5 best thermal curtains for the front door

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To create a favorable microclimate in the room, it is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature and prevent drafts. This is especially true for crowded places where doors are opened very often. A thermal curtain on the front door will help preserve internal heat, get rid of drafts and eliminate the possibility of cold polluted air entering the room.

Using a thermal curtain above the door you can reduce heat loss during the cold season

What is a thermal curtain and why is it needed?

During the winter season, dense cold air, which spreads along the floor, is rapidly directed into the room through the front door and squeezes out warm, light air. If you add a wind component to such normal air exchange, then strong drafts will circulate in the room. In this case, when the door is often opened or constantly kept open, not a single heating device can cope with heating the room. Here it is necessary to create a powerful flow of warm dense air, the pressure of which would prevent the pressure of cold air masses that come from the street.

The thermal curtain protects the room from the penetration of dust, smoke and unpleasant odors along with the street air

The thermal curtain copes with this task perfectly. It is a kind of cold air cutoff at the entrance doors. Its operating principle is similar to that of a heat fan. It is able to reliably protect the premises from the penetration of drafts and cold from the street, and its inhabitants from diseases.

If all heat flow parameters are correctly calculated, it will not only prevent cold masses from penetrating and prevent heated masses from escaping, but will also help the heating system, due to the fact that most of it returns to the room.

The air curtain can be used not only in the winter season. Her work is also justified in the summer season. The directed air mass prevents the cool indoor air from escaping into the street, and the outdoor air, heated by the summer heat, from entering the room.

Thermal curtains are used in high traffic areas

Regardless of the season, the curtain performs another important function. It protects the internal microclimate of the room from the penetration of various suspensions harmful to human health along with the street air. The curtain can keep out rain, snow, dust and hordes of small insects.

Helpful advice! An air curtain allows you to zone rooms, creating different microclimates.

Properly selected equipment can save about 30% of the energy spent on heating and air conditioning a room. In addition, the device itself does not take up much usable space and does not clutter the interior of the room.

Operating principle of a thermal curtain over a door

Installation

Self-installation of a water model on the front door is a very complex process, but installing its electric counterpart does not require special skills.
Carefully study the installation features of the selected model, and only if you are completely confident in a successful outcome, proceed to work.

You must first decide on the power line and connection point. It is also necessary to provide safety and protective devices. Almost any device comes complete with fastening elements and a mounting panel (bracket).

To install the device, you must first take the necessary measurements and secure the bracket. After this, you need to carefully hang the curtain. Due to the large size of the suspended unit, it is better to enlist the help of one of your friends or relatives. Any damage to the device can lead to its malfunction, and sometimes to irreparable damage.

If the device has movable blinds, place them at an angle of 30 degrees . This is the recommended value for most air curtains.

Despite the ease of the process, it is strictly recommended to entrust the installation of the curtain to a special specialist - some types are very dangerous, and improper installation can lead to irreversible consequences.

Thermal curtain for the front door: design and principle of operation

In appearance, the thermal curtain resembles the indoor unit of an air conditioner with a pronounced elongated body. Air is taken from the room through a grill located in its upper part. At the bottom of the housing there is a nozzle through which the air flow comes out under pressure. Control buttons can be located on the body itself or built into a remote unit, which should be located near the device. Some curtain models have an infrared remote control.

Inside the housing there is a heat exchanger, thanks to which the air is heated, and a turbine-type blower fan, which supplies it under pressure to the outside. The heat exchanger can be a heating element, a spiral or a water heating circuit, which is typical for stationary models.

Many thermal curtains have a built-in filter designed to clean the air mass from contaminants. Almost all models, regardless of manufacturer, have built-in protection against overheating, breakdowns to the body and short circuit. They can also be equipped with thermostatic control of the fan speed and heat exchanger heating level.

Heat curtain design diagram: 1 - casing, 2 - fan housing, 3 - impeller (steel), 4 - output grille, 5 - electric motor, 6 - starting block 7 - return button of the electrothermal current relay

The best thermal curtains for double-leaf entrance doors

This equipment has elongated dimensions, which allows you to completely block the wide passage from the double doors with the outgoing heat flow.

They are installed at the front entrances of large buildings, shopping centers, supermarkets and hotels. The principle of opening doors - swinging or sliding - does not matter.

Ballu BHC-L15-S09-M (BRC-E) - for a restaurant or cafe

This is the best thermal curtain for the entrance door of a restaurant or cafe, since it has a length of 157 cm, which is sufficient to cover double-leaf swing doors of any size, because the maximum width of such structures is 1600 mm.

The device is made in a streamlined body that will harmoniously fit into the interior. The curtain power has two parameters: 4500 and 9000 W, and is able to withstand even severe frosts at the entrance.

Pros:

• advanced noise suppression technology inside;
• fast heating due to stitch elements;
• convenient remote control with strip levers for switching heating modes and blowing force, as well as a temperature relay with a scale from 5 to 30 degrees;
• compact body section 15x15 cm;
• raises the temperature to 26 degrees directly at the inlet;
• 2 years warranty;
• light indication on the thermal curtain keys and on the remote control;
• overheat protection.

Minuses:

• cost from 14,000 rubles;
• operating volume 53 dB;
• connection to 380 V is required.

Dantex RZ-31218 DMN - with ceramic heating element

This is the best thermal curtain for double-leaf entrance doors up to 184 cm wide, which corresponds to the dimensions of passages to shopping centers. The unit has an extensive perforated front panel and a multi-lane heated air exhaust system from below.

The power is 12,000 W, which can cope with severe frost. Inside there is a ceramic heating element that prolongs the cooling time. The remote control uses radio beams and operates at a distance of up to 7 m.

Pros:

• electronic control;
• steel body with powder paint on the outside;
• productivity 3400 m3 of heated air per 1 hour;
• increases the existing temperature by 25 degrees;
• programming capability;
• built-in two-stage overheating protection;
• ceramic RTS heater;
• the fan motor has increased power;
• small size of the remote control.

Minuses:

• cost from 15,000 rubles;
• noise level 67 dB;
• no indicator lights;
• 380 V connection required;
• current strength 31 A.

Types of air-thermal curtains

There are many varieties of thermal curtains, reviews of which can be found on specialized websites. They all differ in installation method and operating principle.

Depending on the installation option, the curtain can be:

• horizontal;
• vertical;
• universal.

The horizontal device is installed directly above the doorway, window or gate, and is secured using brackets or threaded rods. The vertical thermal curtain is mounted on one or both sides of the doors. The height of the device should occupy three quarters of the height of the doorway. Horizontal models are more bulky and are not suitable for small spaces. Universal curtains can be mounted both vertically and horizontally. It is this mobile design that is the most popular, since it is a full-fledged additional heating element. It is often used for office spaces and apartments.

Important! Horizontal units are not intended to be installed vertically.

