Dimplex is working to make the energy efficiency offered by its air curtains official with a study on running cost savings conducted in conjunction with the Carbon Trust. And what’s more, because Dimplex air curtains are compatible with a wide range of optional energy savers, running costs can be reduced still further.
Although the work with the Carbon Trust is ongoing, an initial study shows that using air curtains can save up to 33 percent of HVAC running costs, by keeping treated air inside and separate from the draughts and chills of the external environment.
The study takes typical commercial environments, both heated and air conditioned, and looks at how the energy performance changes when air curtains are added to protect doorways, compared to an open door with no protection. Both scenarios show that the efficiency and therefore the cost of air treatment improves when air curtains are used.
Used in conjunction with heating, Dimplex air curtains mean fewer heaters need to be installed, as warmed air is retained in the premises for longer. The capital cost of the air curtain is offset in part by this saving, with the remaining investment recouped from savings made on running costs. In this scenario, investment payback can be achieved in as little as 21 weeks.
In an air conditioned environment, the savings are even clearer; a reduced loading means an up-front saving on equipment capital expenditure, while running costs can be reduced by around £150 per year, with the savings even greater in larger applications.
Key to these savings is ensuring that the air curtain used is fitted properly. The air stream should reach the floor, with no gaps at either side of the door which allow draughts to enter. Dimplex’s air curtains are suitable for doorways up to 6m high and in addition, the range is modular, so multiple units can be linked together for complete coverage of wider doorways.
What’s more, Dimplex air curtains can be used in de-rated or interlocked installation mode and thermostat regulation is standard, to give up to 97 percent savings on air curtain running costs. The units also feature a full Building Energy Management System (BEMS) interface to give maximum control, including a timed automatic switchdown mode for optimum energy savings when used with a compatible magnetic door sensor or PIR detector.
Dimplex
Tel: 01489 773336
marketing@dimplex.co.uk
www.dimplex.co.uk
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