7 best thermal curtains and selection tips
This article provides an overview of the best thermal curtains, as well as tips for choosing them. In the analysis, we used objective technical information, expert opinion and user reviews. We hope that this review will help you make the right choice if you need to purchase such equipment.
The selection of goods was carried out on the basis of reviews, opinions and ratings of users posted on various resources on the Internet. All information is taken from public sources. We do not cooperate with manufacturers and trademarks and do not call for the purchase of certain products. The article is for informational purposes only.
What you need to know about thermal curtains
Thermal curtain - a technical device that prevents the flow of cold air into the interior. It is usually installed at the entrance to a building with a large flow of visitors, as well as with an intensive turnover of imported or exported goods.
Such devices can be found at the front door:
- supermarkets;
- administrative buildings;
- Hotels
- medical and educational institutions;
- train stations;
- metro stations;
- production shops;
- warehouses and hangars.
Inside the body of the thermal curtain is a heat source and a powerful fan that creates a directed air stream. In the zone of operation of such an apparatus, an area of high pressure is created, which in the cold season does not allow air from the street to enter the building, and warm air from the inside - to freely go outside.
The principle of operation of the thermal curtain.
Often, such equipment is also included in the summer. In this case, it does not allow outside warm air, exhaust gases from automobile engines, dust and insects to enter the conditioned climate zone. Thermal veils help get rid of drafts, which saves costs on the operation of air conditioners and heating appliances. It is believed that with their help, energy losses through doorways are reduced by 70%.
Varieties of thermal curtains depending on the installation location
Thermal veils are always located in close proximity to a doorway. At the installation site, there are several types of devices.
Horizontal the curtains are mounted directly above the doors, and air jets emanating from them strike from top to bottom.
Vertical curtains are installed on the side. There may be one or two. This directly depends on the width of the door and the power of the fan. The height of the devices must overlap not less than ¾ of the opening dimension.
Columned the curtains are stand-alone racks at the entrance. They are used singly or in pairs. Air from them goes horizontally, cutting off the exit from the rest of the room.
Ceiling curtains are usually built into the elements of suspended ceilings. They are almost invisible. The visitor sees only the air duct grilles, inscribed in the overall design of the room. For this, such equipment is often referred to as flush mounted heaters.
Electric or water thermal curtains
It is possible to transfer heat to the air emitted by a veil in various ways. Sometimes there is equipment with gas heating, but it should be classified as exotic.In our opinion, the veils of two main types deserve mention:
Electric thermal curtains
Inside such devices is a heating element connected to a network voltage of 220 or 380 volts. Devices of this category are compact, easy to install, easy to operate and maintain. Modern models are equipped with a heating power switch, adjustable air flow intensity, a timer and an air temperature regulator.
The device of an electric thermal curtain.
Water thermal curtains
Inside them there is a built-in tubular heat exchanger through which the coolant is passed from the central heating network or from an individual boiler that heats the building. They have large dimensions and are quite difficult to connect. They have two main advantages: high power and economical operation. Such devices are often installed in enterprises in the area of the entrance gates or large doorways.
The device of a water thermal curtain.
Type of heating element: heater or spiral
The electric heating element may be a coil of a high-melting alloy with high resistance or a tubular heater. The first option is slightly more efficient in terms of heat transfer due to the high temperature of the wire surface. But there is also the flip side of the coin which lies in the relatively short life of the heater.
TEN is considered a more advanced device. It is also equipped with a spiral, but it is placed in a sealed tube, the free space of which is filled with well-conducting heat quartz sand. Its outer surface is smooth or ribbed. This design has a long working life and excellent heat transfer properties.
How to choose the right model
When choosing a thermal curtain, the dimensions of the protected opening, the ability to install equipment from one side or another and the ease of connection are primarily taken into account. For electrical models, the main factor is the mains voltage. The main parameters that should be considered when choosing are discussed below.
The height and width of the opening
The size of the curtain should be such that a stream of outgoing air covers the entire doorway. For large input groups, several devices can be installed close to each other.
Installation method
Equipment should be installed where there is enough space. Some models for ease of use include the possibility of mounting in horizontal and vertical position.
Air performance
This indicator is directly related to the length of the jet, which should be several tens of centimeters greater than the distance to the far point of the opening. At the exit exit section, the flow velocity typically lies in the range of 5 to 10 m / s. It is important that at the outset it does not fall below 2 m / s. Manufacturers usually indicate the recommended sizes or attach to the passport a graph of the drop in speed depending on the distance traveled.
For small windows of delivery of goods, a curtain with a flow rate of up to 300 m is suitable3/ hour, for a door with a vestibule - 500 m3/ hour, for a standard entrance door without a vestibule - no more than 1000 m3/hour.
