FAQ: All you need to know about Air Curtains
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1. Basics and functionality
What does an Air Curtain do?
An Air Curtain generates a powerful, invisible stream of air that is blown either horizontally or vertically across door or gate openings. This airflow acts as a barrier that protects indoor areas from external influences such as cold or hot air, dust, insects, and exhaust fumes – without the need to close a physical door. The result is a consistent temperature within the climate-controlled space. Additionally, less energy is required for heating or cooling.
For further details on how an Air Curtain system works, please refer to the How it works section.
What is the difference between a cold Air Curtain and a warm Air Curtain?
The main difference between a cold Air curtain and a warm Air curtain lies in the temperature of the air they produce and their respective applications. The choice between a cold Air Curtain and a warm Air Curtain depends on the specific requirements of the application and the climatic conditions. Both systems effectively contribute to improving energy efficiency and comfort by minimising the exchange of air between indoor and outdoor areas.
Cold Air Curtains: Cold Air curtains do not have a heat exchanger or heating element and work with ambient air that is drawn in. They are mostly used in the industrial sector to prevent the ingress of outside air at hall doors and draughts in the work area.
Warm Air Curtains: Warm Air Curtains blow out warm air. The room air drawn in is heated by means of a heat exchanger connected to the heating system or via an electric heating element, creating a temperature-controlled entrance area in addition to the screening.
If you are unsure which version is best suited to your needs, please contact one of our consultants. They will be happy to help you find the optimum solution for your building!
What are the advantages of a heated Air Curtain?
Air Curtain systems can work unheated with circulating air or they can be connected to the heating system and work with warm air. It is also possible to heat the systems electrically. Effective screening is equally possible with all versions.
Comfort: A heated Air Curtain ensures a pleasant temperature in the entrance area and creates an inviting ambience for customers and employees. When entering the room, walking through a warm Air Curtain is perceived as more pleasant.
Flexibility: Air Curtain heaters can be used in a variety of environments, including retail shops, restaurants, warehouses and other commercial buildings. If required (e.g. sufficiently heated interior), the heating can be switched off. The Air Curtain then shields with recirculated air.
When is it a good idea to install an electrically operated door Air Curtain?
An electrically heated Air Curtain is particularly suitable for retrofitting entrances with an Air Curtain if no supply lines can be laid to connect to the heating system or the cost of doing so is too high.
2. Application and benefits
Why are Air Curtains so common in shops?
Shops use Air Curtains for several important reasons:
Energy efficiency: Air Curtains minimise the uncontrolled exchange of air between indoor and outdoor areas. This reduces temperature loss in winter and warm air infiltration in summer, which reduces energy consumption for heating and air conditioning systems.
Customer comfort: By creating a stable room temperature, Air Curtains help to ensure a pleasant shopping experience. Customers find it more pleasant to shop in an air-conditioned shop without being disturbed by cold wind or warm outside air.
Aesthetic benefits: Air Curtains can be elegantly integrated into the architecture of the entrance area without blocking access. They allow doors to be left open, increasing visibility and customer flow.
Air Curtains also maintain the indoor climate in smaller shops, save energy and contribute to a cosy atmosphere.
Even with large entrance fronts, Air Curtain systems can be integrated almost invisibly into the existing architecture.
Do Air Curtains cool a room in summer?
Air curtains themselves are not designed to actively cool a room. Instead, they act as a barrier that prevents warm outside air from entering the interior. They create a strong airflow across open doors, minimising the temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor areas.
By using an air curtain, the efficiency of the existing air conditioning system can be improved as it has to work less to keep the room cool. This keeps the temperature inside more stable and comfortable, which contributes to a better indoor climate on hot summer days.
However, door air curtains can be used for cooling. The options are cooling by means of cold water or refrigerant (R32/R410a). Ask our experts if you would like to know more.
What is the difference between an Air Curtain and an air conditioner?
An Air Curtain and an air conditioning system fulfil different functions. An Air Curtain creates an invisible airflow that protects the interior from external influences such as cold, heat, dust or insects when doors are open. It primarily serves to maintain the separation between the interior and exterior without the need for a physical barrier. This helps to keep the indoor climate stable and save energy by reducing heat or cold loss.
An air conditioning system, on the other hand, has the task of actively regulating the temperature and humidity indoors by cooling or heating the air. While an Air Curtain minimises the exchange of heat or cold at open doors, an air conditioning system provides the actual air conditioning for the room.
To summarise: An Air Curtain serves as a protective barrier at open doors, while an air conditioning system is responsible for directly controlling the room climate.
