For every homeowner, keeping a comfortable indoor environment becomes increasingly important as the seasons and temperatures change. The entry door is one of the main places where heat loss frequently happens. There can be considerable discomfort and energy waste from even a tiny gap. This is where heat curtains come into play; they are an easy-to-use yet efficient way to keep the heat inside and the cold outside.
A well-chosen heat curtain and its correct installation can significantly improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your house. With so many options on the market, it’s important to take into account things like your doorway’s size, the local climate, and your unique heating requirements. A well-chosen heat curtain can be a useful addition to your home, whether your goal is to improve the overall insulation, stop drafts, or lessen heat loss.
When a door is opened, a heat curtain, also called an air curtain, creates an air barrier across the entrance. Warm air cannot escape and cold air cannot enter thanks to this imperceptible shield. Heat curtains help your heating system work less hard by keeping the interior temperature constant, which saves energy and lowers utility costs.
Although installing a heat curtain might seem difficult, it can actually be quite simple if you have the right advice. Having a basic understanding of installation is crucial, regardless of whether you choose a professionally installed unit or a do-it-yourself approach. The best possible performance and comfort from your heat curtain are guaranteed with proper positioning, sufficient sealing, and suitable adjustments.
Step 1: Measure Door Width and Height | Ensure the heat curtain fits properly. |
Step 2: Choose Power Source | Select between electric or hot water-powered curtain. |
Step 3: Determine Mounting Option | Decide if it"ll be ceiling, wall, or door frame mounted. |
Step 4: Consider Additional Features | Look for options like timers, motion sensors, or remote control. |
Step 5: Installation | Follow manufacturer instructions carefully for proper setup. |
- What it is and what it"s for
- Device and principle of operation
- Advantages and disadvantages
- How to choose a heat curtain by type
- Classification by type of installation
- Classification by location
- Classification by type and presence of heat exchanger
- Electric
- Water
- Without heat exchanger
- Criteria for selecting a heat curtain for an apartment
- Mounting the air curtain on the entrance door
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What it is and what it"s for
One kind of heater that operates on the same principles as a fan is the heat curtain. The device resembles a domestic air conditioner on the outside:
- has the shape of an elongated rectangle;
- on the upper and lower panel of the housing there are holes for creating air flow;
- metal housing.
The unit’s ability to raise the room’s air temperature sets it apart from heaters. Their only assignment is this. There are two in a heat curtain:
- to cut off cold air from the street into the apartment (main function);
- act as a heat source (secondary function).
You can reduce the amount of energy used to heat the space during the winter by using a thermal curtain on the front door. According to specialists, this gadget helps save energy expenses by over one-third. Savings come from not having to connect additional heat sources.
Since heat curtains fall under the category of semi-industrial heaters, the majority of these gadgets have understated designs and simple shapes. However, the top producers of this gear are aware that these gadgets don’t always blend in well with the interiors of contemporary city apartments. Additionally, they provide customers with designer models that look better. These units’ front panels are composed of impact-resistant glass available in black or white.
Device and principle of operation
Every heat curtain is set up and operates according to the same idea.
Every kind of heat curtain is arranged based on the same idea.
- Air intake through the openings on the top panel.
- Inside the housing there is a fan responsible for creating air flow in the direction from top to bottom.
- Next to the fan there is a heat exchanger, which heats the air passing through it.
- Some models may have a filter.
- Openings in the bottom of the casing provide a powerful air flow.
A warm air stream is created at the output of the heat exchanger when the cold air goes through it.
There are two varieties of blower fans installed in the units:
- Radial (compact and lightweight);
- Tangential (elongated).
Both a remote control and buttons on the front panel or remote unit can be used to operate the device. A sensor to monitor the air temperature may be installed in the unit. A power cable for connecting to the power grid is included with the majority of models. However, some units have a body that only has a terminal block.
Advantages and disadvantages
There are several "pluses" to installing a heat curtain over the entrance door. The major benefit is that living in the apartment will be more comfortable. Several effects guarantee this:
- protection against dust, odors, smog;
- elimination of draughts;
- protection against flying insects;
- preventing the air cooled by the air conditioner from escaping from the room;
- maintaining a stable temperature inside the apartment.
There are no known drawbacks to using heat curtains. Although installing the heat fan equipment in this category is not strictly necessary, it does greatly enhance living conditions.