Thermal curtains can be positioned vertically or horizontally

Depending on the type of installation, there are wall-hung and built-in models. The first option is attached directly to the wall. The second one is built into the wall or ceiling at the height of the opening. Such models consist of a module and a decorative grille.

Helpful advice! A thermal curtain built into a suspended ceiling will look very aesthetically pleasing.

Air curtain heat exchanger options

Depending on the presence and type of heat exchanger, curtains are distinguished:

• water;
• electrical;
• without heat exchanger.

Thermal curtains with a water heat exchanger require minimal operating costs

The most popular and in demand are electric air curtains that operate on a 220 V network. These devices have high efficiency indicators and are easy to install. Many models are equipped with the ability to smoothly regulate the heating temperature of the air flow. The main disadvantage of electric curtains is the significant energy consumption associated with ensuring the operation of the fan and heating the heat exchanger. In addition, the devices have a certain inertia when starting up, i.e. It takes a certain amount of time for the air curtain to reach operating mode.

For water thermal curtains on the front door, with the serial designation RW, hot water acts as the coolant. The devices are connected to a heating system or centralized hot water supply through pipes located in the air curtain body. The main advantage of this type of device is minimal operating costs. Here, electricity is spent only on the operation of the fan and control system. However, the device is characterized by a lot of difficulties during the installation process. Here you should additionally install pipes with shut-off valves and control valves.

When installing a water heat curtain, a branch from the general circuit should be provided in advance, which is not always possible with an already installed heating system. It is also necessary to install a filter device for the tubular heat exchanger to prevent it from becoming overgrown. When choosing a curtain, it is necessary to take into account the power of the installation, which must correspond to the capabilities of the heating system, so that the operation of the device does not affect the heating level of the radiators.

Powerful industrial thermal curtains are used for doorways of retail, office, industrial, warehouse, and public premises

Air curtains without a heat exchanger of the RV series are not used for heating air. They are used to protect the premises from street dust, insects and various contaminants. They also prevent conditioned air from escaping outside. They are often used to zone rooms in production workshops, to prevent warm air from entering storage rooms or freezers.

Electric thermal curtains over the door

A heating element, spiral or ceramic heat exchanger can be used as a heat exchanger here. Devices with a spiral are the cheapest and at the same time low-power. You can buy a thermal curtain over the door for 4,000 rubles. Due to the fact that the heat exchanger is of an open type, it very quickly heats the air flow, reaching operating mode. However, such a heating element burns oxygen. Curtains with a spiral are characterized by a minimum service life.

Helpful advice! It is advisable to use devices with a spiral for rooms with a high air exchange rate.

Thermal curtains create a flow of hot air, forming an invisible thermal barrier against cold

Curtains with heating elements are more effective. It is a metal tube in the middle of which there is a heating element, wire or graphite, and sand. These devices do not burn oxygen indoors and operate for a long time and uninterruptedly. They stand out for their affordable price. The average cost of a thermal curtain is 20 thousand rubles.

The most modern are thermal curtains with a ceramic heat exchanger, which quickly heats the air to the set temperature and switches to an economical energy consumption mode. This device not only fulfills its intended purpose by cutting off cold outside air, but it also allows you to significantly save energy resources. The disadvantage is the high cost of the thermal curtain in comparison with analogues.

Classification of curtains by purpose

Electric air curtains have serial designations RM, RT and RS, which indicate the purpose of the device. Low-power mini-curtains of the RS series are used for small openings of 1500x80 cm. Their productivity is no more than 500 m³/hour. Curtains are usually installed in transport ticket offices, street kiosks or above customer service windows.

For large warehouses, powerful water thermal curtains are used

The most popular are the medium-power air curtains of the RM series, which are used for standard openings with a height of 2.5-3 m. They are capable of pumping up to 2000 m³ of air per hour. Models usually have convenient remote units and remote controls. Such mid-range devices are often used for the front door or as a transition from a cool hallway to a living space.

Related article:

Infrared heaters: pros and cons, prices for devices

The use of IR heaters for various rooms. Heating area of ​​devices. Almak heaters.

High-performance devices of more than 2500 m³/hour of the RT series are designed for openings with a height of 3.5-7 m. Such thermal curtains are installed on the gate to a workshop, auto repair shop, warehouse or production facility, at the entrance to a supermarket or entertainment center.

Helpful advice! For a wide doorway, you can install several medium-power thermal curtains, which are arranged in a row.

The most effective devices are air heat curtains with heating elements

Classification

They are classified according to different parameters. Let's consider several groups:

Location

The curtains differ in the location of the nozzle from where the air comes out. In accordance with this, the location of the device itself near the door also changes.

1. Horizontal - direct the jet downwards. Attach directly above the door. The farther it is from the opening, the lower its performance: it will be hampered by door frame protrusions and other obstacles. It is important that the width is not inferior to the width of the opening, otherwise the protection will be unreliable . The flow rate of a horizontal air curtain drops at the bottom of the door, reducing the level of protection.
2. Vertical - provides the same speed along the entire length of the opening: located on the side of the door, it blows air to the left or to the right. For maximum protection, the length should exceed 2/3 of the opening length. There are left, right, and universal vertical air curtains. The latter can be mounted on either side of the opening.
3. Built-in ones “act” secretly: they are installed in an opening or suspended ceiling .
   Only those parts of the device that suck in and blow out air are visible.
   There are vertical and horizontal built-in heat curtains.

Heater

The jet produced by the curtain prevents the penetration of cold air due to speed, not temperature. The air heater is not a mandatory part of the air curtain design - the devices cope with the task without it.

However, most models are equipped with a heater that warms the air before releasing it.
This serves as additional protection against loss of temperature in the room.

1. Electric heaters are relatively cheap, lightweight, and easy to install. Tubular (TEN) or strip (LEN) electric heaters are mainly used. Despite a number of advantages, they consume a large amount of electricity. Electric heaters are placed above the door in shops, boutiques, restaurants, and other public places.
2. A water heater uses a minimum of electricity, which helps save a lot of money. The air is heated using a water heater, which, thanks to its special design, is able to withstand sudden temperature changes. They allow you to protect rooms with a large perimeter. Water heaters are silent, economical, and convenient . They also last a very long time, as they do not corrode. However, they also have drawbacks. Installing water heat curtains over a door is quite difficult: the device must be connected to a central water supply and heating system. Water heaters are very expensive, but due to their efficiency, they pay for themselves within a couple of years. Such heaters are most often installed in warehouses, workshops, and banks.
3. Gas heaters are new to the market. They consume different types of gases as an energy source. Gas heaters are inexpensive while providing a high level of protection. However, they are very dangerous: the gases used to increase the temperature can cause irreparable harm to the health of others. Extreme caution must be exercised during operation - they have a high explosion hazard.

Performance

Air performance is the main characteristic of a heat curtain . The speed of the air stream, and therefore the level of protection from the cold, depends on it.

There are various devices designed for openings 1.5-6 m wide.

Devices with high performance are quite expensive - from 15,000 rubles.

