For years, I struggled with maintaining a consistent indoor temperature and keeping out unwanted elements every time the back door of my shop opened. Whether it was the searing heat of summer, the biting cold of winter, or the constant battle against dust, insects, and even vehicle exhaust from the nearby parking lot, the open doorway was a vulnerability I desperately needed to address. Solving this wasn’t just about comfort; it affected energy bills and kept contaminants out of the workspace.
Before investing in an air curtain, it’s crucial to understand what these devices are designed for and whether one is the right solution for your specific needs. An air curtain, or over-door fan, primarily creates a high-speed air barrier across an opening. This barrier helps to separate different air environments, preventing the exchange of air, dust, insects, and pollutants between indoor and outdoor spaces, or between different conditioned zones within a building.
The ideal candidate for an air curtain is typically someone with frequently opened doorways, such as businesses with customer entrances, garages, workshops, restaurants, or even busy homes with back doors leading outside. They are excellent for improving energy efficiency by reducing HVAC load and maintaining indoor air quality.
However, an air curtain is not an air conditioner or heater; it doesn’t change the temperature of the air it blows. If your primary goal is to cool or heat the space based on air flowing through the doorway, you might need a different solution or use the air curtain in conjunction with your HVAC system. Also, while they reduce insect entry, they aren’t a foolproof bug zapper or complete seal.
Things to think about before purchasing include:
– The size of your doorway (width is crucial for matching the unit size).
– The height of the doorway (ensuring the air stream reaches the floor effectively).
– The intended purpose (temperature separation, pest control, dust control).
– The required airflow velocity (higher velocity for larger or busier openings).
– Noise level (some units can be quite loud).
– Control options (remote, magnetic door switch, manual).
– Power source and installation requirements.
Introducing the Fanspex 36″ Wall Mounted Air Curtain
Having used this particular model for some time now, I can speak to what the Fanspex 36″ Wall Mounted Air Curtain, Fans plus model promises and delivers. This device is a high-velocity over-door fan designed to create that essential air barrier I mentioned earlier. It positions itself as an energy-efficient solution for standard-sized doorways in various settings, from residential garages to light commercial applications like small shops or restaurants.
When you purchase the Fanspex Fans plus air curtain, you get the main unit, a remote control, and a magnetic door switch. The promise is a powerful air stream (1200 CFM on high) with lower power consumption (120W) compared to older or larger units, and quieter operation.
This specific model is clearly aimed at locations with standard 36-inch wide doorways. It’s suitable for someone looking for a balance between performance and energy efficiency without needing industrial-grade power. It’s probably not the best fit for very high ceilings, extremely wide openings, or heavy-duty industrial environments where maximum velocity and durability are paramount.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my experience:
Pros:
* Effective at creating an air barrier for standard doors.
* Lower energy consumption (120W) is noticeable on the electricity bill.
* Lightweight and relatively slim profile for easier installation.
* Includes both remote control and magnetic door switch for flexible operation.
* Noticeably reduces entry of insects, dust, and drafts.
Cons:
* Noise level is higher than the claimed 55 dB in real-world use.
* Installation instructions could be more detailed.
* Requires sourcing your own appropriate mounting hardware.
* Defaults to the high-speed setting when powered on manually or via remote.
* Lacks a “last state” memory after power interruption.
Exploring the Features and Benefits
Having the Fanspex air curtain installed above my shop door has made a tangible difference in daily operations. Let’s dive into the specific features that contribute to its performance and how they translate into real-world benefits.
High Velocity Air Stream
One of the core functions of any air curtain is generating a strong, consistent airflow, and this Fanspex model delivers on the ‘high velocity’ promise, at least for its size and intended use. It offers two speed settings, high and low. The high setting is rated at 1200 CFM, which is ample for creating a robust barrier across a 36-inch wide doorway.
* Performance: On the high setting, you can feel a strong, downward push of air extending several feet from the doorway. This is where the magic happens – the air wall effectively disrupts the flow of air (and whatever is in it) trying to cross the threshold. The low setting is less powerful but suitable for less demanding situations or when noise is a bigger concern.
* Benefit: This powerful airflow is crucial for maintaining climate control. In summer, it helps keep the cool, conditioned air inside and the hot, humid air outside. In winter, it does the opposite. This isn’t just about comfort; it directly impacts energy efficiency by reducing the workload on your heating and cooling systems. Beyond temperature, it’s incredibly effective at blocking drafts, dust stirred up outside, and perhaps most notably, flying insects. Since installing the Fanspex 36″ Wall Mounted Air Curtain, I’ve seen a dramatic reduction in flies and mosquitoes entering the shop, which is a huge plus.
Lower Power Consumption
Energy efficiency was a significant factor in my decision-making. This over door fan is listed with a consumption of 120W.
* Performance: Compared to older air curtains or larger commercial units that can draw 300W or more, 120W is quite modest. Even running it for extended periods doesn’t feel like a major drain on electricity.
