lastly, you will screw the air curtain into the mounting plate and your air curtain will be secured.

The ceiling mount can be an attractive but tricky mounting option for your air curtain. The first step is to make sure that your ceiling can hold the weight of the air curtain while operating. After that, you must find the proper threaded rods for your air curtain. Certain air curtain models will come with threaded rods specifically for ceiling mounting. In other cases, you will have to go out and buy the proper threaded rods. Regardless of the scenario, you must then find a spot in the ceiling where the threaded rods and air curtains can be properly installed. Next you must drill the correct size holes into the ceiling.

Install the threaded rods into the ceiling by using the proper mounting device. A good rule of thumb is that the mounting device that holds the rod will be able to hold three times the weight of the air curtain. If you are uncertain, it never hurts to go with a steadier mounting device. Once the threaded rod is secured into the ceiling, the threaded rod will be properly fitted into the air curtain.

Angle brackets are another way to properly mount an air curtain. This method of mounting is generally used when there is an obstruction preventing the air curtain from doing its proper job.

The angle brackets are not included in most air curtains and will have to be purchased separately. Make sure that you purchase an angle bracket that will be able to support the weight of the air curtain while it is operating. Additionally, you must ensure that the bracket will fit properly into the air curtain. This mounting method is very similar to the wall mount.

There will be two seperate angle brackets that you need in order to properly install the air curtain. Line up the angle brackets against the wall. Make sure that you properly measure the space between the angle brackets. If it is off by even an inch, your air curtain will not be properly lined up over the doorway.

Once you are certain of the measurements, go ahead and drill the holes into the wall and add fasteners that are capable of holding the required weight. Finally, when the angle brackets are properly secured, all you have to do is screw the air curtain into the angle brackets.

Are you having troubleshooting problems with your air curtain? Check out this article.

Side extension brackets are a popular mounting method as well. This mounting method is often used in tandem with a wall mount. Side extension brackets are needed to further extend the outboard mounting hole on certain air curtain models. This step serves as an efficient way to clear existing lines and tracks over a doorway. You can custom order side extension brackets, but the standard brackets let you clear up to 9 inches on either side of the curtain.

Mounting side extension brackets is almost identical to regular wall mounting. Use the entire side extension brackets as a template as to where to drill the holes. The side extension bracket bolts on to the back of the unit, utilizing the 4 original mounting holes. This makes the proper mounting easy if you have installed a wall-mounted unit before.

Mounting air curtains can be a difficult task. Air Door Distributors has 20 years of experience in the air curtain industry. We pride ourselves on offering the best brands possible and helping our customers find the right products for their business. If you have any questions about air curtains or air doors, don’t hesitate to contact us at 866-402-1642 or by filling out our online contact form.

Regardless of the manufacturer or model of air curtain or door you purchase, there may be a time down the road when certain functions don’t work as expected. Discussed here are some of the common questions you may have about your air curtain if something appears to be wrong. Remember, the experts at Air Door Distributors are always just a phone call away to steer you in the right direction. 

What could the cause be if air leaving the nozzle does not seem to have too much velocity?

There are a number of possibilities that could cause what seems to be reduced air flow at the air nozzle.

Nozzle Outlet

The easiest thing to check would be the nozzle outlet. The nozzle air flow will be restricted if the directional vanes are aimed beyond their proper limit. Be sure vanes are clean, and adjusted properly for optimum airflow for your situation.

Air Filters

If your air curtain fails to move the proper amount of air, it’s possible the air intake could be dirty. If your unit has a filter, replace it if it is a disposable type. If it is the reusable type, clean it with mild detergent and water, and reinstall it in the air curtain unit.

Fan Blades

Check the fan blades. Dirty fan blades can cause lack of sufficient air movement. Be sure to clean the fan blades and check air flow to see if the clean fan blades are moving the proper amount of air.

Incorrect Wiring

Many air curtains use three-phase motors. Incorrect wiring of a three-phase motor will cause reverse-rotation of the motor, turning the fan in the wrong direction. Fan blades are shaped to move air only when turning in a particular direction. If turning opposite to the correct direction, the fan will blow little or no air.  To correct this situation, have a qualified electrician change the wiring at the motor.

Some air curtains have a motor speed setting. If your curtain has a speed switch, check that the switch  is set to the desired speed.

Are there any situations that could cause air curtains to operate poorly or not at all?

Electrical Connections

If your air curtain is not operating at all, it’s possible you may not have power to your unit. A qualified electrician should check all the electrical connections to your air curtain and related switching components, including the circuit breaker panel or fuse box.

Improper Air Movement

If your air curtain turns on, but operates poorly, there are problems that could cause this situation as well. The movement of air in a building can be disturbed by many situations that are not readily obvious, mainly because air movement is invisible.

 Air curtains operate best in balanced environments. The most obvious problem in an air movement condition would be selection of the wrong air curtain unit for your needs.This is where the experts at Air Door Distributors can help. We will make sure that the air curtain you purchase will deliver the results you require.  As an example, it’s important to select an air curtain with sufficient velocity for your needs. If an air curtain lacks enough air movement to provide a barrier at the floor level, it will fail to be ineffective.