How to choose a thermal curtain

To choose the right heat curtain, it is not enough to decide on its installation location and the operating principle of the heat exchanger. You should pay close attention to the characteristics of the device:

• curtain dimensions;
• device performance, which indicates the amount of air pumped per unit of time;
• air flow speed;
• heat exchanger type;
• power of the heat exchanger unit;
• device protection level;
• type of control;
• availability of additional options;
• appearance of the device.

Before purchasing a thermal curtain for a door, you need to familiarize yourself with the possible options, study the technical characteristics of the models, look at the photos, decide on the pricing policy and read consumer reviews on specialized websites.

Air heat curtains can have both manual and remote control

Linear device parameters

The main parameter of the device is its length, which must completely cover the doorway in order to create the necessary air flow across its entire width. There should be no gaps here that allow the free penetration of cold and dusty air masses. The length of the devices is in the range of 600-2000 mm. For a standard size doorway, purchase a curtain 800 mm long.

Helpful advice! For the best effect, you should purchase a curtain that creates an air flow with a width slightly larger than the clearance of the doors.

If the width of the opening exceeds the length of the selected curtain model, it is better to install two units close to each other. When choosing a long model, you should take into account an important nuance. The length of the curtain turbine usually does not exceed 800 mm, which is associated with an increase in vibration phenomena as it increases, and in order to minimize them, additional costs are required, which will increase the cost of production.

When choosing a curtain, you should pay attention to the length of the device, which should completely cover the doorway

In this regard, manufacturers resort to some cunning. An electric drive is located in the center of the device, to the right and left of which turbines of the required length are installed. However, this design has a significant drawback. An area of ​​low pressure is created in the central part of the device, through which cold air from outside can freely penetrate.

Another important parameter is the length of the air stream, which should reach the floor at the rated power of the curtain. Here we are not talking about the height of the doorway, but about the installation distance to the floor. If the air flow does not touch the floor, a gap will appear, which will allow the free movement of drafts.

Performance and thermal power of the curtain

The effective operation of the device depends on the air flow density. The internal pressure in it must exceed the external one at any point in the opening. The speed of the flow should also be optimal and not create discomfort for people. Its minimum value for effective operation of the device must be at least 2.5 m/s. It depends on the diameter of the fan and its rotation speed.

The thermal curtain has a protection system that protects the device from overheating

The technical data sheet of each device indicates its performance. A correctly selected model should provide air supply, which only 1/3 of the air is dispersed downward, and the rest of its volume is returned to the room. If the device is selected with excessive capacity, then a significant part of the air will be carried out from the room to the outside, which indicates inappropriate use of the air curtain and unjustified energy consumption. If the curtain provides insufficient air flow, cold air masses will easily penetrate into the room, making the installation ineffective.

For a doorway with a standard size of 800x2000 mm, it is necessary to choose a curtain with a capacity of 700-900 m³/hour. However, manufacturers produce models with more modest parameters. When choosing a curtain, you should take into account the location of the entrance, temperature changes, wind direction and speed. All these characteristics are taken into account when calculating the thermal curtain. Therefore, for each specific model, manufacturers indicate in the passport all the necessary parameters and recommendations for the installation location of the device.

The thermal power of the curtain is not the determining indicator when choosing a curtain. After all, the main purpose of the installation is not to heat the room and maintain the optimal temperature in it. The curtain should only compensate for part of the heat loss through the door. The device only helps the heating system function better, but should not replace it in any way. However, in practice, it is justified to install a 2 kW warm curtain as additional heating. Most models provide a temperature increase of up to 20°C. In some cases this value reaches 30°C.

The performance of the thermal curtain is indicated in the technical data sheet of the device

Protection system and device management

For each heat curtain model there are two control levels. Using the first, the specified device performance is created and maintained. The second is responsible for the operation of the heat exchange unit. A specially designed protection system prevents the heater from turning on when the turbine is not working, which will protect the device from overheating.

In the most budget models, the heating level of the heating element is already set and the performance of the device is set, which cannot be changed. However, to independently regulate the indoor microclimate, it is better to choose curtains with the ability to manually control the device. There are also complex options where stepwise adjustment of the curtain is built-in, where several levels of turbine power and heat exchanger heating gradations are provided.

Electronically controlled models are very popular today, allowing for smooth and precise adjustment of the device. Typically the control unit is located on the device body. You can also buy a thermal curtain with a control panel or a remote unit that is located on the wall. The panel contains a number of buttons with which you can configure the effective operation of the air curtain: on/off, performance, heating mode, temperature, etc.

Modern models are equipped with electronic controls, which allow smooth and precise adjustment of the device

Each modern model is equipped with an increased degree of protection against overheating, voltage surges, short circuits, phase breakdown to the housing and other protection options. There are also models that are equipped with a thermostat and timer. Newer versions provide for regulation of the air supply angle, which increases the efficiency of the air curtain.

Thermal curtain for the front door: selection rules and recommendations

Ensuring a comfortable stay in the premises of the house at any time of the year is one of the main concerns of the owners. But efforts to insulate walls and install an appropriate heating system may be in vain if heat escapes freely through windows or doors. This is especially true for those buildings in which, for one reason or another, the entrance doors open very often or even remain open for a long time.

Thermal curtain for the front door

A simple situation: the owners of the house open some kind of family business - a workshop, a store or an office space. On the one hand, numerous clients are great, but at the same time, frequent opening of doors can quickly cool down even a well-heated room, and this means serious energy costs. Another option is that the specific nature of the activity of a private workshop, equipped in a garage or in a special extension, requires constant or very frequent opening of the gate (doors). To ensure acceptable conditions for effective productive work in winter, you will have to spend exorbitant efforts and resources to maintain normal temperatures. But there is a way out - in both cases, a thermal curtain on the front door should help.

Why do you need a thermal curtain?

To make it easier to understand the purpose of a thermal curtain, you should first understand how cold air enters the house through open doors. This process is due to several reasons - the difference in temperatures outside and inside the room, and the different pressure levels caused by this difference. And plus a very important reason for this is the movement of air masses along the street - the wind, the vortex flows created by passing vehicles, etc.

Diagram showing the need for a thermal curtain

Fragment “A” shows the movement of flows of cold and warmer air through a doorway in “quiet” conditions. Cold air is always denser, and with its increased pressure it simply squeezes out the lighter warm air. At the same time, the cold stream is always located closer to the floor - everyone, in their everyday experience, has probably felt how the “cold pulls” down from under a door that is not tightly closed.

To this quite ordinary exchange a wind component is added (fragment “B”). It is, of course, a variable value, depending on the direction and speed of the wind, stability or periodic gusts, the size of the doorway and other parameters, but in general, most often such an application of the vector of movement of air masses is still present.

As a result, as a result of the addition of both factors, we get the picture shown in fragment “C” - the “channel” of cold air intake increases even more in area, occupying most of the doorway. In such conditions, if the door has to be kept wide open or opened frequently, no heating equipment will be able to cope with heating the room, which will “thresh” in vain. In addition, there are constant strong drafts moving through the rooms, sharply increasing the likelihood of colds, even if people are dressed “for the season.”

