In the healthcare industry, maintaining a clean and controlled environment is of utmost importance. Hospitals face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining indoor air quality, controlling temperature differentials, and preventing the entry of contaminants.
One effective solution that hospitals can implement is the use of air curtains. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of air curtains for hospitals and how they contribute to a healthier and more efficient healthcare setting.
What are Air Curtains?
First let’s take a look at what air curtains are and how they work.
Air curtains are fan-powered devices that are designed to prevent airborne contaminants from migrating between areas in a building.
They work by blowing air downwards over an opening, such as a doorway, to maintain separation between the two rooms or between internal and external environments without restricting access.
The forced air creates a barrier that aids in temperature control by stopping hot or cold air from entering a doorway or building at an opening.
What are the Different Types of Air Curtains?
There are two types of air curtains available:
Heated Air Curtains
Heated air curtains are designed to prevent heat from escaping through an open door, helping to better maintain room temperature. This allows businesses and organisations to make significant energy savings in the winter by keeping heating bills low.
You may recognise these when you enter a shop front and feel a warm blast of air temporarily hit you from above.
Unheated Air Curtains
Unheated air curtains are used to prevent the entrance of contaminants into areas where hygiene is a priority, such as in hospitals, factories and kitchens.
How Can Hospitals Benefit from Air Curtains?
Enhanced Infection Control
Airborne pathogens and contaminants can pose a significant risk in a hospital environment. Air curtains create a barrier of air that helps prevent the entry of external contaminants, including dust, pollen, and airborne microorganisms.
By reducing the influx of outside air, air curtains can minimise the transmission of infectious agents, contributing to enhanced infection control measures within the hospital.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Hospitals require high standards of indoor air quality to ensure the well-being of patients, staff, and visitors. Air curtains assist in maintaining a cleaner environment by reducing the infiltration of outdoor pollutants.
These curtains effectively block odours, smoke, and exhaust fumes, ensuring that the air inside the hospital remains fresh and free from contaminants. Additionally, air curtains help in controlling the spread of allergens, providing a healthier atmosphere for patients with respiratory conditions.
Energy Efficiency
Hospitals consume significant amounts of energy, and maintaining temperature control is crucial for both patient comfort and energy savings. Air curtains act as a thermal barrier, minimising heat or cold loss through open doorways.
By preventing the escape of conditioned air, hospitals can reduce energy consumption, leading to lower utility costs. Additionally, air curtains assist in maintaining stable indoor temperatures, ensuring a comfortable environment for patients and staff.
Increased Patient Comfort
For patients, hospitals can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing environments. Air curtains play a role in improving patient comfort by creating a gentle airflow that helps regulate temperature, reduces drafts, and provides a welcoming atmosphere. These curtains can also contribute to noise reduction, creating a quieter environment conducive to rest and recovery.
Cost-Effective Solution
Implementing air curtains in hospitals can be a cost-effective solution in the long run. By reducing energy consumption, hospitals can see a significant decrease in utility expenses. Moreover, air curtains require minimal maintenance and have a long operational life, resulting in cost savings over time.
Compliance with Regulatory Standards
Hospitals are subject to stringent regulatory standards related to indoor air quality and infection control. Air curtains can help hospitals meet these requirements by providing an additional layer of protection against external pollutants and promoting a cleaner, safer environment.
Compliance with such standards is crucial for maintaining the reputation and trust of patients and the community.
Air Curtains at eFans
At eFans, we supply a wide range of both heated and unheated air curtains to suit your needs, from top manufacturers including Systemair, Frico and Thermoscreens.
At eFans, we know that price matters, so we aim to be as competitive and flexible as possible, and have discounted offers available, so if you’re looking to improve contamination and temperature control in your hospital at an affordable price, get in touch with our dedicated team of engineers today.
