Air curtains approved as alternative to vestibules

The 2015 version of the International Energy Conservation Code will approve air curtains as an alternative to vestibules.

By Air Movement and Control Association International Inc. November 1, 2013

Air Movement and Control Association International Inc. (AMCA International) announced that the 2015 version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 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 IECC is published by the International Code Council

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.