Stepping through the threshold of my business used to be a constant battle with the elements. In summer, the heat and humidity would pour in, bringing flies and dust with them. In winter, the warm air would escape, leaving a chill just inside the door. This wasn’t just uncomfortable; it was costing me money in energy bills and compromising the indoor environment I wanted to maintain. It became clear that finding an effective way to seal the entryway without using a solid door all the time was essential. Failing to solve this problem meant continuing to waste energy and deal with unwelcome guests like insects and debris, which would certainly impact comfort and cleanliness.
Before deciding on a solution for that open doorway problem, it’s smart to pause and think about what you really need. An air curtain fundamentally creates an invisible barrier across an opening, preventing air exchange, blocking insects, dust, and smells. Someone looking to purchase an item in this category is likely dealing with climate control issues near entrances, wanting to keep conditioned air in or outside air (and its contents) out, often in a commercial or large residential setting where doors are frequently opened. The ideal customer might be a business owner with a storefront, a restaurant with a busy kitchen entrance, or even a homeowner with a large patio door they use often.
Who might *not* be the right fit? Someone needing actual heating or cooling – remember, an air curtain is a fan, not an HVAC unit. If you need to *generate* warm or cold air, you’d need a different solution like an air conditioner or heater. Also, if your doorway isn’t frequently used or the climate control needs are minimal, a less powerful or perhaps even a simpler solution might suffice. When choosing an air curtain, important things to consider include the width and height of the doorway, the required air speed (CFM) to effectively block the air exchange, the noise level, power consumption, features like automatic door switches, and ease of installation. Getting these factors right ensures the air curtain performs as intended.
Introducing the Awoco 72″ Super Power Air Curtain
Let me tell you about the Awoco 72″ Super Power 2 Speeds 2350CFM Commercial Indoor Air Curtain. This unit is specifically designed to create a powerful, high-speed air barrier over commercial or large indoor doorways, effectively isolating the inside environment from the outside. It promises to block up to 90% of hot or cold air, dust, smoke, and insects. When you purchase this air curtain, you get the main unit, a detachable mounting plate for easy installation, a 55” power cord with plug, and the crucial magnetic door switch kit. This particular Awoco model, the FM15-M, with its 72-inch width and high CFM, seems tailored for wider openings than standard home doors, fitting well into light commercial or larger residential applications where a robust barrier is needed. It’s likely overkill for a small interior doorway or a situation where minimal air movement is desired.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my experience and the product details:
Pros:
* Creates a very powerful air barrier (up to 2350 CFM).
* Effective at blocking temperature transfer, dust, and insects.
* Includes a convenient, US Patented magnetic door switch for automation.
* Offers two speed settings (High/Low) for flexibility.
* Lower power consumption (600W) compared to some industrial models for its output.
* Durable, easy-to-clean powder-coated metal case.
Cons:
* Can be noisy, especially on the high setting.
* Unheated model means it only moves ambient air.
* Might be heavier and require more substantial mounting than smaller units.
* Initial cost might be a factor for some budgets.
Performance Breakdown and Advantages
Having used the Awoco 72″ Air Curtain for a significant time now, I can share how its specific features translate into real-world benefits.
Creating an Effective Air Barrier
The core function of any air curtain is to create a separation layer, and this Awoco unit excels at it, particularly for wider openings around 6 feet (72 inches). The super powerful airflow, rated up to 2350 CFM on the high setting, is key here. Imagine an invisible wall of air descending from above the doorway. This wall is strong enough to significantly impede the movement of air between two different environments.
In the scorching North Texas summer, where stepping outside feels like walking into an oven, opening the back door would immediately compromise the cool, conditioned air inside. With the Awoco air curtain running, that blast of hot, humid air is dramatically reduced. You can stand in the doorway and distinctly feel the two different temperatures, separated by the powerful air stream. The benefit is tangible: less stress on your HVAC system means lower energy bills, and maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature becomes much easier, even with frequent door usage. It’s not an air conditioner, but it helps your air conditioner do its job more effectively.
The Convenience of the Automatic Magnetic Door Switch
One feature I initially thought might be a gimmick but quickly came to appreciate is the included US Patented Magnetic Door Switch. Installation is straightforward, involving mounting a magnet on the door and the switch on the frame, connecting two wires to the air curtain. Once set up, this switch allows the air curtain to turn on automatically whenever the door opens and turn off when it closes.
This automatic operation is incredibly convenient, especially in high-traffic areas or when you’re carrying things through the doorway. You don’t have to remember to flip a switch every time someone goes in or out. It ensures the air barrier is active precisely when it’s needed most – when the doorway is open. If you prefer manual control, you can simply not install the switch and use the rocker switch on the unit. But for me, the hands-free operation adds a layer of seamless functionality that contributes significantly to energy saving and maintaining the barrier consistently. It’s a smart piece of technology that enhances the product’s practicality.
