Berner Air Curtains

Why Berner Leads the Industry

A lot of manufacturers claim decades in business. Berner's history actually shaped how the entire industry works today.

AMCA-Certified Performance Standards

In the late 1970s, Berner led the effort to work with AMCA (the Air Movement Control Association) to create a certified, standardized method for rating air curtain performance. That's the same rating system buyers still rely on today to compare units apples-to-apples instead of guessing based on marketing claims.

Building Code Recognition

That advocacy paid off at the code level. AMCA-certified air curtains are now recognized as suitable vestibule alternatives under ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019, the IECC, and the IgCC, which means specifying a Berner unit can satisfy real building code requirements, not just a comfort preference.

Three Generations, One Location

Berner has been designed and built in New Castle, Pennsylvania, through three generations of leadership since 1956. The company invested $15.4 million in 2025 to expand that same facility to keep up with demand, a solid signal for anyone concerned about long-term parts availability and warranty support.

How Do I Choose the Right Berner Air Curtain Type for My Doorway?

Selecting the correct model starts with two measurements: door width and mounting height. Get those right and the rest of the decision narrows quickly.

• Width and Coverage: Match your door width to the curtain length, choosing a model that extends slightly beyond each side of the opening for complete coverage. A unit that stops short of the doorway leaves a gap, and that gap undoes most of the benefit.

• Mounting Height: Standard models work best at 8 to 10 feet, while high-performance units handle mounting heights up to 16 feet. The taller the doorway, the more air velocity you need to keep the stream effective all the way to the floor.

• Heated or Unheated: Your environment matters here. Heated models suit cold climates and loading docks, while unheated versions work well for climate-controlled spaces where temperature swings aren't the main concern.

• Compact Models for Drive-Thrus: For drive-through windows and service counters, compact models like Berner's Drive-Thru line deliver targeted airflow without overwhelming smaller openings.

• Smart Controls: Architectural and Industrial models can be paired with the Berner Air Smart Controller and app, which automatically adjusts fan speed based on local weather and doorway temperature. It also allows seamless integration with a building management system through BACnet, so facility teams can monitor and control multiple units from one dashboard.

Our team can review your specific measurements and recommend the exact Berner model that delivers optimal performance for your application. 

What Are the Energy Savings and Operating Costs?

The value case for a Berner unit comes down to how much energy it stops from leaking out an open door. The numbers hold up well against independent industry data too.

HVAC Savings and Payback

Berner air curtains typically reduce HVAC energy consumption by 20 to 30% compared to constantly running heating or cooling systems to compensate for open doors. The initial investment pays for itself through lower utility bills, often within 12 to 24 months, depending on your door traffic and climate.

Operating Costs by Model

Unheated models draw minimal power, usually between 0.5 and 3 amps, making them cost-effective for continuous operation during business hours. Heated units use more electricity but eliminate the need for separate space heaters near entrances.

Variable Speed Controls

Variable speed controls on select models let you adjust airflow based on seasonal needs, further reducing operating costs. Many facilities report annual savings of thousands of dollars after installing properly sized Berner units at high-traffic entrances.

How Difficult Is Installation and Maintenance?

Most buyers assume commercial-grade equipment means a complicated install. Berner units are built to avoid that.

Installation

Most Berner air curtains mount directly above doorways using standard brackets and basic electrical connections that any qualified electrician can complete in 2 to 4 hours. The units arrive pre-wired with clear installation guides showing exact mounting points and electrical requirements. Wall-mount and ceiling-mount options accommodate different building configurations without structural modifications.

Ongoing Maintenance

Maintenance involves quarterly filter cleaning or replacement, which takes minutes and requires no special tools. The direct-drive motors and blowers in Berner units eliminate belt adjustments and reduce service requirements compared to older air curtain designs. Annual inspections of mounting hardware and electrical connections round out the maintenance routine, keeping your unit running reliably for 15 to 20 years with proper care.

Common Applications

• Warehouse and loading dock doorways

• Retail and grocery store entrances

• Food service and sanitation-certified facilities

• Manufacturing plants with high-traffic openings

• Cold storage and walk-in cooler doorways

• Drive-through windows and service counters

• Hazardous or combustible-dust environments

Why Shop at Industrial Fans Direct for Berner Air Curtains?

Industrial Fans Direct maintains a full stock of Berner air curtains, and our 20+ years serving facility managers and contractors means we understand the urgency when doorway protection fails or a new installation needs quick completion. You'll work directly with product specialists who know Berner's specifications inside and out.

We beat competitor pricing through our Low Price Guarantee, and our established relationship with Berner gives you direct access to warranty support. Our technical team also reviews your application before you order, which helps you avoid costly sizing mistakes before they happen rather than after installation. 

Browse the full Air Curtains category if you're comparing other configurations alongside the Berner lineup.

• Low Price Guarantee and volume discounts

• Free Shipping on most orders

• Non-commissioned experts who give advice, not a sales pitch

• 20+ years focused exclusively on ventilation

Need help with an order? Contact our team.