3. Energy efficiency and costs
How energy-efficient are Air Curtains?
Air Curtains are extremely energy efficient. They minimise the uncontrolled exchange of air between indoor and outdoor areas by creating an invisible air barrier. This significantly reduces temperature loss in winter and the penetration of warm air in summer. As a result, heating and air conditioning systems need to use less energy to maintain the desired level of comfort indoors.
The exact amount of energy that can be saved with Air Curtains depends on various factors, including the size of the building, the frequency of door use, the outside or inside temperature and the efficiency of the heating or air conditioning system. However, studies show that the use of Air Curtains can significantly reduce energy consumption.
Due to their patented pressurised chamber nozzle system, Teddington Air Curtain systems are considered to be particularly efficient.
Wondering how much energy you can save in your building? You can calculate with just a few clicks using our efficiency calculator.
Important note: An incorrectly designed Air Curtain, an incorrectly selected device (too little power) or incorrect installation can partially or completely cancel out the benefits offered by the Air Curtains and additional energy may be wasted by the Air Curtain!
Ask our experts for the ideal solution for your entrance area!
How long does a door have to be open for an Air Curtain to be profitable?
An Air Curtain is already profitable if doors are open regularly or for long periods of time, especially in heavily frequented entrance areas. This is particularly true for shops, restaurants, hotels or industrial buildings where doors are often or permanently open to facilitate access for customers, employees or suppliers.
Even if the door is only open for a few minutes every hour, an Air Curtain can effectively minimise energy losses and keep the indoor climate stable. You probably know the situation yourself from the cold season: as soon as the door is opened, you can feel the cold and draughts coming in. The more often or longer the door is open, the greater the benefit of an Air Curtain – especially in terms of energy savings and protection from external influences such as draughts, dust and insects.
Check for yourself online with just a few clicks using our efficiency calculation to see how much energy you can save with an air curtain – even if your door is only open for a few minutes an hour.
Are Air Curtains sustainable and environmentally friendly?
Yes, Air Curtains contribute to sustainability by reducing energy losses and improving the efficiency of heating and air conditioning systems. They prevent the uncontrolled exchange of air between indoor and outdoor areas by creating an invisible barrier. As a result, the room temperature remains stable and less energy is required to heat or cool the interior.
As a result, Air Curtains can significantly reduce a building's energy consumption, which not only cuts operating costs but also reduces CO₂ emissions. This makes them an environmentally friendly solution, especially in high-traffic buildings such as shopping centres, restaurants or commercial buildings.
You can find out how much energy you can save with a Teddington Air Curtain in just a few clicks with our cost-effectiveness calculation.
4. Installation and maintenance
How to install an Air Curtain?
An Air Curtain is usually installed on the ceiling or wall above the door, whereby the location is carefully selected to optimise the air flow. After the electrical connection, a test run is carried out to ensure functionality.
How much maintenance does an Air Curtain need?
For maintenance, it is important to check the Air Curtain regularly for dirt and to clean the filters and fans. Regular functional checks should also be carried out to ensure the efficiency and service life of the appliance.
Please contact us if you have any questions about installation or maintenance – our experts will be happy to help.
- Check / clean / replace filter.
- If the filter needs to be replaced, e.g. because cracks are visible, we will be happy to offer the appropriate replacement filter. (>Contact) Please have the serial number of the appliance ready so that the correct replacement filter can be selected quickly.
- Cleaning the appliance of dirt and dust
- Vacuuming the heat exchanger, fans and interior
- Visual inspection for recognisable damage
- Perform a functional test of the device and components
What factors should be considered when choosing the right Air Curtain?
Choosing the right Air Curtain system for your building depends on many different factors, all of which play an important role in determining the effectiveness and efficiency of the system. Here are some of the deciding factors:
- Application area: Consider where the Air Curtain system is to be installed (e.g. entrance doors, roller shutters, cold rooms). The area of application will influence the size, type and performance requirements of the system.
- Door size and height: The dimensions of the door on which the Air Curtain is to be installed are decisive. Wider and higher doors require more powerful units to ensure effective airflow.
- Climatic conditions: Consider the climatic conditions in your region. In colder climates, a heated Air Curtain may be required, while in warmer regions a cold Air Curtain may be more appropriate. The wind situation at your entrance area will also influence the choice.
- Air flow speed: The speed of the air flow is decisive for the effectiveness of the Air Curtain. Depending on the application and environment, you should select the appropriate airflow speed to create an optimal barrier.
- Noise level: The noise level of the Air Curtain system can be important for user comfort. Look for models that operate quietly, especially in sensitive areas such as offices or catering establishments.
