Protection from frost and cold - choosing the best thermal curtain for the front door

A thermal curtain on the front door creates a barrier between the air inside and outside. The dense air flow becomes insulation for the doorway, because no other material is suitable for this. In places where there is a dense flow of visitors or for other reasons, the doorway remains open for a long time, heat loss becomes critical.

In addition to protecting against drafts and heat loss through an open entrance door, a thermal curtain can perform the following functions:

• cutting off, dividing zones with varying degrees of microclimate preparation;
• drainage;
• heating the room;
• additional circulation of internal air.

The main task of a thermal curtain is to create a flat and strong air flow that would divide the space behind and in front of the front door.

The barrier created by the thermal curtain does not allow the outside air to mix with the inside. The effect is so good that even through a constantly open opening, dust, smoke, and insects from outside do not enter the room. For zoning, for example, an unheated air curtain is installed between the restaurant kitchen and the common room, preventing the spread of odors. Similarly, curtains cope with localizing the smoking area from the rest of the space.

According to the installation method, they are distinguished:

• horizontal blocks;
• vertical blocks;
• hidden installation.

The best option is to place the device unit horizontally above the front door. If for some reason this cannot be done, then vertical blocks are used, installed on the sides of the opening. Initially, the thermal curtain is designed for one of the installation methods, and simply changing its orientation is not permissible. Rare models allow a change of location.

The main characteristic is the amount of pumped air, indicated in cubic meters per hour (m3/h). A thermal curtain is only a special case, albeit the most popular, of a whole class of devices for creating air curtains. The second important parameter is the width of the created flow, which actually determines the size of the opening for which the selected equipment can be installed. Combining these two characteristics, a general division into thermal curtains is used:

• Low-power, for small openings, windows, checkout windows. Air volume up to 500 m3/h, width up to one meter.
• Medium performance, for doorways in production in offices, restaurants, shops and shopping and entertainment centers. Flow rate up to 2000 m3/h, opening width up to 2 meters.
• High performance, for large openings, garage and warehouse doors, wide openings of administrative buildings, hangars and stadiums. Flow rate over 2500 m3/h, opening width over two meters.

For the case of an office entrance door or the central entrance of public buildings, medium-power devices are selected. Sometimes, even for a wide compound opening, several medium-power curtains installed in a row are used.

According to the method of heating/cooling air, they are distinguished:

• with an electric heat source (film, spiral, heating element);
• with water heat exchanger;
• with a gas heat source.

Electrically heated thermal curtains have become widespread. They are cheaper, easy to install and maintain, but require high operating costs for heating. The option with a water heat exchanger will be cheaper in terms of maintenance, because water from the heating system is used, but it requires laying pipes, shut-off valves, etc., which is not always possible. Gas heating is used only in high-capacity industrial installations.

Technical characteristics of thermal curtains of various power and performance.

The layout of the thermal curtain is similar to the indoor unit of an air conditioner. He has:

• drum fan;
• heat exchanger;
• Control block;
• body and guide nozzle.

The fan creates a powerful and uniform air flow. The air first passes through the heat exchanger radiator, filters, and then enters the nozzle, from which it escapes at high speeds and directly forms a curtain.

Thermal curtain - what is it?

A thermal curtain is an element of a utility system that serves to cut off external air from the internal volume of a building by creating a directed air flow. The air flows created prevent cold or warm air (depending on need), dust or gusts of wind, as well as insects and vehicle exhaust from entering the interior space. The operating diagram of the thermal curtain is shown in the following figure.

Schematic representation of the operating principle of an air curtain

Heat curtain performance

Taking into account the air flow density and the square footage of the living space, you can choose the right thermal curtain for the front door. The power of the structure (in kW) determines. How much air is the unit capable of pumping per unit of time? You should not skimp on this indicator, otherwise the thermal curtain will create insufficient heat, and a draft will still penetrate into the room. The cost of the heat curtain and whether the buyer receives the desired effect depends on such a technical indicator as power.

Operating principle of the thermal curtain and main technical characteristics

According to the principle of its operation, a thermal curtain resembles a heat fan, in which air flows passing through heating elements are heated and distributed in a given direction. A distinctive feature of the fan is the narrowly directed movement of strong air currents moving along the plane of the doors at which it is installed, creating an invisible barrier to outside air. The main technical characteristics on the basis of which such devices are selected are the following indicators:

• power – measured in kW, regardless of the type of curtain (electric or water);
• air capacity – measured in m3 per hour;
• installation height and location – determines the possibility of installation in a particular location, as well as the location of the curtain (vertical, horizontal);
• dimensions;
• weight.

