Protection against frost and cold - choosing the best thermal curtain for the front door
Administrative buildings and living quarters, regardless of the region, accessories and geometrical dimensions, are equipped with engineering networks, which include water supply and sewerage networks, power supply and heating. Heating systems provide the required indoor microclimate, which is expressed in maintaining the temperature regime and air humidity, as well as maintaining other indicators at the specified values. ABOUT heating radiators, as an element of the heating system, all users know, but not everyone knows what an air curtain is, especially with what tasks such an installation can cope with. A thermal curtain on an entrance door - what it is, and how it works, types and features of installation, maintenance and repair, as well as the secrets of smart curtain selection and an overview of popular models - all this is in a detailed review by the homemaster.techinfolux.com/en/ editorial office.
The content of the article
- 1 Heat curtain - what is it
- 2 The principle of operation of the thermal curtain and the main technical characteristics
- 3 Varieties of thermal curtains for the home by location and type of installation
- 4 Types of devices by the presence and type of heat exchanger
- 5 How to choose a thermal curtain, what to look for
- 6 How to install
- 7 Connection features
- 8 Heating curtains maintenance rules
- 9 Nuances of repairing heat curtains
- 10 Popular manufacturers of air curtains
- 11 At what price can you buy a thermal curtain for an entrance door
- 12 Front door thermal curtains customer reviews
- 13 Video: "The principle of operation of the thermal curtain and their differences"
Heat curtain - what is it
A thermal curtain is an element of the engineering support system, which serves to cut off the outside air from the internal volume of the building by creating directional air flow... The generated air flows prevent cold or warm air (depending on demand), dust or gusts of wind, as well as insects and car exhaust gases from entering the interior space. The operation diagram of the thermal curtain is shown in the following figure.
The principle of operation of the thermal curtain and the main technical characteristics
The air curtain, according to the principle of its operation, resembles a heat fan, in which air flows passing through the 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 on which it is installed, thus 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 in hour;
- installation height and location - determines the possibility of installation in a particular place, as well as the location of the curtain (vertical, horizontal);
- dimensions;
- weight.
Technical characteristics serve as the main selection criteria for such devices, which determine the place and type of installation, the type of energy source and heating element.
Varieties of thermal curtains for the home by location and type of installation
Household appliances, depending on the design, may differ in location relative to the doorway, they are of the following types:
- horizontal - are installed directly above the opening and differ in practicality of use;
- vertical - they are mounted on the side of the opening, are less practical in operation, due to their design, which determines the direction of air flows.
Models with vertical placement are used in cases where it is not technically possible to install horizontal counterparts.
Important! When selecting a vertical thermal curtain, it must be remembered that its length must be at least ¾ of the opening height at which it is installed, otherwise the device will not be able to provide the required air barrier.
The selection of a heat curtain is also carried out according to the type of installation, which determines the type and availability of an energy source: electrical, water and without a heat exchanger.
Types of devices by the presence and type of heat exchanger
How to choose a heat curtain and what to look for are the questions that arise before a potential buyer when it is decided 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 heat exchanger models
An electric air-thermal 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 design of the heat exchanger determines the low weight and variety of shapes of the device body;
- to turn it on, it is enough to have only a connection point to electrical networks, without laying other engineering networks (heating, DHW, etc.).
The disadvantages of air curtains equipped with an electric heat exchanger are:
- an increase in the installed capacity of the consumer object 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 heat curtain.
Models with water heat exchanger
Water heat curtain on front door - this is another type of device of this type, a 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, which is due to the design of the heat exchanger and the need to connect to the heating circuit of the building (structure).
This type of curtain is connected to the central heating system, and the heat carrier circulating through the air heater transfers its thermal energy to the air that also passes through it. The advantages of units of this type are the following indicators:
- efficiency in terms of consumption of electrical energy, because it is only used for work fan;
- the possibility of using on openings with large overall dimensions;
- significant power.
The disadvantages include:
- the complexity of the installation work;
- high price;
- the need for automation systems that ensure operation in various modes of use, preventing freezing coolant.
