The Surprising Benefits Of Installing Air Curtains In Your Garage

For many homeowners, garages are more than a place to park their cars. It may be your workshop, crafting space, home gym, and more. If that's you, then you want a space free from pests and dust and kept at a stable temperature. Accomplishing all of this can be a hassle, though. Fortunately, an air curtain may be your solution to creating a safer and more stable garage.

An air curtain (or air door) is a machine that uses streams of air to create an invisible barrier. This prevents external air from entering your garage while keeping internal air in. Not only does doing so help to keep your garage temperature regulated throughout the year, but it can also reduce overall energy costs. Since external and internal air is kept separate, your heating and cooling systems don't need to work as hard to maintain temperatures. Plus, air curtains can deter flying pests and increase ventilation, which makes your garage a safer space.

There are two main types of air curtains available: recirculating, which is popular in places with constant foot traffic like grocery stores, and non-recirculating, which tends to be easier (and cheaper) to install. Although air curtains are typically mounted over doorways, you can also opt for invisible or recessed installation with some models for a cleaner aesthetic. In addition, you can purchase heated air curtains, where electric, steam, or hot water coils are added to your unit. These are especially handy if you live in an area with harsh winters.

What else to consider before purchasing an air curtain

Although air curtains have many benefits, they can be expensive. When purchasing one, you'll want it to cover the entire width of your garage door; otherwise, it will leave gaps that reduce its effectiveness. Although smaller air curtains may cost around $150 to $250, industrial models that fit the average garage door — which is 8 feet wide — run around $1,500 or more. In addition, air curtains, especially older models, can be noisy and are most useful when installed in areas with high door traffic. If you're not opening your main garage door frequently, it may not be worth installing. Instead, look into alternatives like insulation kits or magnetic insulated door curtains. (If you're wondering whether those garage door insulation kits actually work, we've got you covered.)

Before purchasing an air curtain, you'll need to know your garage door's height in addition to width to determine the appropriate velocity. When mounting your air curtain, follow the manufacturer's instructions, especially for guidance on how much clearance to leave. However, it may be worth hiring a professional, as industrial-sized air curtains can be tricky to install due to their size, weight, and other factors. Also, keep in mind that air curtains help regulate temperature, but they are not primary cooling or heating sources. So, you will need to sort that out, too. If you're struggling with cold winters, follow these tips to warm up your garage. For warm weather, you may be surprised to know that installing an air conditioner in your garage can also have energy-saving benefits

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