The technical characteristics of such devices are interrelated: “power − installation height − overall dimensions”

Technical characteristics serve as the main criteria for selecting such devices, determining the location and type of installation, type of energy source and heating element.

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.

Types of thermal curtains for the home by location and type of installation

Depending on the design, household appliances may vary in location relative to the doorway; they come in the following types:

• horizontal - installed directly above the opening and are easy to use;
• vertical - mounted on the side of the opening, they are less practical in operation, which is due to their design, which determines the direction of air flow.

Models with vertical placement are used in cases where it is not technically possible to install horizontal analogues.

Placement options relative to the doorway

Important! When selecting a vertical thermal curtain, you must remember that its length must be at least ¾ of the height of the opening at which it is installed, otherwise the device will not be able to provide the required air barrier.

The selection of a thermal curtain is also carried out according to the type of installation, which determines the type and presence of an energy source: electric, water and without a heat exchanger.

Types of devices by presence and type of heat exchanger

How to choose a thermal curtain and what to pay attention to are the questions that arise before a potential buyer when a decision is made about the need to install such equipment. Among the selection criteria, an important indicator is the type of thermal energy source through which the air flows are heated.

Electric Zilon models are easy to install and easy to use

Models with electric heat exchanger

An electric air-heat curtain is a device in which air is heated when it passes through an electric heating element (heating element, spiral, stich elements). This type of installation has a number of advantages in comparison with other analogues:

• ease of installation and maintenance;
• the absence of a complex heat exchanger design determines the low weight and variety of shapes of the device body;
• To put it into operation, it is enough to have only a connection point to electrical networks, without laying other utility networks (heating, hot water, etc.).

A household thermal curtain for the front door, equipped with electric heating elements, is connected to an electrical network with a voltage of 220 Volts

The disadvantages of air curtains equipped with an electric heat exchanger are:

• an increase in the installed capacity of the consumption facility as a whole and, accordingly, the cost of paying bills for consumed electrical energy;
• the need to lay additional electrical groups designed specifically for connecting the thermal curtain.

Models with water heat exchanger

A water thermal curtain for the front door is another type of device of this type, the distinctive feature of which is a heat exchanger made in the form of a water heater. This type of installation is used, as a rule, in public, administrative and industrial buildings, due to the design of the heat exchanger and the need to connect to the heating circuit of the building (structure).

Water thermal curtain “Ballu W2”

A curtain of this type is connected to the central heating system, and the coolant circulating through the heater transfers its thermal energy to the air also passing through it. The advantages of units of this type are the following indicators:

• efficiency in terms of electrical energy consumption, because it is used only to operate the fan;
• Possibility of use on openings with large overall dimensions;
• significant power.

Disadvantages include:

• complexity of installation work;
• high price;
• the need for automation systems that ensure operation in various modes of use, preventing freezing of the coolant.

Electric thermal curtain for vertical installation

Models not equipped with a heat exchanger

Manufacturers produce air curtains in various configurations, corresponding to the stated consumer specifications, standard configuration or without a heat exchanger. These may be ordinary models that do not have electric heating elements or a heater. In this case, the air curtain operates as a simple fan with a narrowly directed air flow distribution.

Expert's point of view

Andrey Starpovsky

Head of the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Group, GRAST LLC

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“In addition to the types of thermal curtains discussed above, the industry produces models with a gas heat exchanger, but since Such equipment is not used in domestic conditions, then its consideration is the topic of a separate article.”

Thermal curtain "Teplomash KEV-125 P5051W"

What is a thermal curtain and why is it needed?

This is the name of an aerodynamic unit that helps reduce heat loss in the room. It is installed on either side of the opening (top, side). Thanks to this, the curtains on the door create a barrier in the form of an air flow, which is supplied at high speed, preventing cold air from the street from entering the object. It is advisable to operate such a device only in winter, when the draft (vacuum) increases due to the difference in temperatures inside and outside the room.

It should be noted that the thermal curtain over the front door also performs a slightly different function - it creates a barrier at the entrance to the room in the warm season. In this case, the air flow is not heated. This is necessary in cases where it is necessary to reduce costs when operating air conditioning systems. Blowing with cold air masses helps reduce the outflow of cooled air from the room, and additionally prevents the penetration of warm currents from the outside.

Thanks to a sufficiently dense curtain, insects do not enter the premises at the entrance to the facility. In addition, dust, exhaust gases from the street, any unpleasant odors, and smoke are retained. Another name for the device is thermal curtains for the home.

Design and principle of operation

Main structural components:

• engine;
• fan;
• heat exchanger;
• nozzle.

