What are the disadvantages of air curtains?

What are the disadvantages of air curtains? Whilst air curtains offer many advantages, they can also have some disadvantages if they are not selected and fitted correctly.

The most significant drawback is that if they are undersized, they are not effective. If the air curtain is unsuitable for the door’s height, breadth, or construction characteristics, the air stream may fail to reach the floor correctly, and draughts and heat loss will persist.

They may also be somewhat energy intensive, particularly electric heated air curtains, which can be expensive to operate for lengthy periods. Larger commercial buildings tend to benefit more from LPHW or heat pump-powered versions, but they still need adequate system design.

Noise might also be a problem. Higher airflow rates can cause audible fan noise, especially in offices, reception rooms, restaurants or small retail locations.

Air curtains need servicing also. Filters, fans, grilles and heating coils should be cleaned and checked to keep the unit running efficiently. Inadequate maintenance could affect airflow and performance.

Strong winds or negative building pressure can overpower the air stream in exposed regions.

Our commercial air curtains – which, in our heated air curtain options (water-heated or electric-heated), are suitable for a maximum installation height of 3.7 metres, or 4 metres for our ambient versions – are detailed here:  commercial air curtains

and our industrial air curtains, which, in our heated air curtain options (water-heated or electric-heated), are suitable for a maximum installation height of 7.5 metres, or 8 metres for our ambient versions, are detailed here: Industrial air curtains

In conclusion, air curtains can be effective when correctly specified, but their principal drawbacks are when they are incorrectly selected, i.e., undersized, higher running costs of electric-heated versions; noise; and maintenance.