The model employs the services of a traditional mechanical plunger micro switch with a roller and a front air inlet that will allow you to install this device right under the ceiling. A removable mounting will prove invaluable in terms of securing the entire setup before hanging up the air door system. The motor is capable of utilizing two different speeds of operation.
Using the high-speed option, the device may get a bit loud.
If what you want is a powerful option that is easy to install and will be able to deliver the kind of performance that is simply unprecedented for this kind of price range, the Awoco FM-1509SA1 is the only logical choice. On top of it all, the model is also incredibly slim and lightweight.
Horizontal
36" / 40", 48", 60" avaliable
1471 CFM at High speed
1177 CFM at Low speed
3150 FPM at High speed
2559 FPM at Low speed
67 to 69 dB
10-3/8" x 35-1/2" x 8-5/8"
1 year
Due to exceptionally thought-out design, you will be able to install this device on both interior and exterior doorways. It also comes equipped with a micro door switch and a remote control. The model incorporates sleek and stylish high-tech design, implementing a touch of taupe black on the sides and a hint of silver around the filter.
The instruction manual is far from apprehensible.
The Yoshimasa MIDORI-36 will be able to attract the kind of customers looking for a stylish and sleek air curtain. It also weighs just slightly above 20 pounds and is 36 inches wide, so you will have the option of installing it in a restaurant or a donut shop just as well as you'll be able to mount one in a residential scenario.
Horizontal
36"
824 CFM at High speed
647 CFM at Low speed
2165 FPM at High speed
1772 FPM at Low speed
55 to 57 dB
8 5/8" х 36" х 7 1/2"
1 year (limited)
The strengthened blower will be able to withstand dust, corrosion, and any other form of pollution that the outside world might throw its way. The cover case is comprised entirely of stainless high-tech aluminum high-quality abs. With all that in mind, it's no surprise the manufacturers promise reliable and safe runs for 5,000 consecutive hours.
The air flow doesn't reach the bottom of the entrance as well as it should.
The Apex FM-13509-L will easily prove to be the best air curtain for those customers that value durability and longevity above anything else. Aside from that, the model isn't particularly hard to set up, freeing you from the trouble of hiring a specialist.
Horizontal
36" / 40", 48", 60" avaliable
900 CFM
3150 FPM
less than 52 dB
9-1/4" х 35-1/2" х 8-1/2"
Amazon's 30-day return policy
Even at the highest speed, this door air curtain manages to generate less than 49 dB of noise, meaning that it won't distract or irritate the customers every time someone walks into your restaurant or it won't bother you if you decide to place it at the entrance of your home. The slim body will be incredibly easy to clean.
There's no remote control, so it won't be convenient for shorter people to switch it ON and OFF.
If space for you is a luxury that you can't afford to recklessly spend, the Welbon FM-3509L/Y should be right up your street. The model doesn't generate too much noise and it won't waste a drop of unnecessary energy, so you won't have to worry about your bills going through the roof.
Horizontal
36"
900 CFM
3150 FPM
49 dB
9" x 36" x 8-1/2"
Amazon's 30-day return policy
The air guide bar is capable of generating airflow in every possible direction, which is a technology that makes the whole thing perfect for a variety of different installation locations. Once installed, the powerful airflow that the model thoughtfully provides divides the inside and outside environments into two independent temperature zones.
The model is incapable of generating enough air volume for larger entrances.
If you're interested in a heated air curtain that comes at an affordable price, the model from Maxwell is worth looking for. The aforementioned division of temperature environments saves energy and minimizes air conditioned/heated air losses.
Horizontal
36"
647 CFM at High speed
529 CFM at Low speed
3120 FPM at High speed
2520 FPM at Low speed
49 to 52 dB
9.4" х 35.4" x 9"
1 year (limited)
An Offer You Can't Refuse
Browsing through the virtual shelves of an online store, from time to time you may come across the kind of offer that you simply won't be able to refuse without doing yourself a considerable disservice. Well, suffice it to say, this is one of those moments. Although far from being one of the more expensive options on the market, what we have here is one-of-a-kind deal that absolutely anyone interested in an air curtain should want to consider, regardless of what it is you're looking for in one of these devices and where exactly would you like to place it.