By taking these factors into account, you can select the optimum Air Curtain system for your building that maximises both energy efficiency and user comfort. Our product finder will help you find the right Air Curtain for your requirements in just a few clicks. If you need help choosing the right Air Curtain system or have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
5. Comfort and health
Can Air Curtains contribute to employee health and reduce sickness rates?
Yes, Air Curtains can make a positive contribution to the health of employees and possibly reduce sickness rates. By preventing draughts, Air Curtains create a more pleasant indoor climate. Draughts can lead to colds and other health problems. A more stable indoor climate helps to promote the well-being of employees. By reducing the exchange of air between indoor and outdoor areas, Air Curtains reduce the risk of pathogens entering the interior from outside, which is particularly beneficial in times of flu or cold epidemics.
How loud are Air Curtains in operation?
Modern Air Curtains are designed to work quietly and unobtrusively. The volume depends on the power of the device and the installation environment, but is usually in the range of 40 to 60 decibels – comparable to a normal conversation or a quiet background noise. When selecting an Air Curtain, however, the volume should always be considered in relation to the size of the entrance area and the required output.
For better comparability of noise emissions, it is advisable to pay attention to the specifications according to ISO 27327. This international standard has been agreed by the leading European manufacturers of Air Curtain systems. The technical specifications of Teddington Air Curtain systems comply with this standard and are regularly tested by the Institut für Luft- und Kältetechnik Dresden (ILK).
With the E-Series Silent, Teddington Air Curtain systems offer a particularly low-noise model that is ideal for areas where a quiet environment is important, such as offices, restaurants, libraries or hotels.
6. Additional considerations
Do Air Curtains run continuously or only when required?
Whether Air Curtains run in continuous operation depends on the respective application and the specific requirements of the building. In heavily frequented areas, such as entrances to shops, restaurants or office buildings, Air Curtains are often used in continuous operation to continuously maintain a barrier against external influences such as cold, heat or draughts.
However, most modern Air Curtains are equipped with sensors or controls that make it possible to control operation automatically. For example, they can be activated only when the door is open or when people enter or leave the entrance area. This optimises energy consumption and the appliances only run when they are actually needed.
For special applications, such as in warehouses or industrial environments, continuous operation can be useful to maintain a constant indoor climate and minimise energy loss. The decision on continuous operation should therefore be made on the basis of the specific requirements and building use.
What are the disadvantages of an Air Curtain?
Although Air Curtains offer many advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages that should be considered when deciding whether to use them:
- Initial cost: the initial cost of purchasing and installing an Air Curtain can be relatively high, especially for high-end models or large units. With particularly efficient Air Curtain systems, however, the purchase costs are amortised after just a few years due to the energy losses saved by open doors. Ask our experts which Air Curtain system is the most efficient solution for your entrance situation!
- Energy consumption: Although Air Curtains can help to save energy, they themselves consume electricity to generate the air flow. It is therefore important to consider the efficiency of the appliance and ensure that it is used wisely. For example, Teddington Air Curtains require less air drawn in than conventional Air Curtains due to the patented CONVERGO© pressurised chamber nozzle system for effective screening. Therefore, you need less energy for the same shielding. Calculate online in just a few clicks how much energy you can save with a Teddington Air Curtain!
- Maintenance: Like any mechanical device, Air Curtains require regular maintenance to ensure they operate efficiently. Teddington Air Curtains are designed to operate with a minimum of maintenance. Teddington offers the P-Series, a device that is particularly low-maintenance due to its design.
- Noise: Some Air Curtains can generate noise during operation, which can be disturbing in quiet environments. It is advisable to choose low-noise models such as Teddington's E-Series Silent if noise levels are an important factor.
- Limited effectiveness in extreme weather conditions: In very high winds or extreme weather conditions, the effectiveness of an Air Curtain may be reduced, so additional measures may be required to control temperature or provide protection. There are some options that can improve effectiveness even in extreme situations. Contact us – our experts will be happy to advise you!
Despite these potential disadvantages, the numerous advantages of a high-quality air curtain outweigh the disadvantages, especially in high-traffic areas where comfort, energy efficiency and protection from external influences play an important role.
If you have not found the right answer to your question, we will be happy to help you. Simply use the contact form below to get in touch with us. Our team is ready to help you personally – whether it's about technical details or special requirements!
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- Air Discharge System: CONVERGO® pressure chamber nozzle system
- Air Discharge Range:
- Mounting position:
- Area of application:
- Shape:
- Heating type:
- Sound insulation:
- Unit Length: Unit length made to measure
- Fan technology: AC