The design can be equipped with a remote thermostat, which allows you to change the parameters of the indoor air environment. Additionally, an air filter is built into such devices. Thanks to this element, pollution does not penetrate into the structure, and the air that enters the object becomes cleaner.

The air curtain operates within one room. According to the principle of operation, it resembles a conventional fan heater. So, one wall of the device is perforated. Air forced by a fan penetrates through the holes into the case. Passing through the heat exchanger, the air flow warms up. The turbine then blows the air back into the room, but its temperature will be several degrees higher.

The remote control is used as a control element. With its help, it is possible to regulate the operation of the air curtain from a distance. If a thermostat is provided, then when the set temperature limit is reached, the device stops working. In the summer, when the need for a thermal curtain disappears, the air heating is turned off. In this case, the heat exchanger does not participate in the operation of the device.

Advantages and disadvantages

Positive properties of such structures:

1. perform the function of heating devices, which allows you to create a more comfortable microclimate;
2. reduce the intensity of heat loss, thereby reducing the cost of heating the room;
3. prevent the penetration of fine-grained contaminants and insects into the object;
4. in winter, keeping the door open reduces the likelihood of drafts;
5. the performance indicator is quite high;
6. the presence of a built-in filter allows you to further purify the air in the room;
7. Thanks to the thermostat, it becomes possible to reduce heating costs and avoid air overheating;

There are few disadvantages to this technique. First of all, note the noise during operation. However, the sound is not too loud, it resembles a faint hum, so it does not cause much inconvenience. In addition, the high cost of such devices is noted. The average price varies from 15 to 45 thousand rubles.

How to choose a thermal curtain, what to look for

When choosing a thermal curtain, you need to pay attention to its technical characteristics - power, overall dimensions and performance, as well as:

• type and design of the heat exchanger - electric, water or without it;
• location and direction of air flows – vertically “bottom-up” or “top-down” and horizontally – in one-way or two-way direction;
• modes of use - can be constant or variable;
• air intake location - internal air of the room where the thermal curtain or external air is installed;
• availability of automation, control and protection systems;
• type of jet protection.

Control buttons for electric heat curtains for household use

Household models of air curtains are equipped with two (three) switches that turn on the heating elements and fan. In addition, such systems can be equipped with multi-stage regulators (power and heating speed), as well as built-in control units that operate remotely.

Jet protection is the protection of air flows, it can be:

• gate type – complete repulsion of outside air is carried out;
• mixing type - during operation, the outside air is partially passed through and mixed with the air inside the room, followed by heating.

Using a remote control unit, you can set the temperature and air flow

How does a thermal curtain work?

A progressive thermal curtain device is specially designed for climate control in a room of any size. Its installation is relevant for the front door, but the range of action is limited. To understand how this unit functions, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with its structural elements. This is a metal case, a fan, an air heater, and nozzles for the jet exit. Additionally, a sensor and other devices can be installed to quickly heat the air and control the air temperature in the doorway.

Electrical

There are several types of curtains, which differ in their operating principle and installation method. In the first case, an electric heat curtain, which operates from a 220 V network, is especially relevant. For such models, not only vertical/horizontal installation is required, they can be installed on the side in door openings. The main heating element is an electric coil, and warm air is distributed using a classic fan. This is an excellent option for home use, since the thermal curtain has a discreet design and compact dimensions.

Mermen

Compared to the previous proposal, this is a budget option, which has a number of advantages during use. These include overall dimensions, low noise level during operation, an overheating protection system, economical power consumption, and an affordable price. The operation scheme of air-thermal water curtains is based on heating the main element, which is the heater. It is characterized by increased resistance to sudden changes in ambient temperature, has a long service life, and high technical characteristics.

How to install

Installation of a thermal curtain is a responsible undertaking, on which compliance with the temperature regime inside the room and maintaining an optimal microclimate depends. In this regard, it is better to entrust this work to professionals, both at the stage of choosing a model and the installation process itself. If the installation is carried out independently, you must consult with specialists at the place of purchase of the selected model.

In addition, the advice of our editors will also be useful, which can be formulated as follows:

• The thermal curtain should be located as close as possible to the plane of the opening at which it is installed.
• The length of the system body must completely cover the opening. If the length of one curtain is not enough, you need to install several of them, and they should be located close to each other.

Only specialists can perform high-quality installation of any complexity

• The curtain can only be installed from inside the room.
• If there are supply and exhaust ventilation and air conditioning systems in the room, they must be reconfigured in such a way as to minimize the impact on each other.
• The curtain is attached to building structures using the fastening elements included with the system (brackets, brackets, etc.).
• Brackets and other fastening elements are attached to building structures using anchor bolts or expansion dowels, clamps and other fastening devices, depending on the material of these structures (concrete, brick, sandwich, cable).