Flexible 2-Speed Control
The Awoco air curtain offers two speeds controlled via a simple Lo/Off/Hi rocker switch. High speed blasts air at 2354 CFM, while low speed provides a still substantial 1884 CFM. This flexibility is more useful than you might initially think.
On a blistering hot or freezing cold day, or during peak insect activity, the high speed provides maximum barrier strength. The full 2350+ CFM pushes back against strong external pressures effectively. However, there are times when the maximum force isn’t necessary – perhaps on a milder day, or when the primary goal is just to deter flies, which the lower speed often handles perfectly well. The low speed is also slightly quieter. Being able to switch between speeds means you can adjust the performance based on the conditions and your specific needs at the moment, offering a balance between effectiveness and noise or energy usage. It allows for more nuanced control over your indoor environment management.
Power and Efficiency
This air curtain operates on standard 120V power and uses 600W (0.8HP, 6.25A). While 600W might sound like a lot, for the volume and speed of air it moves, it’s relatively efficient for a commercial-grade unit. Awoco states it has lower power consumption than some other industrial air curtains, which is a significant plus for long-term operation, especially in a business setting where the unit might run for many hours a day.
The efficiency comes partly from adopting German electrical machinery technology and using two motors with four aluminum fan wheels designed for continuous running. Over time, these savings in energy consumption can add up, offsetting some of the initial cost of the air curtain. Knowing that the unit can run continuously for business hours without excessive power draw provides peace of mind and contributes to its overall value proposition as a tool for energy management.
Durable Build and Straightforward Installation
The physical construction of the Awoco 72″ Air Curtain is robust. It features a fireproof and anti-erosive powder-coated metal case. This build quality feels sturdy and suggests it can withstand the demands of regular use in commercial or semi-commercial environments. The powder coating also makes it easy to wipe down and keep clean, which is important for maintaining a professional appearance.
Installation, as described in the manual and experienced firsthand, is designed to be manageable. The detachable mounting plate is a key feature here. You secure the plate to the wall above the doorway, and then the air curtain unit itself hangs onto the plate. This two-step process simplifies lifting and securing the relatively heavy unit (around 61.7 lbs for the 72″ model). While definitely a two-person job, it’s not overly complicated for someone comfortable with basic mounting tasks. The included 55” power cord is a decent length for reaching an outlet. The design prioritizes functionality and durability, essential traits for a product intended for frequent use.
Managing the Noise Level
One common characteristic of powerful air curtains, including this Awoco unit, is noise. The low speed operates at 59 dB, and the high speed at 61 dB. While these numbers are provided, the actual perceived noise can vary depending on the environment and mounting location. It’s important to understand that moving such a large volume of air at high speed *will* generate noise. It’s like a very powerful fan.
For applications where quiet is paramount, like a library or a very quiet office space, this unit might be too loud, particularly on the high setting. However, in busy retail spaces, restaurants, workshops, or even near a pool area where there’s already ambient noise, the sound is often less intrusive and considered a worthwhile trade-off for the benefits of the air barrier. It’s a functional noise, indicating the unit is actively doing its job to protect your indoor environment. If noise is a major concern, you might need to explore lower-CFM models or consider alternative solutions, but for powerful performance, some level of noise is generally unavoidable with air curtains.
What Users Are Saying
I took some time to look at feedback from other people who have purchased and used this Awoco air curtain, and the sentiment is largely positive, aligning with my own experiences. Many users appreciate its effectiveness in significantly reducing flies and other insects from entering their homes or businesses, especially during warmer months. People also frequently mention its success in helping maintain indoor temperatures, keeping cool air inside during summer and potentially warm air inside during winter, thereby contributing to energy savings. The automatic function via the magnetic door switch is often highlighted as a convenient feature. While some users note the noise level as a minor drawback, most feel the performance benefits outweigh the sound. Some reviews also praise the powerful airflow and sturdy build quality, confirming its capability for demanding use.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with temperature loss, dust, and insects entering through open doorways is a frustrating and costly problem. It compromises comfort, cleanliness, and efficiency, leading to higher energy bills and a less pleasant indoor environment. The Awoco 72″ Super Power 2 Speeds 2350CFM Commercial Indoor Air Curtain offers a robust and effective solution, particularly for wider openings. Its powerful airflow creates a significant barrier, the automatic magnetic switch adds valuable convenience, and the durable construction means it’s built to last. If you’re looking for a serious way to manage air exchange and keep unwanted elements out of your space, this air curtain is certainly worth considering. To learn more and check it out for yourself, Click here.