Mars Air Curtains Replace Vestibules

Mars Air Curtains and Q'Mark Air Doors can replace Vestibules in New Construction


The Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA International) recently announced that air curtains are an approved alternative to vestibules. Following tests with air curtains in accordance with ANSI/AMCA standards and manufacturers' instructions, the 2015 version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will contain this new provision.

Specifying air curtains as an energy-saving, low-cost alternative to vestibules in new construction has already become a growing trend among engineers and architects. Air curtains work by creating an invisible sheet of air that bends and resists thermal exchange over an opening using the building's internal pressure. Vestibules, on the other hand, often detract from the building's aesthetics, consume valuable floor space and may impede egress in an emergency situation. Unlike vestibules, air curtains have less of a propensity to be negated by common situations, such as high traffic and propped doors, and still minimize the infiltration of airborne contaminants. For this reason, air curtains are approved by the National Sanitation Foundation for use in the food service industry as a means of insect control for customer entry doors, and service entry doors and windows.

Air curtains are now accepted by both the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) and IECC as an alternative to vestibules. The benefit of air curtains over vestibules was so apparent to P.A. Troyer, an architectural firm in Ft. Wayne, IN, that the company campaigned to amend the energy code to add air curtains as an alternative to vestibules at the state level.

In the past, Indiana energy codes required a vestibule, which takes up approximately 50 square feet, in every new building constructed.  This posed a challenge to smaller retailers because it meant the loss of valuable floor space. Many store owners wanted alternate solutions to the code requirements without surrendering precious floor space. P.A. Troyer turned to air curtains as the solution.

"After stepping back and considering the loss of space, the cost of the vestibule, and the inconvenience of going through two doors to enter the store, an air curtain seemed to be a logical choice," said Phil Troyer, architect at P.A. Troyer Inc.  "I was already familiar with air curtains used in grocery stores and drive-up windows to separate environments. After speaking with a local distributor in the area, we decided that an air curtain was the solution to solving the space problem."

Troyer presented the argument to the State of Indiana Planning Committee for six different sites. He was approved by the state for all six locations.  Today, the requirement for a vestibule has been resolved so that an air curtain is acceptable in a space that is less than 3,000 square feet, almost mirroring the IGCC and IECC requirements.

A recent study published by AMCA International evaluated the effectiveness of air curtains and confirmed that when compared to a vestibule, air curtains consistently meet or outperform vestibules in energy savings. The most recent study, Investigation of the Impact of Building Entrance Air Curtain on Whole Building Energy Use1, was conducted by Liangzhu Wang, PhD, assistant professor at the Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering of Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.  Dr. Wang compared the cost effectiveness of an air curtain mounted over a single-entry door versus a vestibule using an approach that integrated three types of modeling software: ANSYS Fluent for the CFD simulation, TRNSYS for the energy modeling, and CONTAM for modeling building air pressure and infiltration.

The study illustrated that whole building annual energy consumption, modeled with the air curtain door, is less in all climate zones when compared to the modeled vestibule door.  The modeled air curtain door can reduce energy consumption by 0.3% to 2.2% in colder climate Zones 3-8, but marginal for Zones 1 and 2, as no changes were made to the operating characteristics of the air curtain. The study also established that the building entrance orientation, frequency of use and the balance of the building HVAC system (pressure) affect air infiltration/exfiltration, and the overall energy performance of the air curtain.

The IECC is published by the International Code Council (www.iccsafe.org), "a member-focused association dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures."

By: Frank Cuaderno, vice president of engineering of Mars Air Systems, the international leader in high quality air curtains that help make buildings comfortable, sanitary and energy efficient. With more than 50 years in the business, and utilizing the industry-leading tools and services, Mars provides architects, engineers, food service consultants and other specifies with the most comprehensive air curtain solutions, while giving building owners the peace of mind of a reliable product and dedicated support. For more information, visit www.marsair.com or Anderson-Bolds.

Anderson-Bolds is the Mars Air Representative in Ohio and Kentucky.
216-360-9800

Air Curtains and Vestibules - ANSI/AMCA Standard 220

AIR CURTAINS APPROVED AS ALTERNATIVE TO VESTIBULES IN 2015 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE (IECC)

Air curtains can be considered as an alternative to vestibules in accordance with IECC-2015

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL., October 30, 2013 – Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA International) announced today that the 2015 version of the International Energy Conservation Code will contain a provision enabling air curtains to be considered as an alternative to vestibules. For compliance, air curtains have to be tested in accordance with ANSI/AMCA Standard 220, and be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

The International Energy Conservation Code is published by the International Code Council (www.iccsafe.org), “a member-focused association dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.”

Air curtains are devices installed above exterior door thresholds that blow a film (curtain) of air downward when the door is opened, trapping conditioned air inside the building.