What if you apply a fairly narrow but dense directed air flow. So that its pressure exceeds even the theoretically possible values ​​of external and internal pressures (fragment “D”). If the parameters of such a flow are correctly calculated, it will become an obstacle to the exchange shown above, fencing off the air masses outside and inside the room. Somewhat bending its configuration under the influence of external pressure on it, the flow still retains the necessary “collection” and is fragmented only upon reaching the floor surface, dividing into two directions. A certain part goes outside, but still a more significant part returns back into the room (fragment “E”).

How can this effect be used?

Thermal air curtain can perform several functions

• Picture “a” is winter time. The air receives the necessary heating, and the resulting curtain not only does not let cold masses in and does not allow heated ones to escape outside, but also, returning to the room, “provides assistance” to the heating system.
• However, it would be a big mistake to consider the air curtain too “narrowly”, only as a kind of heating device. Picture “b” shows her work in the warm season. The situation is reversed - the cool indoor air does not escape outside (although its density in the case under consideration is higher), and the outdoor air, heated by the summer heat, cannot penetrate into the room. Thus, the rooms are maintained at a comfortable temperature for people to stay.
• But that's not all. Regardless of the time of year and operating mode, such a curtain performs another important function (picture “c”). There is always a lot of dust suspended in the street air, especially if there is a busy highway or even a railway line in the immediate vicinity. For the same reason, the air can be refilled with exhaust gases. Naturally, if all these “bonuses” get into the premises, the local microclimate will suffer significantly. But a thermal curtain can completely cope with this problem. This also applies to falling snow, light drizzle, and in the summer – hordes of small annoying insects.
• And one more application. With the help of such air curtains, it becomes possible to zone rooms according to the type of microclimate created in them. For example, you can “fence off” a spacious hall at the entrance (where increased air temperature is not particularly needed, and an unreasonably large amount of energy will be spent on heating such a room) from internal living or working spaces, without even installing additional doors.

So, creating an air curtain helps to cope with a large number of problems. And all this can be achieved by installing a special device.

Despite the fact that the air curtain itself is a consumer of electricity, its use provides considerable benefits. Thus, practice shows that a correctly selected and installed device allows you to save up to 30% on energy spent on heating premises in winter and air conditioning in summer. And if the owner thinks more broadly, he will not be able to help but notice that the absence of cold drafts will sharply reduce the cost of medicine for household members or the payment of sick leaves for the staff working for him.

Another important advantage is that with such a rich range of possibilities, the device itself practically does not take up any useful space in the room.

For clarity, here is a small animated video on the principle of operation of thermal curtains:

Video: how a thermal air curtain works

How does an air curtain work?

As a rule, an air heat curtain is an electrical device assembled in a housing with a pronounced elongated shape.

This is what a thermal curtain usually looks like on a standard door

In the upper part of the housing there is a grille (item 1), through which air is taken from the room.

At the bottom there is an exit slit-like window (nozzle) (item 2), which can be equipped with movable curtains like blinds.

Control elements (item 3) can be located on the body itself, in a place accessible for visual control and manipulation. The control panel, in addition, can be remote and located on the wall of the room in a convenient place.

Remote curtain control unit

The case may have a terminal block for connecting to the power supply, but on household-class models most often there is a pre-connected cable with a plug for connecting to the outlet (item 4).

Many modern models also provide remote control using an infrared remote control (the same as in split system air conditioners).

The main task of a thermal curtain is to create a powerful air flow. This means that the main component of the device is the blower fan. Typically, these devices are not the usual blade type, but a turbine type, of two varieties - a more compact radial type (position “a”) or an elongated tangential type (position “b”).

Radial (left) and tangential turbines

Pos. “c” is a heat exchanger where the air flow, if necessary, receives the required heat. The vast majority of models have an electric heat exchanger, where the air is heated from coils or heating elements. However, there are stationary models of thermal curtains that are connected to existing water heating circuits.

Many modern thermal curtains have built-in filters, which simultaneously clean the air driven through the device from suspended dust.

The electronic circuits of modern curtains provide multi-level protection against short circuits, breakdowns to the housing, overheating, and have thermostatic control modules for the heat exchanger heating level and fan rotation speed.

Classification of thermal air curtains

There are several gradations of classification of thermal curtains.

By location relative to the doorway:

• Classic design, most thermal air curtains are a device with horizontal installation above a doorway (gate, window, etc.)

Horizontal installation above the doorway

• Sometimes, due to certain technological or aesthetic reasons, installing a thermal curtain from above may be impossible or irrational. For such situations, vertical devices are provided, which are installed in “columns” on one or even both sides of the doorway.

Vertical type thermal curtain
Many models in this regard have increased versatility - their design allows, taking into account the specifics of the room, to be installed in both horizontal and vertical positions.

Universal models allow any placement of the device

By installation type:

Most models have a metal case, the design of which involves mounting the device on a wall. However, if any increased requirements are imposed on the interior design of the room in terms of design, then you can select a thermal air curtain that is built into the ceiling or wall along the height of the opening.

Concealed thermal curtain for suspended ceiling

By the presence and type of heat exchanger:

All air curtains according to this criterion can be divided into three groups:

• Curtains with electric heat exchanger. They are usually marked in the classification with the serial designations RS , RM or RT .

Advantages - maximum simplicity of design and installation of the device, high efficiency indicators, the ability to smoothly adjust the heating temperature of the air flow.

Conventional spirals were used as heating elements on older models, but now this approach has been abandoned almost everywhere, since open heaters “burn through” oxygen and quickly dry out the air in the room. Currently, tubular heaters are used, similar to the familiar heating elements, or more modern semiconductor PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient), which have the ability to self-regulate heating and electricity consumption.

The disadvantages of electric heat exchangers are significant power consumption (not counting the costs of ensuring the operation of the fan), and some “inertia” at startup - the heat exchanger requires a certain time to reach operating mode.

• Thermal curtains with a water heat exchanger ( RW ).

In such models, electricity is consumed only to ensure the operation of the fan and control group. This, of course, makes water thermal curtains much more economical during continuous operation.

The housing (outside or hidden) contains pipes for connecting the device to the existing circuit of the water heating system (shown by arrows in the figure).

Pipes for connecting the supply and return of the home heating system

The disadvantages of this type of thermal curtains are obvious - there are a lot of difficulties during the installation process. It is necessary to provide for branches from the general contour in advance, and provided that the aesthetics of the interior are preserved, such an operation can be quite problematic. The heat exchanger of such a curtain has a small tubular structure (similar to a radiator in a car), which will quickly clog if a filter device is not provided. In addition, the consumed thermal power of such an installation must correspond to the real capabilities of the autonomous heating system, so that connecting the air curtain does not affect the heating level of radiators in other rooms.