So many aspects of the Awoco FM-1509SA1 are worth mentioning that we wouldn't even know where to begin. But, suppose, the installation process is as good of a place to start as any, especially given that we're presented with two specific wires for the plunger and the wiring system that is as comprehensible as it gets. A removable mounting plate that comes included in the package will be easy to install and will prove invaluable in terms of securing the entire setup before hanging up the air door system. And if the installation area still doesn't appear to be accessible, you will have the option of adding a wooden or metal frame in order to put your initial idea in motion. There's no need for any kind of remote control since the device automatically turns on every time the door is open. However, if you do manage to run into some sort of trouble getting the whole thing up and running, a detailed manual that will guide you through every step of the way is also included in the package.
A Slim Curtain
As far as the design is concerned, the Awoco FM-1509SA1 features a surprisingly slim structure that doesn't take up too much space and is as lightweight as it gets. The case of this model is made of metal that is comprised with the help of fireproof and anti-erosive powder. The metal grille, on the other hand, was designed with a particular purpose of improving air circulation.
Now, as far as the design of interior parts goes, the device comes equipped with a highly efficient motor that incorporates the German electrical machinery technologies and a fan wheel comprised of high-tech Anti-lock Braking System that generates a powerful wind force. The aforementioned motor is capable of utilizing two different speeds of operation, with the high-speed option being able to generate an air flow of considerable power for high entrances that require peak performance, especially in order to keep all of the bugs out, and the low-speed feature perfect for saving in terms of energy consumption. The latter will be the most fitting mode if you are looking for an air curtain for home use.
Other than that, the model employs the services of a traditional mechanical plunger micro switch with a roller and a front air inlet that will allow you to install this device right under the ceiling. So, if what you want is a powerful option that is easy to install and will be able to deliver the kind of performance that is simply unprecedented for this kind of price range, the Awoco FM-1509SA1 is the only logical choice.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $350.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00ODO59NW |
A Stylish Option
An air curtain isn't one of those devices that is usually in open sight and neither is it something that is supposed to attract attention. But just because that is the case it doesn't mean that the design and the overall look of this piece of equipment aren't important. An air door will be a part of your interior just like any other item, so you'd like to purchase a model that doesn't just seamlessly blend in but will also be able to attract some attention to itself. And that is exactly where the Yoshimasa MIDORI-36 comes in.
The model in question does not disappoint in terms of performance or simplicity of installation, but the very first thing people usually notice and the element that is worth discussing first is its look. Especially given that the aforementioned look is mostly presented via a sleek and stylish high-tech design, implementing a touch of taupe black on the sides and a hint of silver around the filter. Other than that, the model weighs just slightly above 20 pounds and is 36 inches wide, so you will have the option of installing it in a restaurant or a donut shop just as well as you'll be able to mount one in a residential scenario. And, in case such a stylish design isn't necessarily up your alley, a clean white option is available as well.
2 Different Speed Modes
Japanese electronics companies aren't known to trail behind in terms of performance and the model from Yoshimasa is no exception to this rule. The device is designed for professional use in order to keep the desired clean air and the temperature inside the building, and to avoid contaminating it with the outside one, as well as preventing bugs, insects, dust, and any other possible pollutants from entering your place.
All of the previously mentioned potential threats will present no challenge to this Yoshimasa air curtain thanks to a pair of balanced dual shaft motors. This kind of structure will present you with the opportunity to utilize two different speed modes. The high one will be able to deliver up to 824 CFM of air volume and around 2160 FPM of air velocity, while the low mode is capable of reaching 647 and 1772 respectively. The amount of noise both of these options generate doesn't necessarily change that much, always staying at a relatively low point of around 55 dB.