“The IECC provision complements a similar provision adopted by the 2012 International Green Construction Code. Taken together, air curtains can help meet baseline energy codes and green construction codes,” said Brian Jones, Engineering Manager, Powered Aire, Inc., Greenville Penn., and chair of the AMCA Air Curtain Engineering Committee.

“AMCA International is proud of the AMCA Air Curtain Engineering Committee, Air Movement Code Action Review Committee, and Intercode Incorporated for their combined efforts to develop and support this successful code change proposal. We also want to thank the Colorado Chapter of ICC for working with us to develop the language, as well as the numerous code officials from around the country who supported and voted to approve the code change proposals,” said Wade Smith, PE, Executive Director, AMCA International.

Please review our Mars Air Doors - "Atmosphere is Everything"

www.anderson-bolds.com
216-360-9800

Mars Air Systems has been manufacturing high quality air curtains for over 50 years. Our air curtains protect building environments from energy loss and windborne dust, dirt and fumes, along with flying insects. The air barrier created by the light stream of air over a doorway helps to improve inside sanitation and reduce operational energy costs.

Mars Air Curtains qualify for LEED point credits when utilized with in a building management system and help to support Green Build initiatives.   Mars is a global company with factory trained manufacturers representatives and dealers/distributors located across the US and internationally. 

MARS Air Doors New Branding

MARS Air unveils New Branding

Mars Air Systems, the international leader in high quality air curtains and air doors, is setting the foundation for the next 50 years by redefining its mission, vision and brand identity. As part of the company’s rebranding initiative, Mars is launching a clean new website to engage customers through interactive videos, information portals and client case studies. The website also now serves as an industry resource for new laws, studies and programs related to energy-efficient air curtains. In addition, Mars has developed a new logo to reflect its overall vision and purpose – Mars: atmosphere is everything.

Mars has redefined its mission to be the company others want to do business with by: 

• cultivating an open, honest, and passionate culture for its employees;
• offering the broadest selection of high-quality, highly reliable air curtains in the industry;
• engaging in an open and trusting relationship with the representatives and distribution partners who sell Mars’ products;
• developing a close and mutually beneficial relationship with the architects, engineers and consultants who specify Mars’ products;
• demonstrating leadership by compiling the industry’s most thorough research and releasing those findings to professionals and the general public

“The pillar of our success for the past 50 years has been our commitment to exceptional customer service, quality products and industry leadership,” said Steve Rosol, president and CEO, Mars Air Systems. “This rebranding has given us the opportunity to introduce the future of Mars and our team’s enthusiasm is proof we are on our way to achieving the mission we have set forth. Our products create comfortable, sanitary and energy-efficient environments and our next 50 years will be dedicated to further evolving our industry and expanding into global markets.”

More than a year ago, Mars began its journey to better represent its position in the industry. Partnering with renowned branding agency, RiechesBaird, Mars set out to articulate the unique value it offers its customers, along with its purpose, mission and vision as the blueprint to its future. Today, Mars’ newest products offer fresh aesthetics while still maintaining air quality, air temperatures and reduced energy usage and costs. Representing a truly sustainable and LEED credit-approved option for HVAC needs, Mars’ products create a barrier that keeps outside temperatures from affecting the internal environment, saves energy and repels dust, flying insects and other outside contaminants. Mars continues to offer solutions for a wide variety of applications, both commercial and industrial, from manufacturing plants, warehouses and convention centers to buy-in bulk retail stores, restaurants and sports complexes.

For more information about Mars Air Systems and to view the new Mars online, visit http://www.marsair.com or call (800) 421-1266.

About Mars 
With more than 50 years in business, Mars Air Systems is the international leader in high quality air curtains and air doors that help make buildings comfortable, sanitary and energy efficient. Utilizing industry-leading tools and services, Mars provides architects, engineers, food service consultants and other specifiers with the most comprehensive air curtain/air door solutions, while giving building owners the peace of mind of a reliable product and dedicated support. Through an internal culture committed to making customers’ jobs easier and backed by dependable products, Mars is the industry’s most trusted name.

Anderson-Bolds handles Mars in the Ohio, WV and Kentucky market places.

mars@anderson-bolds.com
www.anderson-bolds.com
216-360-9800

Mars Air Doors

"The Best Air Doors On Earth, Come From Mars!" (and Anderson-Bolds).

The Most Cost-Effective Environmental and Sanitation Barrier You’ll Never See

Mars LoPro maintains environmental separation with a light flow of air.

Blending aesthetically into any facility’s décor, the low-profile LoPro air curtain reduces air conditioning and heating expenses while deterring flying insects and establishing a consistent environmental barrier for added comfort and better sanitation. Perfect for any situation where unobtrusive, reliable performance is desired, the LoPro unit offers variable air speeds and quiet operation.