• Air curtains not equipped with a heat exchanger (serial designation - RV ).

Such devices are used in conditions where additional air heating is not required. They protect well from the entry of street dust, gas pollution, insects, and from the leakage of conditioned air outside. They are widely used in industrial practice - for zoning spacious rooms, protecting against warm air entering freezers or storage rooms, etc.

By power level (performance) and, accordingly, purpose:

• RS series includes mini-curtains with a limited scope of application. Their performance is sufficient to effectively “curtain” only small openings, for example, visitor reception windows facing a cold hall, or customer service windows in street kiosks, transport ticket offices, etc. Usually they are designed for openings no more than one and a half meters high and up to 800 mm wide.

A compact device for creating a curtain in windows.
The air flow rate and pumping volume per minute are low. In everyday life, such thermal curtains are not practically used.

• Thermal curtains of the RM are the largest group of devices that are designed for installation in most existing standard doorways, with a height of approximately 2.5 to 3.5 meters. Including, they are suitable for entrance doors or for the transition from a cold hallway to the residential sector of the house.

A middle-class thermal curtain is quite suitable for an entrance door.
Such devices are the most popular. It is these series that are most often equipped with convenient remote units or remote control panels.

• Powerful thermal curtains of the RT are used to protect high openings, from 3.5 to 7 meters. This could be the gate of a car repair shop, warehouse or industrial premises, entrances to large shopping centers or cultural and social buildings.

A powerful curtain installed above the entrance to the workshop
the RW , connected to central heating or hot water supply systems of public buildings and industrial structures, are also included in this category the cost of water thermal curtains is significantly higher than that of electric models comparable in performance and size.

There are also heavy-duty thermal curtains that can create an air barrier in openings and passages up to 12 meters high.

Prices for popular models of thermal curtains for the front door

Thermal curtain for the front door

How to choose the optimal thermal curtain

The choice of a thermal air curtain has its own characteristics, which you should definitely familiarize yourself with before going to the store.

In addition to the selection criteria already mentioned - according to the installation location (horizontally or vertically) and the operating principle of the heat exchanger, be sure to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• The dimensions (mostly the length) of the device itself, that is, the width of the air curtain it creates.
• Performance, that is, the ability to pump a certain amount of air per unit of time.
• Power of the heat exchange unit.
• Equipped with useful adjustment options.
• The degree of protection, that is, the level of safety of operation of the device.
• The appearance of the thermal curtain is also important for the interior design of the room.

Heat curtain dimensions

The determining parameter, of course, is the length of the device. It must provide the required air flow across the entire width of the doorway, without allowing free gaps for the penetration of cold or dusty masses from the outside. As a rule, the length of such devices lies in the range of 600 ÷ 2000 mm.

For standard doorways, curtains with a length of about 800 mm are usually purchased. With a competent approach, it should be taken into account that the width of the air flow should be at least equal to the clearance of the doors, but it is even better if it is slightly larger.

There is one more nuance. The production technology of air superchargers somewhat limits the length of the turbine (up to 800 mm), since when such dimensions are exceeded, vibration phenomena sharply increase, which requires a rather expensive “suspension”.

The turbine length is usually limited to 800 mm

Trying to minimize costs when producing “long” models, many manufacturers follow the path of simplification: they place the electric drive in the center of the device, and the turbines on the left and right, achieving the required length. Such an arrangement may have a serious drawback - a “dip” or an area of ​​​​low pressure may form in the center of the created air flow, which can become a loophole for the penetration of air from outside.

If the width of the doorway is greater than the length of the model you like or commercially available devices in general, it makes sense to purchase two curtains (and sometimes more) and install them close to one another.

Installation of several air curtains to completely cover the entrance opening

Heat curtain performance indicators

It is quite clear that the thermal curtain must create an air flow, the “density” of which, that is, the internal air pressure would exceed the external one at any point in the doorway, from the installation site to the floor (the opposite side of the doors).

Calculations have determined that such required parameters are maintained when the speed of the air layer at the point of meeting the obstacle is at least 2.5 m/s. Naturally, due to air resistance, the speed decreases as you move away from the device.

The speed and density of the air flow depend on the working diameter of the turbine, its rotation speed and, therefore, on the overall performance of the injection unit. For example, the table below clearly shows the dependence of the effective range of the thermal curtain depending on the diameter of the turbine - in some cases you can focus on the following indicators:

Most often, in the technical documentation for the product, the manufacturer directly indicates what maximum opening dimensions a specific model is designed for. The system capacity must also be indicated there, usually in cubic meters per hour. It is believed that pumping 700 ÷ 900 m³/h is considered optimal for a standard doorway with dimensions of 0.8÷1.0 × 2.0÷2.2 m. However, if you look at equipment catalogs, you often find curtains with much more modest values. There is no unanimity of views among manufacturers on this issue.

There are special algorithms for calculating the parameters of thermal curtains, which take into account not only the linear indicators of the installation site, but also the location of the entrances to the building, average temperature differences for a particular region, the prevailing wind direction, etc. Such calculations are the domain of specialists, and if the characteristics declared by the manufacturer are not enough for someone to select a model, then they can contact the appropriate design organization.

Why is the issue of productivity so pressing? The efficiency of the air curtain directly depends on it.

Consequences of incorrectly selected thermal curtain performance

• Fragment No. 3 schematically shows the operation of a correctly selected thermal curtain model. The air flow retains its “density” to meet the obstacle, and then approximately ¾ is reflected back into the room.
• Fragment No. 2 – a thermal curtain with excess capacity was installed. The speed at the floor surface is too high, and the flow is broken up in such a way that a significant part of it is carried out. Of course, this leads to completely unjustified losses of expended energy.
• And fragment No. 3 shows what will happen if the capacity of the created flow is not enough. The external pressure of the air masses outweighs, and a wide “window” opens at the bottom of the doorway for cold street air. The point of installing such a thermal curtain is generally very questionable - it simply does not play any significant role.

Thermal power of the air curtain

Oddly enough, this indicator for a thermal curtain is not decisive - this is their fundamental difference from seemingly related devices - heat guns or floor-mounted or built-in heating convectors installed near doors and windows.

The operation of the air curtain heat exchanger is not aimed at maintaining the optimal temperature in the room, but only at partially compensating for heat losses through the door. It's clear. that part of the heated air, when operating in “winter” mode, is returned back to the room, but this circulation should only have an auxiliary effect on the heating system operating in the building, but not replace it in any way.

At high speeds of pumping air, giving it too high a temperature is a difficult and very energy-consuming task. Typically, in most models, the temperature increase is limited to 20 degrees at best, and on thermostatic control elements the maximum value, as a rule, does not exceed 30 ° C - more is not required from the thermal curtain.

Control unit with thermostatic regulation

But it’s worth paying attention to the total power consumption. The parameters of a dedicated power supply line, a circuit breaker in the distribution board at home, an RCD, etc. will depend on this indicator.