The presence of backlighting in the device’s body expands its functionality – the “Ellipse 12P” model

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.

Connection features

Connecting a thermal curtain is no less important than its installation, especially for models equipped with a water heat exchanger. Water thermal curtains are included in the heating or hot water supply system of a building, and this is where difficulties arise with their connection.

When connecting water models you must:

• shut off the supply and return flow of the heating system or supply to the hot water supply networks;
• when connecting the thermal curtain, do not confuse the “input” and “output” indicated on the model body, otherwise the system will not operate normally;
• if there is insufficient pressure in the supply system (especially for DHW networks), it is necessary to install an additional boosting circulation pump;
• when connecting to heating networks, it would be a good idea to install a coarse filter at the entrance to the system;
• If it is possible for the temperature in the room to drop below 0˚C (entrance doors of large vestibules), it is necessary to insulate the pipelines.

Connection diagram of a thermal curtain with water heat exchangers to the building heating system

When using electric models, you must remember that:

• power supply must be provided via a separate line connected from a circuit breaker dedicated for this purpose;
• the air curtain body must be grounded or, in extreme cases, zeroed, in accordance with the Electrical Installation Rules (PUE);
• If possible, it is necessary to provide a backup power supply to the connected device, which will ensure its safe use in the future.

Electric thermal curtain “Tropic – A6”

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

Rules for servicing thermal curtains

Maintenance of engineering equipment of this kind must comply with the requirements regulated by the manufacturer and the operating rules of heating and hot water supply systems.

General activities include the following:

• Monthly maintenance:

• visual inspection;
• checking operation in all modes of use;
• cleaning the housing from dust and dirt.

• Once a quarter:

• full inspection of the device;
• tightening of electrical network contact connections and pipeline connections.

• Once every six months - clean the grilles used for air intake and supply.
• Once a year – clean all structural elements using detergents.

Frico thermal air curtains models “PA4200” and “PA4225 WL”

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”

Popular manufacturers of thermal curtains

Among the variety of models presented on the engineering equipment market, the most popular among domestic users are thermal curtains of the Teplomash , BALLU , TROPIC and FRICO . "Teplomash" is a plant, part of (Russia), engaged in the production and supply of thermal curtains, fan heaters and accessories for them. The plant’s product line includes thermal curtains of the following series: “Optima” and “Brilliant”, “Comfort” and “ceiling”, “IP54” and “IP21”, as well as “interior”. All series are available with or without electric and water heat exchangers. Models in series, differing in technical characteristics, materials used and case design.

Thermal curtain Teplomash model "KEV-5 P1152E" (series "100 Optima")

• “BALLU” is a brand owned by the industrial concern “BALLU Industrial Group” (Taiwan), which produces climate control equipment and engineering equipment. The company's product line includes a series of thermal curtains:

• “S1” and “S2”, “S2-M” and “T2 M”, “PS-B (T)” and “PS (MT)”, “PS (HT)” and “Stella” - with an electric heat exchanger;
• “PS (W)” and “PS-B (W)”, “Stella” - with a water heat exchanger;
• “PS A” – without heat exchanger.

• "TROPIC" - (Russia) is engaged in the production of heating equipment for various purposes and accessories for it. The group of products related to thermal curtains includes the following series:

• “K” and “A”, “M” and “T100E Nova”, “TE” and “XE”, as well as “D” - with an electric heat exchanger;
• “T” and “X” - with a water heat exchanger;
• “TA” and “X” - without heat exchanger.

Water thermal curtain TROPIC model “T109W10” (T series)

• "FRICO" - (Sweden) is a European leader in the production of heating and energy-saving equipment. The line of thermal curtains includes the following series:

• “RA” and “SFS”, “RDS” and “AR”, as well as “Portier” - with an electric heat exchanger;
• “PA C” and “PAW”, “ARW” and “ADCorinteW”, as well as “AGIW” - with a water heat exchanger;
• “PA2200С” and “PAA”, “ADA” and “PSA” - without a heat exchanger.

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 2021, 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.

Reviews from customers of thermal curtains for the front door

Thanks to the fact that the Internet has firmly entered the life of a modern person, you can always use it if any questions arise. This could be an online consultation or reading user reviews about a model of a piece of equipment you like. Below are reviews from buyers of thermal curtains, the models of which are discussed in this article.

Review of the BALLU BHS-3.000SB model:

More details on Otzovik:

Review of the TROPIC M3 model:

More details on Otzovik:

Another review about the TROPIC M3 model:

More details on Otzovik: