Air Curtain Market By Type (Non-Recirculating Air Curtains; Recirculating Air Curtains); By Mounting Type (Surface Mounted; Recessed); By Power Type (Electric Powered; Gas Powered); By End-Use Industry (Commercial; Industrial; Residential); By Application (Retail Stores & Malls; Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities; Hotels & Restaurants; Manufacturing & Warehouses; Others); By Distribution Channel (Online; Offline); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2032.

Air Curtain Market Size & Overview

The Air Curtain Market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. Air curtains are increasingly being adopted across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors due to their ability to create an invisible barrier of air that prevents the exchange of outside and inside air.

 

These systems enhance energy efficiency, indoor air quality & thermal comfort by reducing heat loss and preventing dust, insects, and pollutants from entering buildings. The growing emphasis on sustainable building solutions, HVAC efficiency & hygiene control in hospitals, food processing units & retail spaces is significantly driving market growth. Additionally, the integration of smart air curtains with IoT-based automation is gaining traction, further expanding market opportunities. However, challenges such as high initial costs & lack of awareness in developing regions may hinder growth. Despite these obstacles, continuous technological advancements, government regulations promoting energy efficiency & increasing urbanization are expected to drive demand for air curtains in the coming years.

 

Air Curtain Market Dynamics:

Market Drivers

Increasing Demand for Energy-Efficient HVAC Solutions

The growing emphasis on energy efficiency in commercial & industrial buildings is driving the demand for air curtains. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, HVAC systems account for 40% - 60% of total energy consumption in commercial buildings. Air curtains help reduce energy loss by up to 30%, preventing hot or cold air from escaping while maintaining indoor air quality. For example, in retail stores, supermarkets, and office buildings, air curtains are increasingly being used at entry points to minimize HVAC system load and improve thermal comfort.

Rapid Growth in the Commercial Sector and Urbanization

With urbanization on the rise, the commercial sector including shopping malls, restaurants, hospitals, and airports is expanding globally. According to the United Nations, 56% of the global population lives in urban areas, a number projected to reach 68% by 2050. This growth is fueling the need for efficient climate control solutions in high-traffic areas. For instance, airports like Heathrow & Dubai International use air curtains to maintain temperature control & prevent air contamination at entrances, reducing energy costs and enhancing passenger comfort.

 

Market Opportunities

Integration of IoT & Smart Control Systems in Air Curtains

The increasing adoption of smart buildings & automation presents a significant opportunity for the air curtain market. Advanced air curtains with IoT-enabled sensors & AI-based climate control systems can automatically adjust airflow based on real-time temperature and occupancy data. For example, Mitsubishi Electric and Panasonic have introduced smart air curtains that integrate with Building Management Systems (BMS), optimizing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs for commercial spaces.

Expanding Demand in Emerging Economies

Countries such as India, China, Brazil, and Indonesia are witnessing significant growth in retail, hospitality, and healthcare infrastructure. According to the World Bank, the global retail market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3%, creating new opportunities for air curtain manufacturers. Additionally, government initiatives promoting green buildings and energy conservation in developing economies are encouraging the adoption of energy-saving air curtains in commercial and industrial applications.

 

Market Restraints

High Initial Cost and Installation Complexity

Despite their long-term energy-saving benefits, air curtains require high upfront investment and professional installation, which may deter small businesses from adoption. Commercial-grade air curtains cost between $500 to $3,000 per unit, with additional expenses for electrical wiring and mounting. Small retail stores & local restaurants often opt for traditional doors or manual barriers instead of air curtains due to budget constraints.

Limited Awareness & Adoption in Developing Regions

While developed markets have widely adopted air curtains, many businesses in developing countries lack awareness regarding their energy-saving benefits. A study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) found that nearly 70% of commercial buildings in developing regions still rely on traditional door-sealing methods instead of air curtains. Moreover, lack of proper training & distribution networks limits the market's growth potential in rural & semi-urban areas.