Air Curtain Benefits:

• Reduces Energy Costs And Consumption
• Creates Effective Environmental Separation
• Maintains Interior Building Temperatures
• Provides Low Operational Costs
• Minimizes Dirt, Dust, And Fumes
• Prevents Flying Insects From Intruding
• Offers An Unobstructed View, Enhancing Safety

Lo Pro Series Features:

• Aesthetically Pleasing “Low Profile” 8" Design
• Low Noise Level For Quiet Operation
• Easy To Install
• Low Maintenance
• NSF Models Available
• 25" to 144" Door Widths
• Environmental Separation up to 8'
• Flying Insect Control up to 7'
• Four Colors Available: Black, White, Silver and Bronze
• Available with No heat, Electric heat or Steam Heat

Typical Applications: Drive-Up Windows • Concession Stands • Small Receiving Doors • Walk-In Coolers • Entrance Doors

Standard Series

Industrial Air Curtains

The Most Cost-Effective Environmental and Sanitation Barrier You’ll Never See

Mars Standard Series maintains environmental separation in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications.

Designed and built for a wide variety of industrial uses, the Mars standard model air curtain is a sturdy and durable unit offering reliable performance around the clock. Successful installations can be found in warehouses, industrial plants, municipal buildings, transportation terminals, hospitals, police and fire stations. Different air velocities make it possible to control all types of environments and protect against dust, fumes, flying insects and other unpleasant outdoor elements.

Standard Series Benefits:

• Reduces Energy Costs And Consumption
• Creates Effective Environmental Separation
• Maintains Interior Building Temperatures
• Provides Low Operational Costs
• Minimizes Dirt, Dust, And Fumes
• Prevents Flying Insects From Intruding
• Offers An Unobstructed View, Enhancing Safety

Mars Standard Series Features:

• Durable Metal Construction
• Corrosion Resistant Powder Coated Finish
• Easy To Install
• Low Maintenance
• 36" to 144" Door Widths
• Environmental Separation up to 10'
• Flying Insect Control up to 8'
• Colors are Grey, Black, White, Silver and Bronze
• Electric, Hot Water and Steam Heat available (and no heat)

HV

Industrial Series Air Curtains

The Most Cost-Effective Environmental and Sanitation Barrier You’ll Never See

Mars HV Series maintains environmental separation in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications.

Mars Air’s High Velocity (HV) model provides a stronger air flow for efficient performance in even extreme workplace conditions. The compact, space-saving units are a popular choice for packing and food processing plants, supermarkets and commissaries, breweries, restaurants, schools, hospitals and cold storage plants. The HV series provides an effective solution over cold storage doors because it reduces humidity and ice buildup, while sealing in cold air for greater energy efficiency and lower operating costs.

Mars HV series Benefits:

• Reduces Energy Costs And Consumption
• Creates Effective Environmental Separation
• Maintains Interior Building Temperatures
• Provides Low Operational Costs
• Minimizes Dirt, Dust, And Fumes
• Prevents Flying Insects From Intruding
• Offers An Unobstructed View, Enhancing Safety

Mars HV series Features:

• Durable Metal Construction
• Corrosion Resistant Powder Coated Finish
• Easy To Install
• Low Maintenance
• 36" to 144" Door Widths
• Environmental Separation up to 12'
• Flying Insect Control up to 10'
• Colors are Grey, Black, White, Silver and Bronze
• Electric, Hot Water, In-Direct Gas Fired and Steam Heat available (and no heat)

EP

Industrial Series Air Curtains

The Most Cost-Effective Environmental and Sanitation Barrier You’ll Never See

Mars EP Series maintains environmental separation in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications.

Mars Air’s Extra Power (EP) model provides a stronger air flow for efficient performance in even extreme workplace conditions. The compact, space-saving units are a popular choice for packing and food processing plants, supermarkets and commissaries, breweries, restaurants, schools, hospitals and cold storage plants. The EP series provides an effective solution over cold storage doors because it reduces humidity and ice buildup, while sealing in cold air for greater energy efficiency and lower operating costs.

Mars EP series Benefits:

• Reduces Energy Costs And Consumption
• Creates Effective Environmental Separation
• Maintains Interior Building Temperatures
• Provides Low Operational Costs
• Minimizes Dirt, Dust, And Fumes
• Prevents Flying Insects From Intruding
• Offers An Unobstructed View, Enhancing Safety

Mars EP series Features:

• Durable Metal Construction
• Corrosion Resistant Powder Coated Finish
• Easy To Install
• Low Maintenance
• 36" to 144" Door Widths
• Environmental Separation up to 16'
• Flying Insect Control up to 14'
• Colors are Grey, Black, White, Silver and Bronze
• Electric, Hot Water, In-Direct Gas Fired and Steam Heat available (and no heat)

Please let us know your application by using our form.

or Contact us via Email.

http://www.anderson-bolds.com/brands/mars-air-doors.htm

Or Call 216-360-9800