What is a recessed air curtain?
What is a recessed air curtain? A recessed air curtain is an air curtain designed to be installed into a ceiling or bulkhead rather than being surface-fixed on the wall above a doorway. The device is concealed beneath the ceiling void, with only the discharge grille and return air grille visible from below. This results in a much neater and more discreet appearance compared with a standard exposed air curtain.
Recessed air curtains are utilised in buildings where aesthetics are vital, such as hotels, offices, shopping centres, restaurants, reception areas, showrooms, airports, hospitals and high-end retail entrances. These are especially beneficial where architects or designers wish to preserve a clean ceiling line with no visible equipment above the doorway or entrance.
The function of a recessed air curtain is the same as with any other air curtain. It provides a regulated flow of air over an aperture to help isolate the inside environment from the outside environment. This helps to lessen the chilly draughts, restrict heat loss, increase comfort at entrances and reduce the volume of warm or cooled air flowing from the structure. When correctly selected and installed, a recessed air curtain can also help reduce the entry of dust, fumes, and insects.
There are various types of recessed air curtains, such as ambient, electric heated and LPHW. An ambient recessed air curtain is a non-heated air barrier. An electric-heated type is an air curtain heated by an electric element. LPHW – A low-pressure hot water heating system (e.g., a boiler or compatible heat pump system) supplies a heated air flow to the recessed air curtain.
Our full range of recessed air curtains – ambient or heated options – are detailed here: Recessed air curtains
One of the major advantages of an air curtain installed in the ceiling is its look. The device is mostly concealed for better blending with the building than a surface-mounted unit. This makes it appropriate for contemporary business environments where machinery or equipment may be visible and unwanted.
But recessed air curtains demand more planning than ordinary units. There should be adequate vacant ceiling space to allow for the unit and reasonable access for maintenance. Access panels are vital because filters, fans, coils, electrical components and controllers need to be examined and cleaned. If the unit is difficult to reach, service might take more time and be more expensive.
Proper installation is also important. The air discharge should be located near the door opening and shall be equal in breadth to the whole width of the aperture. Performance might be compromised if the unit is too far away from the door or the ceiling design blocks the airflow. To produce a reliable air barrier, the air stream must efficiently reach the floor.
Simply said, a recessed air curtain is an air curtain that is built into the ceiling and is hidden. Features the same draught reduction, comfort and energy-saving benefits as a normal air curtain, but with a cleaner, more unobtrusive appearance. It is most effective on commercial structures when performance and looks are concerned.