How to choose a heat curtain by type
This segment’s equipment is categorized using a number of indicators:
- type of installation;
- location relative to the doorway;
- type of heat exchanger and its presence.
Classification by type of installation
There are two different types of models based on the installation type:
- built-in;
- hinged.
In situations where mounted equipment is unsuitable or mismatches the room’s design, devices of the first kind are required. When hinged equipment installation is not possible due to the height of the vestibule above the front door, built-in models will come in handy.
The majority of second-type devices are found in residential and apartment buildings in cities. They take up little room, are bracket-mounted on the wall or ceiling, and do not obstruct entry or exit.
Classification by location
Different types of heat curtains are identified based on the arrangement type:
- horizontal;
- vertical;
- universal.
The horizontal apparatus, the most widely used and practical of the first kind. They provide air flow from top to bottom and are positioned directly above the doorway. Two methods are used to mount:
- by means of brackets;
- on fastening connections.
Although horizontal models can be positioned on either side of the aperture, doing so is not practical for apartments in cities. At the doors leading into public spaces, it is used to close off cold air.
Compared to horizontal ones, vertical ones have more compact dimensions. This is because of the unusual way they were installed—either on the left or right side of the door. Installing equipment as long as its height doesn’t surpass one-third of the opening height is permitted.
Both vertical and horizontal housing positions can be used for installing universal models. These curtains are more in demand than other kinds of devices because of their mobility. City apartments, private residences, and administrative buildings all have a need for universal equipment.
Classification by type and presence of heat exchanger
This criterion allows for the distinction of three types of curtains:
- electric;
- water;
- without heat exchanger.
Electric
The kind of heat curtains that are most in demand. This kind of equipment is lightweight, easy to install, and runs on 220 V mains. Marking in serial form:
The majority of these models have a temperature regulator. Considering how much energy the curtains use, this choice is well-founded. You can set the device to create cool air when it’s warming outside. This kind of equipment is unique in that it is inert. The heat exchanger needs to heat up before the device can enter operating mode, which takes some time. This procedure happens more quickly in devices with greater power.
Spiral heat exchangers were used in the initial heat curtain models. The two primary drawbacks of these units are their tendency to "burn" oxygen and dehumidify the surrounding air. Most manufacturers have stopped producing this kind of heat exchanger over time, and instead tubular or polyconductor heat exchangers are used in contemporary curtains. There is a heating control feature on these models at all times.
Water
As only the fan and control system require electricity to operate, this type of equipment (serial marking RW) has a lower energy consumption. Hot water serves as the heating medium in these models, which warms the air flow. In this sense, equipment installation is difficult.
Water-type heat curtains use less electricity.
The heat exchanger is made of tiny tubes and looks like a radiator from a car. Spigots on the unit’s side panels are how the water circuit is connected to the water supply. Installing a pipeline to the water intake point is also essential. A DHW or heating system can be connected to this.
Since heating will not be possible when the heating is turned off, the second option is preferred. However, since the heating is turned off when the daily average temperature is positive and the room doesn’t need to be heated, this is not a cause for concern.
The requirement for an extra branch from the utility network’s general circuit makes installing a water curtain more difficult. When the water supply system is being installed, it needs to be considered. As a result, it will be impossible to connect the equipment without causing harm to the building’s external finish.
A filter that collects sand and other water impurities is a key component of the device’s design. Its quality frequently falls short of expectations, so frequent filter cleaning will be necessary.
Without heat exchanger
The curtains without a heat exchanger have the serial number RV on them. The sole purpose of this kind of apparatus is to isolate the air masses behind the entrance door. but also keeps smog out of the interior area.
A further source of heat is provided by heat guns. Our next resource, https://aqua-rmnt.com/otoplenie/radiatory/teplovye-pushki.html, reviews the models.
Criteria for selecting a heat curtain for an apartment
The capacity or air flow rate should be taken into consideration before selecting a heat curtain. Equipment with an excessively high power output can be uncomfortable and heat both the room and the street. Low pumping rate equipment is unable to block out draughts and smells.
All heat curtains fall into one of three performance categories:
- low-pressure;
- medium pressure;
- high-pressure.
The RS series of curtains has low power, with a maximum capacity of 500 m³/h. These are low-cost models that fit into openings up to 80 cm in width and no more than 150 cm in height. In homes and apartments, they should not be installed above the front door. Here, RM series models with medium power levels are needed.