Thermal power
For well-heated rooms, you can do without the heating function. In some cases, devices for 6-12 kW are installed on standard doorways, but practice has shown that it is enough to put less powerful devices. Before buying, you need to make sure that the electrical performance of the curtain matches the capabilities of your network.
Some owners of thermal curtains purchase them as an additional source of heat.In this case, the model is selected at the rate of 0.1 kW per square meter of the room. It should be remembered that the speed of the outgoing air at the curtains is higher than that of the heat guns. For this reason, the stream does not have time to warm up to a significant temperature.
When choosing equipment, its reliability and ease of use is of great importance. These indicators are directly related to the manufacturer of the products. The rating of thermal curtains presented below is intended to help a future buyer avoid mistakes and acquire the optimal model for their conditions.
The best thermal curtains with horizontal installation
This section includes reliable and economical models of domestic and foreign production. All of them are designed to be fixed above door or window openings, which does not lead to a loss of usable space.
Timberk THC WS2 2.5M AERO
A small Swedish-style electric curtain with a needle-type heater is easy to install over a door or window opening. Type of mounting - wall. The connection to the network voltage of 220 volts.
The model can work in heating mode and without it. The power level switches in steps. There is a built-in thermostat that controls the temperature of the outgoing air. IP20 dust and water tightness class. The equipment is protected against overheating.
Main characteristics:
- dimensions 480x125x180 mm;
- weight 4 kg;
- maximum heating power 2500 W;
- air supply 240 m3/hour;
- Recommended installation height above the floor 2.2 m.
Pros Timberk THC WS2 2.5M AERO
- Fast heating.
- Minimum space required.
- Reliable fastening.
- Good build.
- Manufacturer's Warranty.
- Long operation without stopping.
- Economical energy consumption.
- Profitable price.
Cons Timberk THC WS2 2.5M AERO
- Simple design.
- Width is only suitable for narrow doorways.
- The noise of a running fan is heard.
Conclusion. This model is suitable for installation over a narrow door, a window for issuing goods or conducting cash transactions. She copes well with the role of an additional space heater with a permanent or temporary stay of people. Low power consumption will not adversely affect the operation of an overloaded power grid. A budget option that is well suited for domestic purposes.
Resanta TZ-3C
Another compact model with a wall mount. It connects to an AC voltage of 220 volts. Here, an STICH heating element made of nichrome wire is used. Protection against dust and moisture IP20.
The curtain is equipped with a two-stage power switch type keyboard. There is an operating status indicator on the front panel. There is an automatic emergency shutdown when the engine overheats. White color.
Main characteristics:
- dimensions 580x100x180 mm;
- weight 4.5 kg;
- maximum heating power 3000 W;
- Recommended installation height above the floor 2.2 m.
Pros Resant TZ-3C
- Compact size.
- Easy to install and connect.
- High level of protection.
- Optimum power with the ability to control the intensity of heating.
- Reliability.
- Minimal maintenance.
- Long service life.
- Acceptable price.
Cons Resanta TZ-3C
- Not detected.
Conclusion. This low-cost model is suitable for installation in a private home, office or small store. It effectively cuts off the air, protecting the interior from cold, dust and mosquitoes. The small thickness of the product allows its installation even in a room with a low ceiling. Low energy costs make this curtain extremely profitable to operate. For wide doorways, you can purchase two of these devices.
Timberk TCH WS3 5MS AERO II
This horizontal curtain for wall installation surpasses the previous options in power. It is designed for 7 years of trouble-free operation in intensive mode. Heating is carried out by a STICH element with a reinforced structure. To connect, just plug the device into a 220-volt household power outlet.
There are two modes of operation of the heating element and the ability to turn on the fan without the function of heating the air.Management is carried out using mechanical switches. The shockproof sheet metal housing is coated with wear-resistant enamel. Protection class IP24.
Main characteristics:
- dimensions of 814x160x169 mm;
- weight 6.7 kg;
- maximum heating power 5000 W;
- air supply 480 m3/hour;
- Recommended installation height above the floor 2.2 m.
Pros Timberk TCH WS3 5MS AERO II
- Exceptional reliability.
- Simple installation.
- Instant exit to an operating mode with rather fast heating of the room.
- Noise level does not exceed 32 dB.
- Long working resource.
- Minimal maintenance.
- Reasonable cost.
- 1 year manufacturer's warranty.
Cons Timberk TCH WS3 5MS AERO II
- There is no remote control.
- A fan sound is heard.
Conclusion. This thermal curtain is bought for installation in rooms with an intense influx of visitors. It can be installed above a single-leaf door of any width. In the case of operation in a private house, it is highly likely that only the mode of operation at reduced power will be involved.
