All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
If you run a shop, warehouse, or any space with a frequently used door, air curtains can feel like a small upgrade that punches well above its weight. They create an invisible barrier of air that stops draughts, dust, insects and heat loss — which in plain terms means more comfortable staff and customers and lower heating bills. Think of them as an unseen bouncer for your doorway: they let people move freely while keeping the elements on the outside.
One of the suppliers highlighted in the product list is Expert Electrical, which stocks a range of commercial heating and air curtain equipment. If you prefer browsing by brand and model, shops like this are handy because they typically list technical specifications, compatible accessories, and trade-grade options. They often carry well-known models from brands like Consort Claudgen, Dimplex and Hyco — all names you’ll see frequently when researching business-grade air curtains in the UK.
Consort Claudgen has a broad lineup, and the model numbers you’ll commonly encounter point to different sizes and heat outputs. Below I break down the key models you may find and explain where each one fits best, using imperial-friendly heat figures so it’s easy to compare in practical terms.
The HE7426 is a solid mid-range heated air curtain. At approximately 20,473 BTU per hour it suits medium entrances such as retail shopfronts or small loading doors where you want effective thermal protection without oversizing. It’s a reliable choice for businesses that need both air movement and a meaningful amount of heat to reduce heating load when the door is open.
These 4.5 kW models are ideal for smaller entrances or locations where a gentler heated barrier will do the job. At around 15,355 BTU per hour they’re more economical to run than the larger units while still cutting drafts and stopping warm or cool air from escaping. Choose these where doorway width and mounting height are moderate.
If you manage a busy entrance that’s tall or especially exposed — think large supermarket doors or industrial roller doors — the HE7433’s roughly 30,709 BTU per hour output gives a much stronger heat assist. That extra capacity helps maintain indoor climate when doors are open for long periods, and reduces the load on the building’s main heating system.
Variants such as HE7426RX or HE8320 typically denote differences in control options, mounting hardware or factory tuning for specific environments. When choosing, check whether the unit includes integral heaters, remote controls, or multiple fan speeds — these features can be the difference between a “fit and forget” installation and one that requires more frequent tweaking.
Not every doorway needs heavy-duty heat. Dimplex’s AC3N and Hyco Maestro 3 kW units (about 10,236 BTU per hour, roughly 4.0 hp) are great where you want a low-profile heated curtain. They’re well suited to small shops, cafes or office entrances where appearance and quiet operation matter as much as thermal performance. If you want a more subtle solution that still reduces draughts, these are worth a look.
When shopping, consider both national trade suppliers and specialist HVAC merchants. In addition to Expert Electrical, popular options include Screwfix and RS Components for trade-focused availability, Toolstation for smaller units, and electrical merchants such as CEF (City Electrical Factors) for a broad selection. Heating specialists and HVAC distributors often carry the full range of brand options and can advise on sizing and installation. If you’re comparing quotes, look for suppliers who publish clear specs and offer trade technical support.
Outlets like Screwfix and RS Components are good for quick access to common sizes and spares, and they typically stock both unheated and heated air curtains. Toolstation can be a practical option for small businesses and installers needing fast next-day supply. These chains are useful when you want standard models without custom options.
For bespoke installations, larger capacities, or help with integrating into building management systems, specialist HVAC merchants and electrical wholesalers are the go-to. They can advise on more complex needs, such as multi-door installations, coordinated controls, and compliance with commercial building standards.
Picking the right air curtain is about matching the device to the door and the business use. Things to weigh include door width, mounting height, traffic flow, whether you need heat, local climate, and noise tolerance. Below, I break down the most important points so you can match model to mission with confidence.
Air curtains are sized to span the full width of the opening. Measure the clear width of your doorway in feet and pick a unit equal to or slightly wider than that span. Mounting height matters too: many commercial units are designed to perform best at heights between about 6 and 10 feet. If your door is taller than that, you’ll likely need a model with stronger airflow or multiple units stacked to form an effective barrier.
Heated units add warmth to the airstream, which helps maintain indoor temperature when doors are open. Heated curtains are worth the extra cost for cold environments or high-traffic entrances that would otherwise lose a lot of heat. If your building is already warm year-round or you mostly want insect control and dust exclusion, an unheated (fan-only) model can be more energy-efficient.
Look for units with adjustable fan speeds, thermostatic controls, and external switches that work with door sensors. If your site uses a building management system, ask about BMS-compatible controls. Noise levels matter for customer-facing areas: models designed for retail often run quieter than heavy industrial types. Always check decibel ratings if quiet operation is important.
Installation is where a good purchase can go wrong if rushed. Always mount air curtains as close to the top of the door frame as practical, and ensure the unit is aligned squarely across the opening so the airflow forms a consistent barrier. For larger industrial doors consider multi-unit installations spaced evenly. If you’re unsure about electrical supply or mounting structure, use a qualified installer — incorrect installation is the main cause of poor performance.
Heated units require a suitable power feed and often a dedicated circuit, while unheated models typically need less power. Check the unit’s power rating before ordering so the supply and cable sizing can be prepared. Mount to a solid header or steel plate — thin or unstable mounting surfaces can cause vibration and noise. If the doorway is exposed to weather, consider units with higher ingress protection ratings for longevity.
Air curtains need simple ongoing care: clean the intake grills and fans regularly to avoid dust buildup, check fan bearings and belts if applicable, and ensure control sensors and switches remain free from obstruction. For commercial sites a visual check every month and a professional service annually is a sensible approach. Keeping the unit clean preserves airflow and efficiency, which in turn saves energy.
Initial costs vary widely depending on size, heat option, and controls. However, the typical financial case for an air curtain is straightforward: they reduce the heat loss (or cool loss) when doors open, so your primary HVAC system cycles less and uses less energy. In busy retail or warehousing situations, payback can be relatively quick because the curtain dramatically cuts the hours the main heaters or coolers must run to compensate for open doors.
Here’s a quick, practical guide to matching models to premises: for a small shop with a standard single-door entrance, a 3 kW Dimplex or Hyco unit (about 10,236 BTU/hr) will usually suffice. For medium retail fronts or restaurants, consider a 4.5 kW Consort Claudgen (about 15,355 BTU/hr). For large supermarket or industrial roller doors choose a 6 kW or 9 kW model (about 20,473 to 30,709 BTU/hr). Always factor in mounting height and peak traffic to avoid undersizing.
Buying an air curtain is more than choosing a brand: it’s about fitting the right tool to the job. Use model heat and airflow specs in BTU per hour and choose retailers that publish clear technical data. If you’re undecided, get a quick site assessment from an HVAC specialist — a short walkthrough can save you time and cash by avoiding an undersized or overly loud unit. And remember: the best air curtain is the one you hardly notice working because it simply keeps your space comfortable and efficient.
Conclusion: Air curtains are cost-effective, easy-to-maintain devices that deliver strong comfort and energy benefits for almost any business with a frequently used doorway. Whether you lean toward brands like Consort Claudgen, Dimplex or Hyco, or you pick a model from a trusted supplier such as Expert Electrical or a national trade chain, match size, mounting height and control features to your site. Do that, and you’ll get a solution that pays for itself in comfort and reduced HVAC strain.
| Business & Industrial - Other | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Consort Claudgen Rac0603rx Air Curtain 3 Kw | £ 636,14 | |
| Consort Claudgen Rac1006 Air Curtain 6 Kw | £ 753,10 |