 

Air Curtain Market Segmentation: A Comprehensive Overview

By Type

• Non-Recirculating Air Curtains

• Recirculating Air Curtains

 

By Mounting Type

• Surface Mounted

• Recessed

 

By Power Type

• Electric Powered

• Gas Powered

 

By End-Use Industry

• Commercial

• Industrial

• Residential

 

By Application

• Retail Stores & Malls

• Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities

• Hotels & Restaurants

• Manufacturing & Warehouses

• Others

 

By Distribution Channel

• Online

• Offline

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

 

Air Curtain Market Segment Analysis: Growth Trends Across Categories

By Type:

Leading Segment: Non-Recirculating Air Curtains

Non-recirculating air curtains hold the largest market share in the air curtain market, accounting for approximately 60% of the market. These air curtains are widely used in environments where air quality is crucial, such as in industrial facilities & cleanrooms. They provide a barrier between indoor & outdoor air, allowing for the prevention of dust, pollutants & insects from entering spaces, which is essential in maintaining a hygienic & energy-efficient environment. The demand for non-recirculating air curtains is driven by their ability to create effective barriers without mixing indoor & outdoor air.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Recirculating Air Curtains

Recirculating air curtains are the fastest-growing segment, with a CAGR of 9%. These are increasingly adopted in commercial and residential settings due to their ability to maintain indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption. As awareness of environmental sustainability and energy efficiency grows, more businesses and consumers are shifting toward recirculating models, which reuse indoor air to create a more energy-efficient barrier while keeping energy costs low.

 

By Mounting Type:

Leading Segment: Surface Mounted Air Curtains

Surface-mounted air curtains dominate the market, holding approximately 70% of the market share. These air curtains are easier to install & maintain, making them the preferred option for commercial & industrial spaces. They are typically mounted above doorways & openings, providing optimal airflow control without requiring significant structural alterations. The widespread use of surface-mounted units in high-traffic areas contributes to their strong market presence.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Recessed Air Curtains

Recessed air curtains are experiencing significant growth, with a CAGR of 10%. They are increasingly popular in modern architectural designs, especially in retail & hospitality industries, due to their aesthetic appeal. Recessed units are integrated into the ceiling or walls, providing a sleek look without visible units. Their ability to blend into a space without compromising performance is contributing to the rapid growth of this segment.

 

By Power Type:

Leading Segment: Electric Powered Air Curtains

Electric-powered air curtains are the leading segment, accounting for approximately 80% of the market share. These units are highly efficient & offer easy installation, making them ideal for a wide range of commercial, industrial & residential applications. Electric-powered air curtains are reliable, have a long service life & provide consistent airflow, making them the top choice for most users.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Gas Powered Air Curtains

Gas-powered air curtains are growing at a CAGR of 7%, driven by their energy efficiency in larger or remote areas where electricity supply may be limited or costly. Gas-powered models offer an alternative to electric units in industrial applications such as warehouses, factories & outdoor areas. Their ability to work independently of electric power grids is increasing their adoption in certain sectors.

 

By End-Use Industry:

Leading Segment: Commercial

The commercial sector holds the largest share of the air curtain market, with approximately 55% of the total market. The demand for air curtains in retail stores, malls, hotels & restaurants is particularly high, driven by the need for energy efficiency, temperature control, and air hygiene. The growing focus on customer comfort & energy savings is fueling the demand for air curtains in these commercial spaces.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Industrial

The industrial sector is the fastest-growing end-use industry, with a CAGR of 8%. As industries increasingly prioritize energy efficiency & worker comfort, the adoption of air curtains in manufacturing plants, warehouses & factories has risen significantly. Air curtains help maintain internal temperatures, prevent the infiltration of pollutants & improve the overall work environment, making them an essential tool in modern industrial facilities.

 

By Application:

Leading Segment: Retail Stores & Malls

Retail stores & malls represent the largest application segment, accounting for 40% of the air curtain market. The growing trend in retail to enhance customer experience while maintaining energy efficiency drives this demand. Air curtains in these environments help to control temperature, reduce energy costs, and maintain hygiene by preventing the entry of dust, dirt, and pests.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Hotels & Restaurants

Hotels and restaurants are the fastest-growing application segment, with a CAGR of 10%. The need for enhanced guest comfort, energy savings & improved air quality is leading to the rapid adoption of air curtains in these facilities. As the hospitality industry expands globally, the installation of air curtains in hotel lobbies, restaurant entrances & kitchens is increasing at a fast pace.

