Biddle Air Curtains: 2025 Guide

If you have a business where doors open and close a lot, keeping energy costs down is going to be a real challenge. One way of combatting the problem is using Biddle air curtains which basically create an invisible barrier that stops heat loss in winter and keeps cool air inside during the summer. Problem solved. And when integrated with air conditioning systems, they can enhance overall energy efficiency and improve indoor comfort by a considerable amount.

So in this article, we will look at how exactly Biddle air curtains work, their benefits, the different types available, and how to choose the right one for your business. So let’s get started.

What are air curtains?

In short, air curtains are an effective way to reduce cooling expenses by minimising the amount of warm air that enters a building through open doorways. For businesses looking to maintain an inviting atmosphere while optimising climate control, Biddle air curtains offer the perfect balance of comfort and cost-effectiveness.

The curtains work by creating an invisible barrier that prevents warm air from escaping in winter (and cool air from dissipating in summer). Using a rectifier design, they generate a smooth, laminar airflow that minimises turbulence and maximises separation efficiency – and they’re much more efficient than standard electric models. They are easy to install and don’t need additional piping or boilers or water systems. 

There are other bonuses as well. Air curtains can also act as a barrier against outdoor contaminants like dust and pollution. This is great news for those who suffer from allergies, ensuring a cleaner and more comfortable environment for everyone.

Types of Biddle air curtains

Let’s take a look at the two main types of Biddle air curtains:

• Horizontal air curtains: Mounted above doorways, these are the most common type, directing a stream of air downwards to cover the entire width of the entrance. This setup is ideal for retail shops, office buildings, hotels, and restaurants, where avoiding clutter is key. Since they are mounted overhead, horizontal air curtains do not take up valuable floor space and Biddle’s precision-engineered rectifier design ensures a uniform and laminar airflow, effectively separating indoor and outdoor environments. These units can be integrated with existing HVAC systems, such as Daikin air conditioning, for optimized performance and enhanced energy savings.

• Vertical air curtains: Installed beside doorways, these work for entrances where overhead installation is not feasible. These units are positioned along the sides of a doorway, directing air across the entrance horizontally. Perfect for warehouses, industrial facilities, shopping centres, and transport hubs, where doorways are too wide or ceilings too high for a horizontal air curtain to be effective. They’re also really useful for high-traffic areas. Depending on the entrance size and airflow requirements, vertical units can be installed as single-sided or dual-unit systems for maximum coverage.

Benefits of using Biddle air curtains

Investing in air curtains offers numerous advantages for businesses, from energy savings to enhanced comfort and improved hygiene. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Energy efficiency: Air curtains help reduce energy consumption by minimising heat loss in winter and preventing warm air from entering in summer. By maintaining a stable indoor temperature, they reduce the strain on heating and cooling systems, leading to lower energy usage compared to traditional entrances.

2. Lower energy bills and reduced carbon footprint: With improved energy efficiency comes a noticeable reduction in utility costs. Air curtains decrease the demand on existing HVAC systems, leading to lower CO₂ emissions.

3. Improved H&S standards: By preventing the entry of dust, insects, and airborne pollutants, air curtains contribute to a cleaner and more hygienic environment. This is particularly beneficial for businesses dealing with food storage, healthcare, and retail, where maintaining high hygiene standards is essential.

4. Hassle-free installation and maintenance: A big bonus is that air curtains are quick and easy to install, requiring minimal structural modifications. Once in place, they are low-maintenance and designed for the long-term.

5. Increased customer footfall: Keeping an open doorway makes businesses more inviting to potential customers. An unobstructed entrance encourages foot traffic, enhances product visibility, and can even help boost sales.

6. A more comfortable indoor environment: Unlike standard doors that allow temperature fluctuations, air curtains create a consistent and draft-free indoor climate. They also act as a barrier against unpleasant outdoor conditions like strong winds and pollution.

7. Enhanced employee wellbeing and productivity: A stable indoor temperature helps create a comfortable working environment, which is essential for employee satisfaction and compliance with workplace regulations. Comfortable employees are more productive and less likely to take sick leave, contributing to better business performance.

How to choose the right Biddle air curtain

Selecting the right Biddle air curtain depends on several factors, including doorway size, building type, and operational needs. With various models available, understanding the key considerations will help ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.

• Consider where they will be installed: Biddle air curtains come in horizontal and vertical configurations, each suited to different entrance layouts. Horizontal air curtains are mounted above doorways and are ideal for shops, restaurants, hotels, and office buildings where space is limited. Meanwhile, vertical air curtains are installed beside doorways, best for large entrances, warehouses, shopping centres, and transport hubs with high ceilings or wide openings.

• Determine the required airflow strength: The effectiveness of an air curtain depends on its air velocity and coverage. Larger or taller entrances require higher-powered air curtains to maintain a proper air barrier. If the entrance faces harsh outdoor elements then a more powerful unit may be needed.

• Integration with HVAC systems: For maximum efficiency, consider a Biddle air curtain designed to work with Daikin air conditioning systems. These models use less energy by leveraging the existing heating or cooling system, eliminate the need for extra piping, boilers, or water systems, reducing installation costs. They also provide greater efficiency compared to standard electric models.

• Noise levels and aesthetic considerations: In environments such as hotels, offices, and retail spaces, a quiet operation is essential for customer comfort. Biddle air curtains are designed with low-noise technology, ensuring minimal disruption while maintaining performance. Additionally, they come in sleek, modern designs to blend seamlessly into different architectural styles.

• Energy efficiency & cost savings: Biddle air curtains are engineered for maximum energy efficiency, helping businesses reduce heat loss, cut down on air conditioning and heating costs, and recover the initial investment quickly.

About Daikin

Daikin is a world leader in air conditioning and HVAC solutions, offering a diverse range of systems designed to meet the needs of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. From split systems and packaged units to ductless mini-splits and advanced VRF (VRV) technology, Daikin products are engineered for optimal performance, energy efficiency, and year-round comfort.

To further enhance indoor climate control, Daikin seamlessly integrates with Biddle air curtains, providing a highly efficient solution for minimising heat loss and improving air separation at entrances. This combination reduces energy consumption, enhances indoor comfort, and helps businesses achieve significant cost savings.

With a presence in 140 countries and millions of systems sold, Daikin continues to lead the industry with cutting-edge innovation and outstanding service. To learn more about Daikin’s HVAC solutions and Biddle air curtains, contact us today.