Control and protection systems

All electric heat curtains are equipped with two control levels: one is responsible for creating and maintaining a given temperature, and the second is responsible for the operation of the heat exchange unit. At the same time, the protection system will never allow the heater to turn on when the turbine is not working, which protects the device from overheating.

The simplest, inexpensive models have preset levels of performance and heating of heating elements, which cannot be changed (the only exception is that you can completely turn off the heating when operating in “summer” mode. However, such cheapness and simplified design are hardly justified for use in a private home - everyone wants be able to optimally adjust the indoor microclimate.

More complex models are equipped with stepwise adjustment, for example, they have 2 ÷ 3 turbine power levels and the same number of heat exchanger heating gradations.

However, recently, thermal curtains with electronic control have become the most popular, which gives owners the opportunity for smooth, precise adjustments.

Modern control units allow precise settings of air curtain operating parameters

The presence of a thermostatic sensor will allow you to significantly save on energy consumption - the automation will turn on or off the block of heating elements only as needed.

Thermal curtains can be equipped with remote control units, which are located on the wall. Models that have remote controls are convenient to use.

Like all modern electrical appliances, the thermal curtain must be equipped with several degrees of protection against short circuits, overheating, phase breakdown on the housing, voltage surges, etc.

Constructors and designers of manufacturing companies try to make thermal curtains externally so that they do not spoil the interior of the room with their appearance. Some models can even become a kind of decoration for the entrance group.

Installation of a thermal curtain

Self-installation of thermal air curtains, although not encouraged by manufacturers, is still quite possible, especially when it comes to the most common - all-electric models. In terms of complexity, it is much simpler than installing a household air conditioner.

Is it possible to install an air conditioner yourself?

Installing an air conditioner usually requires special skills, since when installing a split system you will need to correctly charge it with refrigerant. How to install household air conditioners is in a special publication on our portal.

The main thing is to provide a power line of the required power, the necessary safety and protective devices (automatic and RCD), and the connection point for the device.

The thermal curtain kit, as a rule, includes brackets (or a mounting panel) and fasteners for hanging it above the doorway. The entire installation will mainly consist of careful marking, securing the mounting parts to the wall plane and then hanging the device itself. It can be quite massive, so you should exercise reasonable caution, or even better, enlist a helper.

The installation instructions always indicate the necessary parameters for the location of the device

After installing the device, if it is equipped with adjustable blinds, they should be positioned at an angle of approximately 30° from the vertical towards the entrance. On many models, such a flow slope is provided for by the design of the air nozzle itself.

It may be necessary to lay a signal cable and mount the remote control unit on the wall. All these nuances are always described in detail in the installation manual for a specific model, and you should familiarize yourself with them in advance, even when choosing a curtain, in order to really assess your capabilities.

It is better not to undertake the installation of water thermal curtains yourself

Installing a curtain with a water heat exchanger is a much more complex undertaking, often requiring special thermal calculations and the installation of additional collector or pumping equipment. It’s not worth taking on such activities without experience.

Find out how to choose a metal entrance door, and also read professional advice from our new article.

Video: several recommendations for choosing a thermal curtain for the front door

Installation of a thermal curtain

Despite the fact that the complexity of installing the device is much simpler than for a household air conditioner, manufacturers insist that the installation of the air curtain be entrusted to a professional. However, you can do the work yourself.

Before proceeding with the installation of a thermal curtain, you should provide a power line of the required power, a device connection point, protective and safety elements (RCD and automatic circuit breaker). Next, precise markings should be made, after which the mounting parts are secured to the wall plane for further hanging of the thermal curtain above the door. The device kit usually includes a mounting plate or brackets and fasteners.

It is better to entrust the connection of a thermal curtain with a water coolant to a specialist

If the selected curtain model has adjustable blinds, they must be tilted from the vertical at an angle of 30 degrees. towards the entrance. The design of the air nozzle of many models already has such an air flow slope. It may also be necessary to install a signal cable and mount the remote control panel to the wall. All these steps are described in detail in the device installation instructions, which you should read before installing the air curtain.

Installation of a horizontal or vertical water heat curtain is a more complex undertaking that requires certain thermal calculations and installation of additional pumping or collector equipment. To carry out installation, you should involve specialists in this matter.

Thermal curtain for the front door: principle of operation, main technical characteristics

In order to understand the principle of operation of such equipment, you need to understand what it consists of. The main elements of the device are an electric motor with an impeller and a heating element. As auxiliary ones, we can name special channels (nozzles) for directing heated air in the desired direction and various temperature sensors inside the room or at the air outlet from the device. All equipment is enclosed in a metal case.

The principle of operation is simple: air intake, heating, flow with a certain force

Despite the fact that the electric option is quite popular, a cheaper and more economical option is a water-air heat curtain that uses a heating circuit as a heater. Depending on the installation method, such devices can be vertical or horizontal. In the first case, they are located in pairs, on both sides of the entrance door, directing air flows across each other, in the second - above the door, with the direction of the warm air flow vertically downwards. Let's look at these varieties in more detail.

Repair of thermal curtains

Only a qualified specialist can assess the extent of damage to the curtain and the possibility of repairing it. He will easily replace the failed part with a new one and perform further adjustments to the device.

The double-row water heater has high performance, which allows the device to be used for large rooms

The most common cause of air curtain failure is overheating of the device, which occurs due to non-compliance with the instructions in the instructions. The curtain turns on at full power, as a result, the fan, heating element, relay break down, the switch fails and the electrical contacts suffer. Most often, curtains with a device length of more than 80 cm, which are equipped with very complex components, fail.

A service center specialist can fix minor problems on site. However, if more complex repairs are required, the equipment is dismantled for some time. You can also try to fix the problem yourself by studying the instructions in detail before doing so.

All work must be performed in compliance with safety regulations. If the device does not turn on, first make sure there is electricity. Then check the contacts and fuses. You can replace faulty elements yourself by following the instructions.

Important! All work on the device is performed while it is completely disconnected from the network.

Scheme of options for the location of thermal curtains

If the device switch is in the “Heat” position, but the function is not performed, the switch may be faulty, or there may be poor contact in the electrical circuit. In the first case, the element is replaced with a new one. In the second option, you should check the correct connection and restore contact.

If the thermal curtain periodically turns on and off, you should check that it is installed correctly and clean the inside of it from accumulated dust.

Important! The device will operate properly when all recommendations for its installation, maintenance and periodic cleaning are followed.

Installation of thermal curtains

The thermal curtain is a fan heater. The design of the equipment includes a steel body with a polymer coating and an internal mechanism. Inside the housing there is a water or electric air heater, a fan and a nozzle for venting a jet of air. Air from the room is sucked into the device by means of a fan through the perforated wall of the housing. After this, the air is heated in the air heater and forced into the plane of the opening through a nozzle in the form of a jet. A significant design element is the turbine - a radial fan that creates an air flow of specified characteristics. To create a uniform air flow, a single turbine is required, which is located along the entire length of the device, with an engine mounted at its end. As a rule, the turbine length is no more than 800 mm, since creating a longer part is a technologically challenging task. Therefore, some manufacturers use a technical solution with a central engine location and installation of two small turbines on the sides. The disadvantage of this design is that a gap is formed in the central part of the air flow.