Air velocity and direction are crucial for your air curtain to accomplish its task properly. A common cause of an improperly functioning air curtain could be an air disturbance such as the use of an exhaust fan within the same room as the air curtain, which will force air out of the building at a location away from the air curtain, eliminating the presence of an adequate intake air source.  This will cause negative air pressure within the building. The easiest path of resistance for outside air will then be at the bottom of the curtain where the air you are trying to keep outside will enter the building. This is exactly the effect you don’t want.

Just as having an exhaust fan operating in a building will upset the airflow, a wind tunnel effect caused by multiple open doors at either end of the building can also starve the air curtain for intake air and keep it from operating at its peak level. The air curtain is meant to be the main entry and exit point for people and vehicles. While it is unrealistic to expect that no other door in the building be opened, it should not be the norm for multiple doors in the building to stay open for an extended period of time.

Improper Mounting Location

Depending upon the desired air curtain effect your are looking for, the mounting location of the fan can be crucial for performance of the unit. Suggestions for mounting the air curtain and adjustment of vanes can be found in the following section.

Have questions about mounting your air curtain? Read this article.

How far beyond the edge of the housing does the air spread and what is the depth?

The air exits the discharge nozzle at high force. All models vary in the air spread and depth of the air wall they create. A general rule of thumb is: for units with 1HP motor(s) or less, the air spread is up to 3 inches and the depth of the wall of air created is about 18 inches, measured 6 feet from the nozzle. For units with motor(s) larger than 1HP, the air spread is up to 6 inches and the depth of the wall of air is about 24 inches, measured 6 feet from the nozzle.

Vane adjustments will vary depending on your air curtain needs, but can usually solve your wind direction needs using the following guidelines. Your situation may vary and require the use of an expert.

Generally, air curtains should be mounted inside a doorway; however, unheated curtains that are used to repel insects and contaminants, can be mounted outside the door if necessary. The vanes should be angles approximately 15 degrees outward. Air velocity should be adjusted so that the air stream just reaches the floor.

When used for temperature or humidity control situations, the air curtain should be mounted inside the doorway and the air should be directed straight down at the floor. These are just guidelines, and your perfect adjustment may need to be done by a professional. There are other conditions that may cause your air curtain not to operate at full capacity. If the guidelines we’ve discussed in this article don’t help solve your problem, don’t hesitate to contact us directly at 866-402-1642 or by filling out our online contact form for further help or referral to a reputable contractor in your area. Air Door Distributors is 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 to start saving energy and improving your workplace environment for your employees and customers

Choosing the right air curtain for your business is already a difficult decision. After all, there are a ton of different factors to take into consideration. One key factor is the brackets that will hold your air curtain up. Brackets will ensure that your air curtain remains stable and steady during operation for years to come.

It may seem like a simple task to choose the right brackets. However, there are several different bracket options available to air curtain owners that fit a variety of different applications. It can quickly overwhelm a business owner and leave them with a bunch of burning questions. At the end of the day, your bracket choice will come down to your individual needs. Air Door Distributors will work with and you specific needs to develop a solution that works for your business.

Depending on your environment and overall goals for your air curtain, you may not even need any brackets for your air curtain. The mounting plate that comes with an air curtain can be secured to the wall directly above your doorway. That works for a majority of air curtain owners, as their environment is not that complex.

For the business owner who has an issue that needs to be addressed in order to properly install their air curtain, there is a bracket to fit every problem. Brackets can be designed and customized to address your specific problem. Even when you think there is no hope, there is always a solution to your issue. Air Door Distributors offers the most reliable brackets at reasonable prices.

Extended offset mounting brackets are some of the most commonly used brackets. They are used when there is a small obstruction in the way of properly installing an air curtain. This prevents the installer from using the basic mounting plate, since there is something in the way. The extended offset mounting brackets allow for a clearance of up to two feet (depending on the air curtain model and bracket chosen).

This strategy will almost always clear any obstruction that is currently in the way. It should be noted that the further an air curtain is away, the less effective the air curtain is. This fact may send owners looking for other solutions than the extended offset mounting brackets.

Vertical mounting brackets are typically used in hotels and grocery stores. These brackets allow the air curtain to be set up vertically to the doorway. The doorway is constantly opening and closing in this environment and the air curtains will allow the business to increase their overall efficiency, as well as keep out any insects. This could also be a solution to homeowners who have an obstruction in the way that is keeping them from installing their air curtain above their doorway.

Check out this blog for more information on air curtain installation.

Transom mounting brackets are designed to mount an air curtain to a framed transom above the doorway. A transom is an architectural term referring to a crosspiece separating a door from the window above it. Naturally, it can be very difficult to install an air curtain above this type of doorway. Luckily, transom mounting brackets will allow you to easily install your air curtain. They are typically used for retail and office spaces.