* Benefit: The primary benefit here is reduced operating cost. An air curtain is often intended to run continuously or whenever the door is open. Keeping the wattage low means lower electricity bills over time, making the investment more cost-effective in the long run. It’s an attractive feature for both homes and businesses conscious of utility expenses.
Easy to Install (With a Caveat)
The product dimensions are 36×7.3×6.8 inches, and it weighs only 18.1 lbs, making it relatively lightweight and slim for a unit of this size.
* Performance: The lightweight design certainly makes handling the unit easier during installation. It comes with a wall mounting plate, which is standard. However, the unit does *not* include mounting screws or bolts. While the product description or some reviews might frame this as a positive (allowing you to choose hardware appropriate for your wall type), it means you need to plan a trip to the hardware store beforehand. The included instruction booklet provides diagrams but could be more detailed regarding mounting procedures and wiring. I had to supplement the instructions with some basic DIY knowledge.
* Benefit: Once you have the right hardware and understand the process, the physical act of mounting the lightweight unit isn’t overly difficult. The slim profile ensures it doesn’t protrude excessively above the doorway. Proper installation is key to ensuring the air stream is directed correctly down across the opening.
Remote Control and Magnetic Door Switch
Controlling the Fanspex air curtain is straightforward, thanks to the included remote and magnetic door switch.
* Performance: The remote allows you to turn the unit on/off and switch between low and high speeds from a distance – handy if the unit is mounted high up. The magnetic door switch is a great feature; when installed correctly, it automatically turns the air curtain on when the door opens and off when it closes. There are also manual controls on the unit itself.
* Benefit: These control options offer flexibility. The remote is convenient for manual operation throughout the day. The magnetic switch provides automated, hands-free operation, ensuring the air barrier is active precisely when needed without anyone having to remember to turn it on. This is particularly useful in busy environments or situations where constant door opening and closing occurs. However, it’s worth noting that the unit defaults to the high setting when activated by the magnetic switch or manually after being turned off, which isn’t ideal if you prefer the quieter low setting. Also, if using the magnetic switch, the unit won’t automatically restart after a power outage – you have to manually turn it back on.
Noise Level
The product description lists the noise level at 55 dB, claiming comfortable operation compared to noisier 65 dB units.
* Performance: This is one area where the Fanspex Fans plus unit falls a bit short of the manufacturer’s claim in real-world use. While it’s certainly not deafening, I’ve found the actual noise level on the high setting to be closer to 65-70 dB, consistent with other user experiences. On the low setting, it drops slightly but is still noticeably louder than 55 dB. There was also an initial rattling noise in my unit, which I had to resolve by adjusting a wire internally – something others have also noted.
* Benefit/Drawback: While the noise is higher than advertised, it’s important to frame this. It’s still often acceptable in environments like a busy garage, workshop, or a restaurant kitchen where there’s already background noise. In quieter settings like a home hallway or a calm retail space, the noise on high might be distracting. The benefit is the powerful airflow it provides, but the drawback is the accompanying noise level, which isn’t as quiet as the specifications might suggest.
Multiple Usage Applications
This Fanspex over door fan is marketed for multiple uses: restaurant, home, garage, barber shop, kitchen, coffee shop, bar, workshop.
* Performance: Based on its size, power, and features, it seems genuinely versatile. Its effectiveness is largely dependent on the doorway size and environment type. It works well in my garage/workshop, and I can see it being effective in a small shop or the back door of a restaurant kitchen.
* Benefit: This versatility means the product can address similar needs in a variety of settings, making it a broadly applicable solution for anyone dealing with doorway air exchange issues.
What Users Are Saying
I’ve checked out feedback from other buyers online, and the general sentiment seems quite positive, although with some shared observations matching my own. Many users report satisfaction with the air barrier’s effectiveness, particularly praising its ability to keep out insects and reduce drafts. The unit’s lightweight design and inclusion of both a remote and the magnetic door switch are frequently mentioned as convenient features.
However, several reviewers echo the point about the noise level being higher than the listed specification. Some also found the installation instructions could be clearer and noted the need to supply their own mounting hardware. Despite these points, the consensus appears to be that the Fanspex air curtain offers good value for its price and effectively performs its primary function of creating an air barrier.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with the constant influx of outside air, dust, and bugs through frequently opened doorways can be a persistent and costly problem, impacting everything from comfort to energy bills and cleanliness. This issue needs to be addressed to maintain a stable indoor environment and protect your space.
The Fanspex 36″ Wall Mounted Air Curtain is a great fit for solving this problem for standard 36-inch doorways. Its powerful (though somewhat noisy) airflow creates an effective barrier, its lower power consumption helps keep costs down, and the inclusion of multiple control methods adds convenience. If you’re looking for an energy-conscious way to better seal your doorway against the elements and pests, this air curtain is definitely worth considering. To learn more and check out the Fanspex 36″ Wall Mounted Air Curtain for yourself, Click here to check it out.