Air Curtain Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Width and Height for Your Door (UAE)

An air curtain only works if it covers the whole opening and pushes enough air down to the floor. Buy one that is too narrow or too weak for the door height and hot air, dust and insects still get in at the sides and bottom. This guide shows how to size an air curtain for a door in the UAE, step by step.

Step 1: Measure the Door Width

The air curtain should be at least as wide as the clear door opening, ideally a little wider so it overlaps the frame on both sides. Measure the opening, not the door leaf.

• Opening up to 1.0 m – choose a 1.0 m unit
• Opening 1.0 – 1.2 m – choose a 1.2 m unit
• Opening 1.2 – 1.4 m – choose a 1.4 m unit
• Opening 1.4 – 1.6 m – choose a 1.6 m unit
• Opening 1.6 – 1.8 m – choose a 1.8 m unit
• Opening 1.8 – 2.0 m – choose a 2.0 m unit

For openings wider than 2 m, such as double sliding doors or loading bays, install two units side by side so together they cover the full width.

Step 2: Check the Door Height

Each air curtain series is rated for a maximum mounting height. Above that height the air stream loses speed before it reaches the floor and the barrier breaks down. Match the series to the height of the opening:

If the entrance faces strong wind or a busy road, choose the next series up for extra air speed.

Step 3: Surface-Mounted or Recessed?

A surface-mounted unit is fixed on the wall above the door. It is the most economical choice and suits most shops, offices and back-of-house doors. A recessed unit is built into the false ceiling so only the air grille is visible. It costs more but suits finished lobbies, hotels and showrooms where appearance matters.

Step 4: Ambient or Heated?

In the UAE most air curtains are ambient (no heating). They keep cool air inside and hot air, dust and insects outside. Heated models such as the OLEFINI KEH-18 are only needed where the space must be kept warm, for example in colder climates or special process areas.

Air Curtain Prices in the UAE by Width

The lower figure is a surface-mounted unit and the higher figure is a ceiling-recessed unit. See the full air curtain price list for every OLEFINI and Teddington model.

Installation Tips

• Mount the unit as close to the top of the door opening as possible, with the air stream aimed down across the opening.
• Fit it on the inside of the entrance unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.
• Use a door contact switch so the air curtain runs only when the door is open. This saves power and reduces noise.
• Leave access to the unit for cleaning the filter and fan, which is important in dusty conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size air curtain do I need for a 1 m door?

A 1.0 m air curtain covers a standard single door up to 1 m wide. If the opening is slightly wider than 1 m, choose a 1.2 m unit so there is no gap at the sides.

Can I use one air curtain for a 3 m wide opening?

No single standard unit is that wide. Install two units side by side, for example two 1.6 m units, so the air streams cover the full width without gaps.

Does a taller door need a more powerful air curtain?

Yes. The air must still reach the floor with enough speed to form a barrier, so taller doors need a series rated for that height, such as the OLEFINI W-Series for up to 4 m or the Industrial series for up to 6 m.

How much does a 2 m air curtain cost in the UAE?

A 2 m OLEFINI air curtain costs from AED 3,500 for a surface-mounted unit to about AED 6,960 for a ceiling-recessed unit. A 2 m Teddington P-Series unit costs from AED 14,790.

Not sure which size fits your entrance? Send your door width and height to Merac on WhatsApp and our team will recommend the right model.