No. Air curtains provide up to an 80% thermal efficiency level. The continual loss of refrigerated air and build-up of humidity within the cooler will cause the compressor to burnout. Air Curtains are meant to be used as an energy saving device when the cooler door needs to be opened for loading and unloading purposes.
Air Curtain FAQ & Troubleshooting Guide
FAQ
Mounting & Installation
When An Air Curtain Is Mounted Over A Cooler Doorway, Can The Door Itself Be Removed And The Air Curtain Allowed To Operate Continuosly?
Should The Air Curtain Be Mounted Inside Or Outside The Doorway?
Generally, air curtains will operate with equal efficiency, regardless of which side of the doorway it is mounted on. However, there are certain exceptions, as follows:
- Either side of the door opening is acceptable when used for insect control or over refrigerated coolers.
- Outside installation is required when used over freezer doors because when mounted inside, the fans tend to gather moisture and freeze, eventually forming a snowball around the fan, causing it to lose operational efficiency.
- Inside installation is mandatory when used as a thermal barrier in factories, stores, etc., to prevent loss of heat and keep out the cold air.
- Heated units must always be mounted inside.
How Do You Clear Existing Lines And Tracks Over A Doorway?
Mars provides a variety of optional mounting hardware accessories. Side extension plates are available to further extend the outboard mounting holes on the STD, HV, and EP models. These plates are available in various sizes up to a 9” extension for both ends of the air curtain. Adjustable mounting brackets and extended wall mount brackets for drum type roll-up doors are also available. These types of brackets are used when the air curtain needs to be mounted some distances away from the wall. The brackets are available in various sizes to provide 2 ½” to 23” of clearance. Please consult factory for details.
How Do You Mount A Mars Air Curtain Over A Meat Track That Comes Out Through The Center Of The Door Opening?
Sometimes one unit can be installed over the door opening on top of the track, but very often there are obstructions and the unit would have to be installed much too high. Therefore, one unit on each side of the track would be more efficient because installation is then closer to the top of the door opening. The air curtain should be mounted 3” to 4” away from each side of the track to prevent interference with products being sent through.
How Long Does It Take To Install A Mars Air Curtain?
The average time required to install a unit is two hours. After the second or third installation, the time can usually be cut to one hour.
Do Mars Air Curtains Require A Cover When Mounted Outside?
No, they are not normally required as their design protects them from inclement weather. Weatherproof covers may be recommended when the units are exposed to harsh environments or excessive moisture. All unheated units are ETL/UL listed for outdoor use.
Is There Any Difference In The Sound Level If A Mars Air Curtain Is Installed Outside Or Inside?
Yes, if the level of sound is a problem mount the air curtain outside and the sound will be reduced.
How Far Above The Doorway Header Should The Air Curtain Be Mounted?
Mount air curtain ½” to 2” above the door opening whenever possible. The closer to the top of the door opening, the more effective the air curtain will be. Extended mounting brackets are available in various lengths so the air curtain can be mounted to clear an obstruction. If the unit is mounted higher, move it 3/8’’ away from the wall for every 1’’ it is moved above the door.
If There Is An Obstruction Over The Doorway, How Far Away From The Wall Can The Air Curtain Be Installed And Still Function Effectively?
Not more than 8” for refrigeration and 14” for insects. To seal off the ends, 12” to 18” panels made of sheet metal, plastic strips, or plywood can be installed on each side of the door opening to improve the efficiency of the air curtain. Sometimes the Mars Air Curtain outlet nozzle may be installed between the obstruction and the wall. Precaution is necessary to prevent the obstruction from deflecting the flow of air.
What Are The Normal Heights That An Electric Heated Mars Air Curtain Can Be Mounted?
Electric heated air curtains with ½ HP motors are normally used over customer entrance doorways in restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, personnel entrances, etc. and installed no more than 8’ above the floor. The colder the climate the higher the kW heater should be selected. If specifying electric heated models for use over warehouse doorways, use either HV or EP models. Higher kWs should be used in this case. Most electric heated models are supplied with motor control panels and wall mounted thermostats for ON/OFF/Fan Only control.