 

By Distribution Channel:

Leading Segment: Offline

Offline distribution channels, which include traditional retail stores, direct sales & contractors, account for 75% of the market share. The preference for purchasing air curtains through offline channels is driven by the need for personalized service, professional installation, and expert guidance. This segment remains dominant, especially in industries like hospitality & retail where installation & after-sales service are crucial.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Online

Online sales are the fastest-growing distribution channel, growing at a CAGR of 12%. The convenience of purchasing air curtains online, coupled with the growing number of online marketplaces & e-commerce platforms, is contributing to this growth. Consumers & businesses are increasingly opting for online purchases due to competitive pricing, ease of comparison & quick delivery.

 

By Region:

Leading Region: North America

North America holds the largest share of the air curtain market, accounting for approximately 35% of the global market. The region's dominance is attributed to the extensive use of air curtains in commercial and industrial sectors, particularly in the United States and Canada. The ongoing emphasis on energy efficiency and indoor comfort in North America ensures continued strong demand for air curtains.

Fastest-Growing Region: Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, with a CAGR of 9%. The rapid industrialization, urbanization, and growing retail and hospitality sectors in countries like China, India, and Japan are driving the demand for air curtains. Additionally, the region's rising awareness about energy-saving technologies and improved indoor air quality is fueling the market's expansion in APAC.

 

Air Curtain Market Report Coverage

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2032
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 1.2 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 1.9 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 7.3% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2017 – 2021
Unit	USD Billion, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Type, By Mounting Type, By Power Type, By End-Use Industry, By Application, By Distribution Channel, By Geography
By Type	Non-Recirculating Air Curtains; Recirculating Air Curtains
By Mounting Type	Surface Mounted; Recessed
By Power Type	Electric Powered; Gas Powered
By End-Use Industry	Commercial; Industrial; Residential
By Application	Retail Stores & Malls; Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities; Hotels & Restaurants; Manufacturing & Warehouses; Others
By Distribution Channel	Online; Offline
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	US, Canada, Germany, China, India, etc.
Market Drivers	Rising energy efficiency regulations, increasing demand for HVAC systems, growing commercial infrastructure development
Pricing and Purchase Options	Customized options available

 

Key Players in the Air Curtain Market

• Berner International

• Mars Air Systems

• Mitsubishi Electric

• Panasonic Ecology Systems (KDK)

• Toshiba Carrier

• Airtècnics

• Frico AB

• JS Air Curtains

• Reznor

• Dolphy India Pvt. Ltd.

 

Recent Developments

• On November 20, 2024, Airtècnics introduced the ARIS air curtain, a model that combines increased power, efficiency, and a sleek design. The ARIS features a larger turbine and a new motor, delivering up to 25% more power, which enhances air outlet speed and allows installations at heights up to 3.5 meters. Despite its compact size, it offers performance comparable to larger units and includes the Advanced PRO control system for intuitive operation.

• In 2024, Reznor launched the HACE (heated) and HAC (non-heated) air curtain models. These units are designed to enhance air quality, occupant comfort, and safety by preventing the infiltration of contaminants such as insects, dust, and fumes through entryways. The HACE/HAC series is suitable for various settings, including warehouses, retail stores, and office buildings, and features an industry-leading plenum design for maximum efficiency..

• On April 11, 2022, Berner International introduced the Architectural Elite, the first model in their new Architectural Collection. This air curtain features a cabinet design inspired by the Golden Ratio, aiming to blend aesthetics with functionality for main entrances. The Architectural Elite is designed to provide an effective environmental separation while complementing modern architectural styles.

 

Future Outlook

The future outlook for the air curtain market remains highly promising, driven by the growing emphasis on energy efficiency, climate contro & sustainable HVAC solutions across commercial, industrial & residential sectors. With rising awareness of energy conservation, air curtains are increasingly being adopted to reduce heating and cooling costs while improving indoor air quality. The expansion of smart buildings and IoT-enabled climate control systems is expected to further boost market demand, as modern air curtains are integrated with automated sensors and AI-based controllers for optimized performance. Additionally, stringent government regulations on energy consumption & green building initiatives are encouraging businesses to invest in air curtains as part of their sustainability strategies. Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific & Latin America are also witnessing significant adoption due to rapid urbanization and the expansion of the retail, healthcare & hospitality sectors. However, high initial costs & limited awareness in developing regions may pose challenges to widespread adoption. Despite these hurdles, advancements in low-noise, high-efficiency models and growing demand for aesthetically designed air curtains are expected to drive continuous market growth, making air curtains an essential component of modern energy-saving HVAC solutions.