The last important element worth pointing out is the fact that due to exceptionally thought-out design, you will be able to install this device on both interior and exterior doorways, which is something that very few models out there are able to offer. And, in case you're still not entirely sold on this product, it also comes equipped with both micro door switch and a remote control, although you won't be able to use two of these options together. In conclusion, this Yoshimasa air curtain will be able to attract the kind of customers looking for a stylish and sleek model that can be placed both on the interior and exterior doorways and delivers in terms of control and performance.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B002O8WK9A |
Longevity is Paramount
If there's one point you can bring up about air doors that most people would probably agree upon, it would have to be that these devices aren't necessarily one of those pieces of equipment that you would want to change every few years. Unlike certain gadgets in the world of information technology akin to computers and laptops, all of the fundamental principles do not change every few years and the features that manufacturers add don't offer enough in order to justify throwing away your old model for a new one. Which is why one of the most important aspects of a device like that and the one that people ought to consider the most before actually buying one of these products has to be the durability and longevity of it. You want the kind of model that will be able to last for a decade and that is precisely what manufacturers at Apex are offering you with their brand new horizontal Apex FM-13509-L.
As far as commercial air curtains that you can utilize for residential purposes go, this is definitely the one to look out for. Although the material texture has that pleasant feel similar to plastic, the cover case is actually comprised of stainless high-tech aluminum high-quality abs. On top of that, the case is entirely fireproof and the aforementioned metal features anti-erosive elements, so no kind of weather will be able to damage the internal components of this device. Generally speaking, the model is designed for indoors, but you can use it outside as long as you can manage to prevent the water from coming in. Although the device itself is already quite durable, you will be able to greatly extend its service life by removing the cover and cleaning it every year using an air dust remover.
Over Five Thousand Hours
When it comes to actually installing this air curtain, there is next to no chance you are going to face any challenges. The model is incredibly easy to open since the convenient design does not incorporate any screws into the structure. The slim body of this device won't just be easy to clean but also suitable for a variety of entrances, even including the ones that seemingly have no space for a device like that. The strengthened blower will be able to withstand dust, corrosion, and any other form of pollution that the outside world might throw its way. With all that in mind, there's no surprise that the manufacturers promise reliable and safe runs for 5,000 consecutive hours.
Naturally, we wouldn't be able to wrap this review up before, at the very least, briefly touching upon the subject of performance. Well, without going into too many details, the model comes equipped with a solid and durable motor that adopts the technology of German electrical machinery, delivering 900 CFM of air volume and 3150 FPM of air velocity. The product includes an On/Off switch on the device itself, but it also comes with a free heavy duty door switch. All in all, the Apex FM-13509-L will easily prove to be the best air curtain for those customers that value durability and longevity above anything else. Aside from that, the model isn't particularly hard to set up, freeing you from the trouble of hiring a specialist.
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B011WH11ZW |
A Suitable Choice
Space is something that we can never have too much of when it comes to places with limited areas, especially as far as rooms and buildings are concerned. No matter how grandiose of a plan you might be boiling inside your head, limitations in terms of space are an element that you will always have to consider regardless of your intentions. Air curtains, while they certainly have their fair share of unique advantages and disadvantages, are not an exception to this particular principle. So, as we have previously mentioned, you should always keep in mind the width of your entrance relative to the size of the model in order to acquire a fitting air door. And, if space is the kind of luxury that you simply don't have enough of, the Welbon FM-3509L/Y is the kind of model that should fit you to a tee.
Featuring around 9" x 36" x 8-1/2 inches of overall dimensions, this device presents exactly the kind of slim structure that would allow you to place it above the small door of your coffee shop or an entrance to your own home. And, with the ability to place it at the height of 84 inches, this might very well be the best air curtain for restaurant, bar, or any other business establishment in the service industry. The previously specified slim body will be incredibly easy to clean thanks to the design solution that doesn't rely on screws.