These units are mounted in 200–300 cm-high apertures. The apparatus has a 1,500–2,000 m³/hour capacity. The majority of producers of heat curtains in this series include remote units with their products, which can be placed wherever the owners find convenient. In addition to these units, remote control units (also known as remote controls) are used to operate the equipment.
The devices in the RT series exhibit a high level of productivity, surpassing 2500 m³/hour.
In the event that the equipment is selected as the primary means of heating the space, a device with a 40 W/m³ capacity will be required. A unit with a capacity of 20 W/m³ is adequate to supply extra heating. There is room for multiple units to be installed in a row if the apartment doorway is spacious.
One of the most crucial factors is the device’s length. It needs to overlap the doorway or match its width. If not, there will inevitably be openings that allow chilly air to enter the space. There are 60-200 cm-long models available on the trade network. Equipment measuring eighty centimeters in length is bought for standard openings in apartments and private homes.
Mounting the air curtain on the entrance door
Generally, heat curtains with a tubular or ribbon heat exchanger that run on electricity are purchased to improve apartments. Compared to an air conditioner, this equipment is simpler to install. However, the manufacturers maintain that professionals should do the installation. On the other hand, any owner can install a heat curtain by hand if he knows how to drill holes in walls and insert self-tapping screws.
You are capable of installing a heat curtain on your own.
- Choice of installation location. The device can be mounted directly above the opening by fixing it to the wall or ceiling.
- Layout. Make marks on the wall or ceiling in accordance with the dimensions of the equipment. Mounting is carried out through the fixing holes in the housing. All models are supplied with a mounting plate, brackets or other fasteners. The mounting points are marked at the location selected for the air curtain installation.
- Mounting the brackets. Use a drill and a drill to make holes in the right places. Fix the brackets with dowel nails.
- Mounting the equipment. Hang the unit on the brackets.
- Mounting the control unit. In most models, the front panel must be removed to access the terminal blocks, power cable and remote control cable. It is fixed on 8 self-tapping screws. After that, the cables are fixed in the housing using clamps or gaskets (most often these auxiliary elements are not included in the package).
- Connect both cables to the terminal blocks, referring to the markings.
- Install the front panel.
- Connect the air curtain to the power supply.
Equipment that has a remote control needs to be installed, which is a multi-step process.
- After unscrewing 4 self-tapping screws, remove the front cover.
- Drill holes in the wall.
- Fix the housing to the wall.
- Install the front cover.
It’s crucial to avoid touching the electric motor during installation to avoid messing with the shaft and impeller alignment. This could cause vibrations and noise when the air curtain operates.
Video: Overview of Ballu heat curtains
A heat curtain installed on your front door can add comfort and convenience and dramatically improve your home’s energy efficiency. A heat curtain lowers heating costs by forming a barrier that keeps warm air from leaving and cold air from entering, thereby maintaining a constant interior temperature.
Think about things like size, power, and features like sensors and adjustable settings when choosing a heat curtain. Selecting the appropriate size guarantees that your entryway is adequately covered, and choosing a model with movable settings lets you customize the heat output to meet your unique requirements. Furthermore, some heat curtains have sensors that can measure temperature or motion, which maximizes the efficiency of how well they work.
Your heat curtain’s effectiveness depends on proper installation. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and if necessary, think about getting expert help. The curtain’s ability to retain heat and keep out cold drafts is maximized when it is positioned and sealed properly, which reduces air leaks.
Maintaining your heat curtain properly over time requires routine maintenance. Frequent cleaning of the unit is necessary to get rid of dust and debris that can impede airflow and lower performance. Inspect the curtain and its parts for wear and damage as well, and take quick action to fix any problems to avoid future ones.
To sum up, installing a heat curtain is an easy and affordable way to raise the energy efficiency of the entrance to your house. It lowers heating expenses and improves comfort levels by keeping heat in and preventing cold drafts. A heat curtain can be a useful addition to your home’s insulation and heating system with careful selection, installation, and ongoing upkeep.
Selecting and installing a heat curtain for your front door can make a big difference in keeping your house comfortable and energy-efficient. By acting as a barrier to keep cold air out of your house, a heat curtain helps you keep the temperature inside comfortable. You can successfully minimize heat loss, cut energy costs, and improve the general comfort of your living area by choosing the right heat curtain and installing it correctly. In order to make sure you can enjoy a warm and welcoming home all year round, this article will walk you through the process of choosing the best heat curtain for your needs and offer installation advice.