Models without heat exchanger
Manufacturing enterprises produce air curtains in various configurations, corresponding to the declared consumer specification, standard configuration, or without a heat exchanger. These can be conventional models that do not have electric heating elements or air heaters. In this case, the air curtain works like a simple fan with a narrowly directed air flow distribution.
How to choose a thermal curtain, what to look for
When choosing a thermal curtain, it is necessary to pay attention to its technical characteristics - power, dimensions and performance, as well as:
- type and design of the heat exchanger - electric, water or without;
- 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 action;
- air intake place - internal air of the room where the heat curtain or outside air is installed;
- availability of an automation, control and protection system;
- type of jet protection.
Household models of air curtains are equipped with two (three) switches to turn on the heating elements and the fan. In addition, such systems can be equipped with multi-stage regulators (power and heating rate), 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 the outside air is carried out;
- mixing type - in the process of operation, the external air is partially passed through and mixed with the indoor air, followed by heating.
How to install
Installation of a thermal curtain is a responsible event, on which the observance of the temperature regime inside the room depends, and the maintenance of an optimal microclimate. In this regard, it is better to entrust this work to professionals, both at the stage of choosing a model, and the very implementation of the installation process. If the installation is performed independently, then it is necessary to consult with specialists at the place of purchase of the selected model.
In addition, the advice of our editorial staff will 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, it is necessary to install several of them, while they should be located close to each other.
- The curtain is installed only from inside the room.
- If the room has supply and exhaust ventilation systems and air conditioning they should be reconfigured in such a way as to minimize the impact on each other.
- The curtain is fastened to building structures using the fastening elements supplied 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).
Connection features
The connection of the air curtain is no less important than its installation, especially for models equipped with a water heat exchanger. Water heat curtains are included in the heating system or hot water supply of the building, and this is precisely why the difficulties with their connection are associated.
When connecting water models, you must:
- shut off the supply and return of the heating system or the supply on hot water networks;
- when connecting the thermal curtain, do not confuse the "input" and "output" indicated on the model case, otherwise the system will not work in normal mode;
- in case of insufficient pressure in the supply system (especially for DHW networks), it is necessary to install an additional boost circulation pump;
- when connecting to heating networks, it will not be superfluous to install coarse filter at the entrance to the system;
- if it is possible to lower the temperature in the room below 0˚С (entrance doors of large vestibules), it is necessary to perform insulation of pipelines.
When using electrical models, it must be remembered that:
- power supply must be carried out on a separate line connected from a dedicated circuit breaker;
- the air curtain body must be grounded or, in extreme cases, nullified, in accordance with the Rules for the Installation of Electrical Installations (PUE);
- if possible, it is necessary to perform a backup power supply of the connected device, which will make it possible to secure its use in the future.
Heating curtains maintenance rules
Maintenance of engineering equipment of this kind must comply with the requirements regulated by the manufacturer and the rules for the operation of heating and hot water supply systems.
General activities include the following works:
- Monthly maintenance:
- visual inspection;
- check of work in all modes of use;
- cleaning the case from dust and dirt.
- Once a quarter:
- complete inspection of the device;
- tightening the contact connections of the electrical network and the joints of pipelines.
- Once every six months - cleaning the grilles used for air intake and supply.
- Once a year - cleaning of all structural elements using detergents.
Nuances of repairing heat curtains
Repair of air curtains is best performed in specialized organizations licensed by the manufacturer of this equipment. In this case, one can hope that the replaced elements will be of the original design, and the repair will be of high quality, with the provision of a warranty period of use.
The main types of malfunctions inherent in air curtains are:
- malfunctions of the thermostat, control unit or other structural element;
- damage to the power cable or plug connection;
- coolant leakage at the joints of pipelines;
- malfunction of the remote control.
If the reason is caused by a short circuit in the power supply system, then you must turn off the device and contact the organization that maintains electrical networks. If there are leaks and it is impossible to eliminate them yourself, you should contact the management company (housing office, etc.) and call a plumber to perform repair work.
Popular manufacturers of air curtains
Among the variety of models presented on the engineering equipment market, the most popular among domestic users are thermal curtains of brands "Teplomash", "BALLU", "TROPIC" and "FRICO"... "Teplomash" is a plant, part of the "RUSHIT" company (Russia), engaged in the production and supply of air curtains, fan heaters and accessories for them. The plant's product line includes thermal curtains of the 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, used materials and case design.