Quiet as a Mouse
The people behind this product seemed to have been aware of the fact that durability is one of the key elements of these devices when they were busy designing and developing it, given that, not dissimilar to some other models out there, the company made sure to fireproof the entire thing and coat the case with anti-erosive materials.
Although the model in question is one of the more powerful options out there, featuring 900 Cubic Feet per Minute of air volume and 3150 Feet Per Minute of air velocity, one of the most interesting things about it is how surprisingly quiet the device is. Even at the highest speed, this door air curtain manages to generate less than 49 dB of noise, meaning that it won't distract or irritate the customers every time someone walks into your restaurant or it won't bother you if you decide to place it at the entrance of your home. And, despite the previously mentioned performance, the device doesn't require more than 120 volts in order to work and generates no more than 300 watts to deliver the numbers that we have brought up earlier. In terms of control, the model is a fairly straightforward product, featuring an ON/OFF button on the air curtain and a heavy duty door switch. So, if space for you is a luxury that you can't afford to recklessly spend, the Welbon FM-3509L/Y should be right up your street. The model doesn't generate too much noise and it won't waste a drop of unnecessary energy, so you won't have to worry about your bills going through the roof.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B007R6GAK4 |
Smooth Operation
The Maxwell MASF036N1 Commercial Air Curtain with Micro-Switch is one of the cheapest options out there. But, contrary to the popular belief, this doesn't mean that what the company offers is a subpar product that lacks in terms of a variety of aspects and that doesn't deliver the kind of quality you would expect out of a more expensive model. Sure, the device in question cannot be described as one of the more powerful air doors out there, given that it is incapable of generating more than 650 CFM of air volume at the highest speed. But it is able to match the air velocity of some of the most expensive products out there, making it an exceptional residential air curtain. And, speaking of speed, the model features 2 speeds of operation for air volume and air velocity that you will be able to choose using a HI/LO/OFF switch located near the left end of the device.
By adopting the latest technological advancements in the field of aerodynamics, the device runs smoothly without producing too much noise even when used in the high-speed setting, further cementing its worth as a commercial air curtain that will be perfect for residential purposes as well as small business establishments. Aside from that, it is also incredibly easy to open it up in order to clean the interior, mostly thanks to the fact that the model boasts a streamlined modern appearance with no visible exterior screws.
Saves Energy
In terms of installation, the model at hand will not require a specialist or an experienced DIYer in order to set the whole thing up. The package includes two dedicated wires for the heavy duty door switch and a removable mounting plate that will noticeably simplify the process of installation. The cover itself is constructed of durable aluminum, meaning this product should be able to last for years, as long as you take good care of it. Though this Maxwell air curtain might seem like a pretty regular air door at first sight, this is one of those cases where that very first impression couldn't be more wrong.
The biggest selling point of this device and one of the more interesting things about it is actually the air guide bar that is capable of generating airflow in every possible direction, which is a technology that makes the whole thing perfect for a variety of different installation locations, as long as the aforementioned location could benefit from an invisible barrier to dust, insects, and pollution. Once installed, the powerful airflow that the model thoughtfully provides divides the inside and outside environments into two independent temperature zones. This kind of approach, in turn, minimizes air conditioned/heated air losses through opened doorways and areas with doors that are constantly opening and closing.
In conclusion, if you're interested in a heated air curtain that comes at an affordable price, the model from Maxwell is worth looking for. The aforementioned division of temperature environments saves energy and minimizes air conditioned/heated air losses.
| Last updated price | $193.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B0742GQ476 |
What Is an Air Curtain?
