Retail Air Curtains: Keeping Cold Air Out and Comfort In During Peak Footfall.

Retail entrances are some of the most vulnerable points in a store, especially during peak footfall times. Every time a door opens, cold air rushes in, disrupting in-store temperatures, increasing heating costs, and affecting customer comfort. A retail air curtain offers a smart solution, forming an invisible barrier that keeps cold air out while maintaining easy access and a welcoming environment for shoppers.

Why entrances matter most during peak hours

Retail footfall surges during certain hours, mornings, lunch breaks, and evenings. Not to mention weekends or promotions. During these times, store entrances become high-traffic zones, and without effective airflow control:

• Cold air floods in, making the front of the store uncomfortably chilly

• Heating systems overcompensate, increasing energy spend

• Customers cut visits short due to thermal discomfort

• Staff working near entrances struggle with fluctuating temperatures

This combination leads to higher operational costs and potential loss in sales, all from a poorly managed entry point.

How retail air curtains reduce cold air loss

A retail air curtain delivers a focused stream of air across an open doorway, creating an invisible barrier between outdoor and indoor climates. Unlike physical doors or vestibules, they allow for:

• Uninterrupted entry and exit for shoppers

• Protection from cold draughts during open-door hours

• Improved climate control across the store

• Reduced load on HVAC systems

These benefits are particularly valuable during peak footfall periods, when doors stay open longer or open more frequently.

Enhancing customer comfort with smart air curtain solutions

Modern retail air curtains are not just functional, they’re intelligent and aesthetic, designed to meet both performance and design expectations. Key features include:

• Variable speed controls to adjust airflow based on traffic levels

• Weather compensation sensors to adapt performance in real-time

• Low-profile, discreet designs that blend into store architecture

• Quiet operation for a seamless in-store experience

By keeping entrance areas warm and consistent, stores can create a more welcoming environment, boosting dwell time, satisfaction, and likelihood to purchase.

Best practices for using retail air curtains at entrances

To maximise the benefit during footfall peaks:

1. Position for full coverage

Ensure the air curtain spans the entire entrance width and is installed as close as possible to the door top for maximum effectiveness.

2. Use traffic-triggered controls

Pair your system with motion or door sensors to activate airflow only when needed—preserving energy during quiet times while ramping up during rush hours.

3. Integrate with heating systems

Smart integration with your HVAC setup allows better coordination, ensuring energy isn’t wasted on overcompensating heating.

4. Maintain regularly

Clean filters, calibrate sensors, and inspect performance regularly, especially before and during colder seasons.

Why Thermoscreens is trusted by retailers

At Thermoscreens, we understand that footfall is both a sales driver and a climate challenge. Our air curtain solutions are engineered for high-traffic retail environments, delivering:

• Comfortable, climate-controlled entrances

• Energy savings even during high-volume hours

• Seamless integration into retail designs

• Reliable performance, even in harsh winter conditions

Ready to improve your store entrance?

If your retail space suffers from cold draughts, temperature inconsistencies, or rising heating costs during busy times—our team can help.

Let us recommend the ideal retail air curtain solution based on your entrance layout, customer flow, and energy goals.

Book a site survey or contact us today