Hyundai H-AT2-30-UI530
This Korean-made electric air curtain is designed to be installed above a standard single-leaf door. It works from an alternating current network of 220 volts. A reliable heating element serves as a heating element.
A mechanical control panel with an indication of the operating mode is provided. Protection against dust and moisture IP20. There is a built-in lock from overheating. It is possible to supply air without turning on the heating element.
Main characteristics:
- dimensions of 830x145x190 mm;
- weight 6.5 kg;
- maximum heating power 3000 W;
- air supply 600 m3/hour;
- Recommended installation height above the floor 2.0 m.
Pros of Hyundai H-AT2-30-UI530
- Effective protection against drafts.
- Convenience of installation.
- Profitability.
- High reliability.
- Low noise.
- Great build quality.
- Beautiful design.
- Affordable cost.
Cons Hyundai H-AT2-30-UI530
- No remote control provided.
Conclusion. The thermal curtain of this brand is suitable for installation above the front door in domestic, commercial and office premises. Installation requires minimal skills. Special service for a long service life is not provided. This model consumes a minimum of electricity and can lead to a reduction in heating costs.
The best thermal curtains with vertical and horizontal installation
Universal thermal curtains with the possibility of fixing them in any position are in high demand. Their design allows you to best adapt the equipment to individual operating conditions.
Hyundai H-AT2-50-UI531
A cute model of the famous South Korean brand is designed to be installed near the front door or window. It connects to a standard 220 volt network. The built-in fan creates a stable supply of warm air, thereby achieving effective protection against drafts.
The user can, at his request, select the desired thermal mode or even disable the heating option. There is a light indication and automatic protection against overheating.
Main characteristics:
- dimensions of 850x240x220 mm;
- weight 10 kg;
- maximum heating power 4500 W;
- air supply 1000 m3/hour;
- Recommended installation height above the floor 2.2 m.
Pros of Hyundai H-AT2-50-UI531
- Fairly high performance.
- Reliable fastening allowing to install the device in any position.
- Convenient operation with a remote control.
- Modern design.
- Long service life.
Cons Hyundai H-AT2-50-UI531
- The model is heavy and dimensional.
- Relatively high cost.
Conclusion. Such a veil is needed where there are increased requirements for the level of comfort, and the purchase price and current operating costs are not critical. The technical characteristics of the model make it possible to completely eliminate the draft through the open entrance door even in very cold weather.
Tropic M-3
The small thermal curtain of the Russian production Tropic 3-M is perfectly adapted to domestic operating conditions. Its body is made of galvanized steel and has an additional polymer coating. Inside, a fan and a needle-type heater are installed. Supply voltage 220 volts. Protection against dust and moisture IP21.
The model is equipped with a remote control with the function of selecting modes and adjusting temperature. The electrical circuit includes an overheat protection circuit breaker. The noise level of a three-speed fan is 46 dB.
Main characteristics:
- dimensions of 620x162x130 mm;
- weight 4 kg;
- maximum heating power 3000 W;
- air supply 380 m3/hour;
- the recommended installation height above the floor is 2.3 m.
Pros Tropic M-3
- Simple and reliable design.
- Good performance.
- Profitability.
- Light weight and compact dimensions.
- Long service life.
- 3 year warranty.
Cons Tropic M-3
- There is a fan noise.
- Not the most aesthetic design.
Conclusion. The reliable and economical model is suitable for a single-leaf front door. Moderate heat output at high speed of the air stream was sufficient for use in private homes, shops and offices with a small flow of visitors. Minimal care and ease of regulation will appeal to any user.
Timberk THC WT1 24M
A powerful thermal curtain for an entrance gate is connected to an electric network with a voltage of 380 volts. It can be installed in any position. The sturdy metal case is coated with glossy white enamel. It has a moisture and dust protection rating of IP20.
A heating element with a finned outer surface serves as a heating element. There are two heating modes and fan operation without turning on the heating. Management is carried out using a remote control.
Main characteristics:
- dimensions of 1920x241x282 mm;
- weight 32 kg;
- maximum heating power 24000 W;
- air supply 3050 m3/hour;
- the recommended installation height above the floor is 3.0 m.
Pros Timberk THC WT1 24M
- High power.
- Quick warm up.
- Large area of the blocked opening.
- Reliability.
- Convenience of management.
- Long service life.
- Low price for equipment of this class.
Cons Timberk THC WT1 24M
- The construction is bulky. Installation is best entrusted to professionals.
- High power consumption.
Conclusion. Equipment of this brand is designed for production purposes and is not suitable for use in domestic conditions. But it will be indispensable in auto repair shops, large workshops and warehouses.