An air curtain is a device that is primarily used to prevent undesirable air or different kinds of contaminants from entering a specified closed space. The majority of these products resemble an air conditioner in terms of design, mostly featuring a downward-facing blower fan attached at the top of an entrance to some kind of building or an establishment. Or, as far as more commercial applications are concerned, the system may look as an opening between two spaces conditioned at different temperatures. Generally speaking, these devices are mostly used in those scenarios where the doors have to stay open for operational purposes, like at loading docks and vehicle entrances. However, certain customers are beginning to install these devices at home, especially with the purpose of keeping flying insects out by creating a forceful turbulence.
Keep in mind that air curtains are mostly used as a tool to keep air from entering the building. If you'd like to filter the air inside the building, you might want to consider purchasing an air conditioner or an odor eliminator.
What Features to Compare
An air curtain is not necessarily one of the simplest pieces of equipment out there, so there are a few things you need to consider before you start looking for one of these devices. As it is with the majority of technologies out there, the first aspect you ought to pay some attention to are the specifications and the kind of performance they allow the model to deliver. In case of air curtains, it is mostly the number of Cubic Feet per Minute that determine the air volume and the number of Feet per Minute that show the kind of air velocity your air door will be able to produce. Generally speaking, the more the better, but you should definitely keep in mind the size of your entrance and the kind of environment your building is surrounded with. If you do not have a large door, going for the most powerful option may be somewhat of an overkill. You should also consider the type of door you are going to be dealing with, whether it is always open, opens automatically, opens manually, or if it is a revolving door.
The next thing to keep in mind would have to be the width of your entrance and the size of an air door. As it is with specifications, try not to go overboard. Plenty of people think that installing a huge air curtain over a tiny door will solve all of their problems. However, these people couldn't be more wrong. Setting up an enormous air curtain over a tiny entrance is nothing but a waste of money. And, in case you wonder why that's the case, this kind of setup means that half of that column of air wouldn't serve any sort of purpose. So, you definitely have to look for the kind of air curtain that will perfectly fit your entrance.
The last elements you might want to check before purchasing an air curtain are the amount of noise the model generates and the complexity of the installation process. These two should be fairly straightforward. Unless you prefer a figurative rock concert near your entrance, you should find the kind of model that produces the least amount of noise while still delivering in terms of performance. And, when it comes to installation, aside from all of the tools required in order to mount and assemble the air curtain, you should also confirm the type of setup that the product incorporates, given that a vertical one simply won't fit the majority of scenarios out there.
Did you know?
An air curtain, also known as an air door, may seem like a somewhat excessive product that is more of a luxury than a necessity. And while that isn't the most unreasonable assumption to make before looking closely into the subject, upon further inspection, there's a good chance you will find out that an air door is actually an extremely useful piece of technology that is well worth its price more often than not. Speaking of further inspection, here is a short list of some of the potential benefits that may sway your opinion in favor of this helpful device:
Commercial Value
Although an air curtain is not necessarily one of the cheapest products out there, the device will actually prove to be a potentially highly profitable investment that won't just return the money you spend on it in a New York minute, but might just very well double your income. The first reason for that is the so-called "open door effect" that works wonders in terms of improving the sales. The concept is quite simple - open doors serve as a sort of a sign that the customers are welcome in the establishment. And, in case you're wondering, this isn't just a supposition, and sociologists have actually conducted multiple tests and studies, proving that the open doors persuade people into visiting your building. The open doorway also serves as a kind of a shop window, allowing people to see the inside of the shop, giving them a better idea of what it is exactly you are offering. Furthermore, a setup including an air curtain always leaves free access for people in wheelchairs, as well as enough leeway for individuals with baby strollers, trolleys, umbrellas, etc. Overall, a setup like that simply increases the available space for entrances, which is never really a bad thing. And, on top of it all, these devices also reduce the feeling of draught and improve the comfort level of staff and customers, and that isn't something that can hurt your sales, to say the very least.
