The Mars Air Systems LoPro Series is the best commercial air curtain in 2026, delivering 1,200-2,400 FPM (feet per minute) air velocity across door widths up to 72 inches with a slim 5-inch profile that fits above standard commercial doorframes. For residential use, the Awoco FM1509 provides effective insect and air barrier protection for standard 36-inch doorways at under $200.
An air curtain creates an invisible barrier of high-velocity air across an open doorway, separating indoor and outdoor environments without a physical door. They reduce HVAC energy loss by 70-80% through open doors, block flying insects, prevent dust and pollution infiltration, and maintain indoor temperature zones—all while allowing unrestricted foot and vehicle traffic.
How Air Curtains Work
An air curtain is a fan-powered unit mounted above (or beside) a doorway that blows a continuous stream of air downward across the opening. This air stream creates a pressure barrier that resists the mixing of indoor and outdoor air.
The effectiveness depends on three factors: air velocity (speed of the stream, measured in FPM), air volume (total CFM of airflow), and discharge angle (typically 15-20 degrees toward the outdoor side for optimal separation).
When properly sized and installed, an air curtain maintains 70-80% of the temperature differential between inside and outside, compared to 0% with a wide-open door and 100% with a closed door.
Best Air Curtains Ranked
Commercial Air Curtains
Residential Air Curtains
1. Mars Air LoPro Series — Best Commercial
Mars Air Systems is the gold standard in commercial air curtains. The LoPro series features a slim 5-inch profile that fits above standard doorframes without major structural modifications. Variable speed drives allow air velocity adjustment from 1,200 to 2,400 FPM, matching the velocity to real-time conditions.
Available with electric heating elements (for winter comfort) or hot water coils (for integration with hydronic HVAC). Widths from 36 to 72 inches cover single and double commercial doors. ETL listed and meets AMCA-certified air performance standards.
Best for: Retail stores, restaurants, office lobbies, hospitals, any commercial entrance requiring insect and climate barrier.
2. Berner Sanitation Certified — Best for Food Service
Berner's Sanitation Certified line is specifically designed for USDA/FDA-compliant food processing and service environments. The high-velocity output (up to 2,800 FPM) creates a barrier strong enough to meet health department insect exclusion requirements. NSF certified for food service applications.
Best for: Commercial kitchens, food processing facilities, restaurant service doors, loading docks where food safety compliance is required.
3. Awoco FM1509 — Best Residential Value
The FM1509 delivers commercial-grade 1,100 FPM air velocity in a residential-friendly package at under $200. It covers standard 36-inch doorways and installs with basic mounting brackets. Two-speed operation lets you balance effectiveness with noise (58 dB on high is noticeable but acceptable).
Best for: Residential front/back doors, garage-to-house doorways, home workshops, residential kitchens with exterior doors, and insect barrier needs.
Sizing an Air Curtain for Your Doorway
The critical sizing factor is door height, not width. Air velocity must be sufficient to maintain the barrier from the unit (mounted at the top) down to the floor. Taller doors need faster air velocity.
Width matching: The air curtain should be at least as wide as the door opening. For doors wider than the largest single unit, use multiple units side by side or a custom-width commercial model.
Installation Basics
Mounting position: Directly above the door opening, on the interior side. The unit should be as close to the top of the opening as possible—every inch of gap between the unit and the door header reduces effectiveness.
Discharge angle: Most units are factory-set to 15-20 degrees toward the exterior. This slight outward angle pushes infiltrating air back before it enters the space. Do not change this angle unless instructed by the manufacturer.
Electrical requirements: Commercial units typically require 208-240V dedicated circuits. Heated models may need 30-50A circuits. Residential models run on standard 120V/15A circuits. Always verify electrical requirements before purchase.
Real-World Air Curtain Applications
Example 1: Busy Restaurant Entrance
A restaurant with a front door opening 50-80 times per hour during dinner service. Mars Air LoPro LP236 installed above the 36-inch entrance. Result: indoor temperature fluctuation reduced from 8-12 degrees F (no curtain) to 2-3 degrees F. Flying insect complaints dropped to near zero. HVAC energy savings estimated at 30% during peak service hours.
Example 2: Residential Garage Door to House
A homeowner in Texas with a garage-to-kitchen doorway that stays open frequently. Awoco FM1509 mounted above the interior doorway. Result: kitchen temperature stabilized (previously fluctuated 5-8 degrees when garage door was open). Garage fumes, dust, and insects blocked from entering the kitchen.
Example 3: Commercial Loading Dock
A distribution warehouse with a 12×14 ft loading dock that stays open during receiving. Berner High Performance unit delivering 2,400 FPM across the opening. Result: climate separation maintained at 75% effectiveness, cold storage temperature compliance maintained during unloading, and insect control for food safety compliance.
Example 4: Drive-Through Window
A fast-food restaurant drive-through window (4 ft opening). Curtron AP-2 mini air curtain at 800 FPM. Result: conditioned air loss through the window reduced by 60%. Employee comfort improved. Flying insects from the drive-through lane blocked from entering the kitchen.
Energy Savings and ROI
Air curtains pay for themselves through HVAC energy savings when installed on frequently opened doors.
Commercial installations typically achieve ROI within 6-18 months. Residential ROI takes 1-3 years depending on climate severity and door usage frequency.
Key Takeaways
- Mars Air LoPro is the best commercial air curtain: slim profile, variable speed, 36-72 inch coverage
- Awoco FM1509 is the best residential value at under $200 for standard 36-inch doors
- Size by door height (determines required velocity), not just width
- Air curtains reduce HVAC energy loss by 70-80% through open doorways
- Flying insect control is a major benefit for food service and residential use
- Commercial ROI is typically 6-18 months through energy savings
- Install on the interior side, as close to the door header as possible
- Heated models add winter comfort but require larger electrical circuits