Scheduled maintenance of thermal curtains

To ensure efficient and long-term operation of the heat curtain, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations specified in the operating instructions for the device, which requires timely professional maintenance.

In order for the thermal curtain to have a long service life, preventive diagnostics of the device should be carried out periodically

Every month it is necessary to carry out an external inspection of the device, check the fastenings, guards and structure of the unit. Current and voltage are checked for each phase. The operation of the heat curtain in all its modes and the control panel should be tested. The housing, front panel of the control unit, entrance louvres and air filters are cleaned.

Once a quarter, a qualified specialist tightens the threaded connections of the wires on the terminal boxes, cleans the contacts, and checks the operation of the fuses and tips. If faulty parts are identified, replace them with new ones. Diagnostics of curtains is also performed to identify and eliminate extraneous noise. Fan blades are being inspected.

Every six months, seasonal debugging of the device’s operating modes should be performed, which consists of de-preservation or preservation of the thermal curtain. At this time, pneumatic cleaning of the heat exchanger and other components is also carried out.

The heat exchanger should be cleaned annually using a special chemical composition. The degree of wear of the fan motor bearings is also determined.

From time to time it is necessary to pneumatically clean the heat exchanger and other components

Features of connecting a thermal curtain

The correct solution will help you understand by studying the circuit diagram of a particular model.

In accordance with the official instructions, external devices are connected.
The thermal curtain on the front door can be supplemented with a power button and a stationary remote control. In combination with a motion sensor, they automatically turn on the heating and fan taking into account the approach of a person to the aisle. Included with a thermostat is the ability to maintain user-specified temperature conditions.

Installation is performed according to the following algorithm:

1. They create channels in the walls, install power cables (information and control circuits). In some situations, it is necessary to separate the paths to eliminate spurious interference.
2. After applying the markings, install the thermal curtain on the front door using standard fasteners.
3. Before electrical installation work, turn off the power. Post warning signs and apply other safety measures in accordance with the rules of the PUE.
4. Electrical circuits, sensors, and other external devices are installed according to the approved diagram.
5. They do a test run and eliminate any identified defects.
6. Perform finishing operations.

Well-known manufacturers of electric thermal curtains over the door. Device price

Today the most popular manufacturers of thermal curtains are the following companies:

• Friko;
• Pyrox;
• Olefini;
• Termoscreens;
• Ballu;
• Teplomash;
• Tropic.

More than 70% of the entire product range belongs to the Swedish company Friko and the Norwegian company Pyrox. The products of these brands are the standard for other manufacturers. Companies produce a wide range of high-quality products, which begins with compact models for window openings and ends with large-sized industrial thermal curtains. The reliability of the devices is ensured by the use of high-quality heating elements as a heat exchanger, developed using special technology, which extends the service life of the entire installation.

The modern market offers both small, low-noise models and powerful devices for industrial premises.

Industrial electric air curtains with a length of more than 1500 mm are equipped with a single large-diameter turbine, which guarantees a uniform and intense air flow. Both companies produce devices with distinctive energy-saving characteristics and silent performance. However, the products of European brands are very expensive. You can buy a 3 kW thermal curtain of small dimensions for an average of 50 thousand rubles. Products for standard size doorways start from 100 thousand rubles. The price of a large Friko thermal curtain reaches 800 thousand rubles.

Less expensive products are offered by the English brand Termoscreens. Despite the fact that the products have a lower power of 1.5 kW, thermal curtains are not inferior in reliability to Scandinavian manufacturers. The role of a heat exchanger in thermal curtains is performed by an electric coil. The air flow is created by small diameter turbines. The average price of small-sized air-thermal curtains is 7-10 thousand rubles. Products for wide openings will cost an average of 25-45 thousand rubles. The price of built-in models reaches 100 thousand rubles.

Vertical electric air curtains of semi-industrial type are offered by the Greek brand Olefini. The products are highly efficient, but they are quite noisy. That’s why they are often installed in production workshops. The curtains have a low cost, which averages 50-75 thousand rubles.

The size and installation option of the thermal curtain must be selected based on the room parameters

Thermal curtains Ballu

The Chinese manufacturer Ballu has several factories in Russia. This allows the company to produce budget products aimed at the needs of Russian consumers. The company is constantly improving products, expanding the product range and reducing product costs. Ballu thermal curtains are characterized by high energy saving rates, which allows you to save resources without reducing the efficient operation of the device.

The manufacturer produces several series of devices. The S1 series includes a budget electric air curtain Ballu BHC CE 3. The device capacity is 300 m³/hour. It is installed above the entrance to a shopping center, cafe or office at a height of no more than 2.5 m. The heating element can operate at full or half power and without heating in the summer. The cost of the device is 4,300 rubles.

Another budget model of the new generation is the Ballu BHC CE 3T thermal curtain. Compared to the previous product, this device has a thermostat, and its productivity reaches 400 m³/hour. The price of the curtain is 6,000 rubles.

Electric air curtain Ballu BHC-3.000 SB

The S2 series differs from the S1 in that the devices are equipped with a needle heating “stitch element”, a thermostat and a noise reduction system. The series begins with a small-sized thermal curtain BHC 3.000 SB with a capacity of 300 m³/hour. Can operate at full power of 3 kW and in economy mode at power of 1.5 kW. The price of the device is 4,000 rubles.

A more advanced small-sized air curtain Ballu BHC L06 S03 with a capacity of 350 m³/hour is equipped with a BRC-E electronic wired remote control with wide functionality. The price of the product is 4,500 thousand rubles.

Thermal curtain Ballu BHC L08 S05 with a capacity of 450 m³/hour is installed on a standard doorway. Operates at full power of 5 kW, and in economy mode of 2.5 kW. The cost of the device is 6,400 rubles. Another thermal curtain BHC 5.000 SB with a capacity of 400 m³/h is also designed for doors with a width of 800 mm. Its cost is 5,990 rubles.

Ballu air curtain model BHC-L06-S03

The price of a large-sized thermal curtain Ballu BHC L10 S06 with a capacity of 1050 m³/hour and a power of 6 kW is 10,000 rubles.

The T series includes modernized devices with a heating element as a heater. The curtains are equipped with a thermostat and have low noise and vibration levels. The length of the air stream reaches 3 m. One of the most popular models in this series is the Ballu BHC L08 T 03 thermal curtain with a capacity of 600 m³/hour and a power of 3 kW. The price of the device is 5,700 rubles.

Thermal curtains Tropic

One of the most popular domestic manufacturers of thermal curtains is the Tropic company. It produces a wide range of semi-industrial and household devices, curtains for doorways and gates of various sizes, which differ in size, performance, type of coolant, type of heating element and installation location. The company's products are characterized by high reliability and low cost of production.