Health and Hygiene
While a point that we have already somewhat touched upon describing the commercial value of reducing the feeling of draught, we would be remiss not to mention at least some of the potential benefits of air curtains for doors in terms of hygiene and health. First of all, a device like that is invaluable in terms of maintaining a stable and comfortable environment. It does that by removing the changes in the room's temperature every time someone opens the door. Other than that, the product in question also eliminates the threat of insects entering your establishment, in addition to serving as a sort of hedge against airborne dust, pollution, fumes, and bad odors.
Energy Consumption
This is a fairly simple point that is, however, worth noting. One of the biggest benefits of air curtains for doors is that they reduce the energy losses from the conditioned space and the central plant capacity (heating and/or cooling). A device like that also reduces the building's running cost and the CO2 emissions, meaning it isn't just a valuable acquisition in terms of profits but also a tool that will allow you to reduce your carbon footprint.
FAQ:
Q: How do these devices even work?
A: This is a good question and the one that we will attempt to answer without going into some of the more intricate (and inevitably boring) details. To put it in simple terms, it is no coincidence that the air doors are generally referred to as air curtains since these devices virtually generate somewhat of an invisible barrier that separates and insulates different temperature zones. They do that by allowing the air to enter their system, compressing the latter using a set of internal fans, and forcing the compressed result through an air outlet that is pointed at the open doorway. One of the things that made this device so widespread and commercially successful in the first place is the fact that it is capable of performing the aforementioned feat without interfering with people and vehicles moving through the entrance. Not to mention that the majority of high-class air curtains include a filter function that usually does an exceptional job protecting most of the interior components (heat transferring system, fans, electronics etc) from dust and other harmful particles.
Q: Are air curtains devised exclusively for malls? Can I install one of those in my bar?
A: An air door is not a device that is exclusive for one type of building or a singular kind of establishment and can be used in a variety of scenarios, as long it fits the width of the door and is convenient in terms of height. An airport, a train station, a hospital, a university, museums, theaters, hotels, restaurants, banks, factories, and a large variety of different kinds of stores are only some of the places that could benefit from one of these mechanisms.
Q: The air curtain that I was looking to buy is marketed as a commercial model and I'm looking for a device to put at my home's entrance. Should I look for a different option?
A: Not necessarily. Even if the device that caught your interest is being advertised as a commercial product, you might want to hold your horses before throwing in the proverbial towel while looking for a different model. The thing is, even though more and more people are looking to buy one of these mechanisms for their house, the majority of people still associate these devices with huge malls and airports. So, just because the model isn't being advertised as a residential air curtain, doesn't mean that you won't be able to install it in your house. Just consider the height, the width of your door, and the overall dimensions of the product and your entrance. Putting all of these things into consideration, there's a good chance one of these commercial options will be able to fit your home to a tee.
Q: Are these devices really as effective as the developer's claim them to be?
A: Though a certain amount of skepticism is always a healthy attitude toward plenty of things in life in general, multiple studies and tests conducted over the years have proven that these mechanisms absolutely work and are incredibly effective. As we have already mentioned, a decent air curtain setup will allow you to save on energy all while protecting the place from insects and unwanted changes in temperature.
Sources:
1. Garth Sundem How Air Curtains Work, HowStuffWorks.
2. Haiguo Yin, Angui Li Design Principle of Air Curtain Ventilation, ResearchGate. January 2014.
3. Yinghua Zhang et al Development and Testing Research of a New Pneumatic Jet Stream Air Curtain Dust-Collecting Fan, IEEE Xplore. July 14, 2009.
4. High and low volume air samplers, Queensland Government. March 27, 2017.
5. D Farkas et al Development of an Inline Dry Power Inhaler That Requires Low Air Volume, National Institute of Health. December 20, 2017.
6. Q Meng et al Variable air volume air-conditioning experiment system with advanced controls, Sage Journals. June 24, 2014.
7. N. Rachapradit et al An Influence of Air Volume Flow Rate and Temperature Set Point on Performance of Inverter Split-Type Air-Conditioner, Wiley Online Library. April 11, 2011.