What is the difference between ambient and heated air curtains?

What is the difference between ambient and heated air curtains? The primary difference between an ambient air curtain and a heated air curtain is that the ambient air curtain creates an unheated stream of air while the heated air curtain heats the air prior to blowing it over the door.

An ambient air curtain works by generating just an air barrier. It helps to prevent draughts, heat loss, dust, pollutants and insects entering via an open door but does not provide any more heat. Ambient models are commonly used when the inside space is already warm enough, when no additional heat is necessary or when the main purpose is to separate two regions, such as cold rooms, warehouses or conditioned spaces.

A heated air curtain serves the same purpose but also heats the air that passes past it. Heated versions may be electric-powered, low-pressure hot water or even heat pump-fed via low-temperature hot water. They are frequently fitted over store entrances, office doors, reception rooms and business openings where additional comfort is needed for employees and customers.

Basically, ambient air curtains are for air separation, while heated air curtains are for air separation and entrance heating. The correct decision on which type to use depends on the kind of structure, the size of the door, the heating requirements and frequency of opening the entrance.