Household thermal curtain from the Tropic company, model A3

All thermal curtains of this brand are united in a series. The smallest and cheapest are the thermal curtains of the “K” series, which are used for doorways up to 2 m high. Their productivity is in the range of 150-350 m³/hour. Thanks to its mini-size, the device can be used not only as a thermal curtain, but also as a fan heater or heater with a “warm floor” function. You can buy an electric thermal curtain for 3,200 rubles.

The “A” series includes lightweight, compact, low-noise and inexpensive devices that are located horizontally above a doorway up to 2.2 m high. The curtains are equipped with a “stitch element”, an ultra-light impeller made of aluminum alloy, which reduces the time it takes for the device to reach operating mode , reducing vibration and noise. The most popular and budget model from this series is the Tropic A 3 thermal curtain with a capacity of 270 m³/hour. The installation price is only 3,700 rubles.

The “M” series contains small-sized curtains that have an aesthetic appearance and advanced technical characteristics. They can be installed for doorways up to 2.3 m high vertically and horizontally. The role of the heat exchanger here is played by the “stitch element”, which ensures reliable, silent and efficient operation of the device. The curtains have high performance, convenient adjustment and increased functionality. The kit includes a remote control with a built-in thermostat.

Electric thermal curtain Tropic Line Т105 E10 Techno

The smallest model in this series is the Tropic M 3 thermal curtain with a capacity of 450 m³/hour. The price of the device is 5,900 rubles. For standard-sized doorways, the Tropic M 6 thermal curtain with a capacity of 900 m³/hour is suitable.

The “T” series includes medium-sized air curtains with a power of 3-12 kW. They are installed above the entrance doors of shops, warehouses, cafes, vestibules to a height of no more than 2.5 m. The heat exchanger is a finned heating element. The operation of the device is controlled by a built-in thermostat. The price of a thermal curtain with a minimum capacity for this series of 1100 m³/hour is 10,600 rubles. The maximum productivity of the T series device is 4200 m³/hour. You can buy a silent thermal curtain over the door for 30,000 rubles.

Thermal curtain for the front door: how to choose?

Consideration of the following parameters will help you decide on the choice of model:

The correct selection of design dimensions determines the efficiency of the installation. If it is impossible to select a device that covers more than ¾ of the opening, you should consider the possibility of combining 2 horizontal mounting devices. In this case, the length of the blowing element is selected with a margin of 7-10 cm.

To save on device performance, you can install the equipment at the end of the vestibule or corridor, and not near the entrance itself. This way the air from the street will be partially contained in the free space. Energy consumption, cost and complexity of equipment installation largely depend on the type of media. The lack of a heating function can make the purchase cheaper. Additional options make the settings easier to use. These include the ability to set and adjust operating parameters of units - timers and modes.

Types of thermal curtains

Thermal curtains can have different types of heating elements and energy sources, which determines the type of equipment.

Electric models

They are divided into horizontal, mounted above the door, and vertical, which are installed on the sides of the opening. The compact body of a discreet design fits well into the interior of any room; the light weight does not require the presence of high-quality fasteners and a labor-intensive installation process.

Thermal curtains over the door photo

Water curtains

They are considered more economical compared to electric ones. But there is a possibility of flooding if the pipes are damaged or deformed. In addition, there is a connection to the heating system. Among the advantageous characteristics:

• models with a body length of more than 3 meters;
• efficiency;
• presence of an overheating protection system;
• low noise level during operation.

The heating element is a heater, which is resistant to temperature fluctuations and frost.

Water thermal curtain for the front door

Gas systems

They appeared on the market relatively recently and are used in areas where there is no possibility of connecting to a central heating main or electricity. Among the advantages:

• high performance indicators;
• ability to use in any climatic conditions;
• the system does not freeze;
• Different types of gas can be used as an energy source.

Nuances of repairing thermal curtains

Repair of thermal curtains is best performed in specialized organizations that have a license from the manufacturer of this equipment. In this case, we can hope that the replaced elements will be of original design, and the repair will be of high quality, with a warranty period of use.

The main types of malfunctions characteristic of air curtains are:

• malfunction of the thermostat, control unit or other structural element;
• damage to the power cable or plug connection;
• coolant leakage at pipeline connections;
• Remote control malfunction.

If the cause is caused by a short circuit in the power supply system, then you must turn off the device and contact an organization that maintains electrical networks. If there are leaks and it is impossible to fix them yourself, you should contact the management company (housing office, etc.) and call a plumber to carry out repair work.

Thermal curtain Ballu model “BHC-H20T24-PS”

The principle of installing thermal curtains

Depending on the characteristics of the room and the required performance, the following methods of installing systems are used:

• horizontal, providing for fixing the body above the window or door;
• vertical, more suitable for areas with suspended suspended ceiling structures, or if there is no space above the opening for a curtain.

Thermal curtain over the entrance door

Vertical thermal curtain for the entrance door

When developing equipment, the system is equipped with different types of heating elements:

• a spiral, which is a twisted wire (models are low cost, but have a high fire hazard);
• A heating element in the form of a tube with quartz sand (models are reliable and harmless);
• Stitch elements are an innovative development that provides instant heating and air supply to the opening (the cost of the models is high, but the level of fire safety is inferior to heating element designs).

Design and principle of operation

The thermal curtain for the front door consists of the following elements:

• housings;
• air heater;
• fan;
• nozzles for jet exit.

Thermal curtain for the front door: how to choose

Electric thermal curtains over the door

The body of most models is made of high-quality steel coated with a polymer coating. High-power models are equipped with a remote control, which makes operation easier.

Controlling the curtain consists of setting a certain temperature mode using a power regulator. During operation, the equipment supports the specified program. The principle of operation of the device is the operation of a powerful fan, which prevents mixing of two air flows with different temperature conditions. The mechanism is activated when the door is opened. In the closed position, the ventilation intensity is reduced. When cold air enters the perforated mesh on the front of the case, the air heater automatically starts, and the fan expels the heated flow from the nozzle, directing it downward.

At what price can I buy a thermal curtain for the front door?

Heating equipment can be purchased from specialized organizations, as well as retail chains engaged in the sale of electrical, energy-saving and thermal engineering equipment.

In large trade organizations, the most famous brands are represented by separate stands

In addition, you can contact dealers of the company that produces the model you like, or find a suitable version of such equipment on the Internet. The price of thermal curtains installed on the front door can vary greatly in different trade organizations, so you need to be extremely careful when choosing a seller. The following table shows the cost of thermal curtains of various designs, as of the beginning of the 2nd quarter of 2020, when selling them through, which is a dealer of many manufacturers of heating equipment.

The presence of a large number of models allows you to choose a thermal curtain in accordance with the selection criteria and personal preferences of the consumer, and the availability of reviews from experienced users helps you not to make mistakes.