- "BALLU" - the brand belongs to the industrial concern "BALLU Industrial Group" (Taiwan), which produces climatic equipment and engineering equipment. The product line of the enterprise includes a series of air 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" - the company "Tropik-Line" (Russia) is engaged in the production of heating equipment for various purposes and accessories to it. In the group of products related to thermal curtains, there are 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.
- "FRICO" - the company "Friberg & Co" (Sweden) is the European leader in the production of heat engineering and energy-saving equipment. The range of air 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;
- "PA2200C" and "PAA", "ADA" and "PSA" - without heat exchanger.
At what price can you buy a thermal curtain for an entrance door
Heating equipment can be purchased in specialized organizations, as well as in retail chains selling electrical, energy-saving and thermal engineering equipment.
In addition, you can contact the 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 2018, when sold through the Termomir company, which is a dealer of many manufacturers of heating equipment.
Brand name | Series | Model | Technical characteristics (kW, mm, m³ / h) | Cost (as of April 2018) rubles |
---|---|---|---|---|
"Teplomash" | Optima | KEV-3P1154E | Power - 1.5 and 3; Overall dimensions - 800 × 160 × 160; Air consumption - 500 | 6150 |
Diamond | KEV-10P1061E | Power - 5 and 10; Overall dimensions - 1550 × 195 × 185; Air consumption - 1000 | 15900 | |
Comfort | KEV-20P2111W | Power - 7 and 9; Overall dimensions - 1040 × 225 × 225; Air consumption −1000 | 17541 | |
Ceiling | KEV-29P2181W | Power - 10 and 13.5; Overall dimensions - 1620 × 420 × 205; Air consumption - 1250-1500 | 28440 | |
BALLU | S1 | BHC-CE-3 | Power - 1.5 and 3; Overall dimensions - 505 × 190 × 135; Air consumption - 300 | 4290 |
T2 M | BHC-H10-T12 | Power - 6 and 12; Overall dimensions - 1105 × 280 × 300; Air consumption - 2500 | 19590 | |
PS (W) | BHC-M10W12-PS | Power - 11.3; Overall dimensions - 1090 × 240 × 260; Air consumption - 1000, 1200 and 1400 | 25190 | |
PS-B (W) | BHC-B10W10-PS | Power - 8; Overall dimensions - 1125 × 215 × 240; Air consumption - 1100 | 19490 | |
TROPIC | TO | TO-3 | Power - 1.5 and 3; Overall dimensions - 452 × 145 × 114; Air consumption - 180 | 3700 |
A | A-9 | Power - 4.5 and 9; Overall dimensions - 1320 × 110 × 170; Air consumption - 800 | 10183 | |
T | T109W10 | Power - 9; Overall dimensions - 1000 × 200 × 213; Air consumption - 1150 | 17790 | |
X | X315W10 | Power - 15; Overall dimensions - 1000 × 258 × 229; Air consumption - 2100 | 23490 | |
FRICO | RA | PA 1006E03 | Power - 3; Overall dimensions - 650 × 164 × 153; Air consumption - 230 | 14183 |
SFS | SFS23E08 | Power - 8.1; Overall dimensions - 2200 × 580 × 295; Air consumption - 2300 | 629538 | |
PA C | PA2210СW | Power - 6.9; Overall dimensions - 1050 × 355 × 210; Air consumption - 1200 | 66027 | |
PA W | PA2520W | Power - 11.5; Overall dimensions - 2050 × 355 × 210; Air consumption - 2600 | 130126 |
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 feedback from experienced users helps not to make a mistake.
Front door thermal curtains customer reviews
Due to the fact that the Internet has firmly entered the life of a modern person, you can always use it if you have any questions. This can be an online consultation or reading user reviews about the model you like of any technique. Below are the reviews from buyers of thermal curtains, the models of which are considered in this article.
Feedback on the BALLU BHS-3.000SB model:
Feedback on the TROPIK M3 model:
Another review about the TROPIK M3 model: