Air Curtains are a proven way to protect your building from heat loss, reduce energy costs, and maintain comfortable conditions for occupants. At SPC, our industrial Air Curtains are designed for heavy commercial and industrial applications, with the power to protect doorways up to 6m high.
But when it comes to installation, should you choose a horizontal or a vertical Air Curtain? The answer depends on your building layout, doorway size, and the type of activity around the opening.
Horizontal Air Curtains
A horizontal Air Curtain is mounted above the doorway and blows air down towards the floor. This is the most common type of installation.
Vertical Air Curtains
Vertical Air Curtains are installed on one or both sides of a doorway, blowing air horizontally across the opening. Units can be stacked on top of one another.
When Horizontal Units May Not Be Ideal
- Very tall openings – Air velocity reduces with distance, so effectiveness drops on high, narrow doors.
- Limited headroom – If there isn’t enough space above the doorway, installation may not be possible.
- Risk of damage – In busy industrial environments with tall vehicles, overhead units may be at risk of impact.
When Vertical Units May Not Be Ideal
- Takes up floor space – Units occupy space on one or both sides of the doorway, which may not suit busy industrial areas.
- Less discreet – More visible than recessed horizontal installations.
- Vulnerable to impact – In industrial settings, vertical units may require protective barriers against vehicles.
Benefits of Horizontal Air Curtains
- Most versatile option – Suitable for a wide range of industrial and heavy commercial entrances.
- Space-saving – Fitted above the door, leaving valuable floor space free for equipment, vehicles, or safety barriers.
- Aesthetically discreet – Can be recessed into ceilings for a cleaner finish where appearance is important.
- Ideal for wide openings – Multiple horizontal units can be installed side by side to cover long doorways.
Benefits of Vertical Air Curtains
- Perfect for tall openings – Effective for warehouse doors, hangars, or industrial entrances where height is an issue.
- No overhead space required – A great solution if there’s not enough clearance above the doorway.
- Scalable performance – Can be stacked for greater height coverage, or paired on both sides for a stronger air seal.
- Special applications – Useful for sealing around obstructions, such as parked vehicles or swing doors.
Choosing the Right Solution
The decision between horizontal and vertical Air Curtains comes down to a balance of space, practicality, and performance:
- Choose Horizontal if your doorway is standard height, you need to save floor space, or you want a discreet installation.
- Choose Vertical if your doorway is tall or narrow, you lack headroom above, or you need additional flexibility for industrial applications.
With options for ambient, electric, or LPHW heating (including coils optimised for heat pumps), SPC’s Air Curtains provide reliable performance and energy savings in every environment.
Get in Touch:
Explore our range of Air Curtain products to find the perfect solution for your specific needs. Our expert team is here to help you select and install the best Air Curtain for your space.