Commercial Air Curtains: Versatile Solutions for Modern Businesses

Commercial air curtains are a powerful tool for improving energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and comfort across a wide range of industries. From retail stores and restaurants to warehouses and healthcare facilities, commercial air curtains offer tailored solutions that meet both functional and environmental needs.

What Are Commercial Air Curtains?

Commercial air curtains are devices installed above doorways or entrances that create an invisible barrier of high-velocity air. This air stream separates indoor and outdoor environments without blocking access, helping maintain indoor temperatures, reduce energy loss, and prevent contaminants from entering a space.

Applications of Commercial Air Curtains by Industry

1. Retail Stores and Shopping Centers

In busy retail environments, doors are constantly opening and closing. Commercial air curtains:

• Keep heated or cooled air inside, improving energy efficiency.
• Enhance customer comfort by eliminating hot or cold drafts.
• Help deter flying insects and airborne debris from entering.

They’re commonly seen at main entrances, receiving docks, and back-of-house doors.

2. Restaurants and Foodservice Establishments

For restaurants, especially those with outdoor dining or pickup areas, air curtains offer crucial benefits:

• Maintain kitchen temperature and air pressure balance.
• Reduce cross-contamination by blocking flying insects and dust.
• Meet food safety codes by controlling air movement between clean and less clean areas.

Placement near service doors, kitchen exits, or loading docks ensures cleanliness and comfort.

3. Warehouses and Distribution Centers

In large facilities where doors may stay open for extended periods, commercial air curtains are essential to:

• Help stabilize temperature across different zones (e.g., cold storage vs. ambient areas).
• Minimize energy loss through frequently used loading bays.
• Improve worker comfort and safety by reducing temperature extremes.

For large industrial dock doors commonly found in warehouses, we recommend the Mars Air Wind Stopping Series™ or the Mars Air WindGuard™ Series. 

4. Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

Air quality is critical in medical settings, and air curtains support infection control and HVAC system performance by:

• Preventing entry of airborne contaminants from outside.
• Maintaining sterile zones and isolation areas.
• Reducing the spread of odors between departments.

Hospitals often use low-noise, filtered air curtain models - such as the Mars Air LoPro2™ or the Mars Air Clean Air Series - at emergency entrances and lab doorways.

5. Grocery Stores and Supermarkets

For stores with refrigerated and non-refrigerated zones, air curtains provide:

• Consistent climate control at entrances.
• Protection for open freezer and cooler aisles.
• Energy savings by reducing HVAC load.

They’re also used at receiving docks to preserve temperature-sensitive products.

6. Hospitality and Hotels

In the hospitality industry, first impressions matter. Air curtains help hotels and resorts:

• Create a welcoming environment with stable indoor temps.
• Keep out pollutants, humidity, and flying pests from lobby entrances.
• Reduce energy waste during peak check-in times.

Discreet designs such as the Mars Air Phantom 10™ integrate well with upscale interiors by recessing into the ceiling for a sleek look.

Choosing the Right Commercial Air Curtain

When selecting an air curtain for your business, consider:

• Door height and width
• Indoor/outdoor temperature differences
• Foot traffic volume
• Industry-specific regulations (e.g., FDA, OSHA)

Commercial air curtains come in heated and unheated models, with varying air speeds and control options to match different environments.

Why Commercial Air Curtains Matter

From energy savings and air quality control to customer experience and safety, commercial air curtains are a smart investment for many business types. By creating a cleaner, more comfortable space while lowering operational costs, they deliver long-term value in virtually any commercial setting. To find the right commercial air curtain for your business needs, visit the Mars Air product selector.