Side extension brackets are typically used to clear existing lines, door tracks, and any other small obstructions on the edges of a doorway. These brackets use the 4 original mounting holes on the back of the air curtain; that way, no changes have to be made to the unit itself. Side extension brackets are useful if you simply need to clear a small obstruction in order for your air curtain to function properly.

Welded steel brackets are sometimes necessary for the large industrial air curtains that you would see in a large factory or warehouse. Large industrial air curtains weigh quite a bit. Therefore, welded steel brackets are necessary (since typical brackets will not be able to hold a tremendous weight). The welded steel brackets can also be used when there needs to be a large offset distance for the air curtain, due to an obstruction. The added strength of the welded steel will prevent the air curtain from falling.

Need help troubleshooting your air curtain? Click here.

An outdoor mounting may require specialized brackets that are rust-proof and can handle additional elements such as snow and rain. The brackets will also need to be able to handle the wind, which adds further strain to the bracket. Keeping the insects out of your place of business is generally one of the key requirements when an outdoor mounting is requested. Work with Air Door Distributors to find the best option for your environment and application. They have the best technicians in the business and they will be able to make a recommendation that will make your life easier. Every business is different and some applications may require a customized solution to best fit their needs. 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.

In business, the right tools make all the difference when it comes to driving towards success. Some of those tools are organizational, while others are more tangible — like the way you outfit your building to maximize its usefulness and efficiency. Keeping your building efficient is one area where specialized hardware such as air curtains can prove immensely useful — particularly for structures that may otherwise need to rely on vestibules for maintaining environmental separation and improving energy efficiency. With the right air curtains, the benefits are easy to unlock for businesses from warehouses to restaurants and even organizations including hospitals.

How do you decide what option is right for you? There’s one name that stands out in the industry: Mars Air with their widely-used Lo Pro system. A low-profile but high-performance air curtain system, these units come in many sizes and have flexible capabilities intended to suit a variety of roles. Take a few moments to find out more about why the Lo Pro system is the go-to solution for so many businesses.

Why Install Air Curtains at All?

For some owners, the idea of attaching a piece of hardware right above a door — especially one that may be in a customer-centric application — can be a hard sell. They worry about the visual impact, the noise, and of course, the actual value of the functionality. The good news is that air curtains not only have a proven impact on the energy efficiency of indoor spaces, but they also come with a range of additional benefits.

Most commonly, businesses employ air curtains to keep cold air indoors and to reduce the frequency with which their HVAC equipment must cycle. However, other applications include stopping the intrusion of dust, halting blustery and windy conditions from penetrating indoors, and even turning away small flying insects. Mosquitoes, for example, can’t pass through air curtains; the air flow buffets them and pushes them back outside. From dropping monthly energy expenditures to a more pleasant interior, choosing a Lo Pro curtain can unlock these benefits. But why this model?

How the Lo Pro Series Offers Stand Out Performance

Let’s revisit the example of the business owner concerned about the consequences of adding an air curtain to the space. Clearly, there are benefits in terms of repelling small flying insects, keeping out dust, and improving the efficiency of indoor environmental controls. However, the Lo Pro series offers advantages above other types of air curtains. The key benefit is right there in the name. These are not big and bulky units, but rather “low profile” air curtains that do not draw undue attention to themselves. With quiet operation and a gentle stream of air, most patrons are unlikely even to notice the addition — especially because air curtains are found in so many other places today.

Lo Pro air curtains also have variable speed settings, allowing owner-operators to customize their power to an extent. Keep the speed low for the quietest operation or turn the speed up when you need to keep the door propped open for more extended periods. This will help to reduce flying insect intrusion while minimizing the chance that conditioned air will escape. Such versatility is a Mars characteristic, and a big contributing factor in their popularity across the industry.

The Lo Pro Series 2 has additional features available, too. Working in a place that sees harsher winters? Enjoy all the benefits of a Lo Pro curtain with the addition of heated air, using hot water or steam as a heat source. Allow patrons to walk through a pleasantly warm breeze as they enter your premises and prevent the work your furnace did from going to waste.

Suitable Even for Very Large Openings

Air curtains have many applications for small doorways such as entrances, walk-in freezers, and more, but this is just a scratch on the surface of their versatility. The Lo Pro series can cover openings up to 144 inches across, or 12 feet — wide enough to cover even huge loading dock doors in warehouses, grocery stores, convention centers, and more. With a powerful yet energy efficient motor that can achieve full coverage and separation over the opening without subjecting workers to anything more than a gentle breeze, the Lo Pro series is easy to adapt for heavier duty commercial operations.

Determining the Right Lo Pro Air Curtain for Your Business

Despite how versatile and dependable the Lo Pro series can be, browsing through Mars Air’s catalog might leave you feeling unsure about your next steps. Which voltage will work with your business’s equipment? How wide should the air curtain be for your purposes? With professional assistance, answering these questions is no trouble at all. At Air Door Distributors, an authorized supplier of Mars Air products including Lo Pro series curtains, we are ready to help you take a deep dive on the subject in pursuit of the right hardware. 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 to start saving energy and improving your workplace environment for your employees and customers. Contact us at 866-402-1642 or fill out our online contact form.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.