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FAQs Page

Everything you need to know about shopping at AirCurtainsDirect.com — products, brands, sizing, pricing, shipping, returns, and more. Can't find your answer? Contact us directly — we respond fast.


About AirCurtainsDirect.com

Who are you and where are you located?
Air Curtains Direct is an online direct distributor of commercial grade air curtains, operated by ship2user — an Ontario, Canada based e-commerce company founded in 2004 by Dave Hammond of the Greater Toronto Area. Our mailing address is 1525 Point-O-Woods Rd, Mississauga, ON L5G 2X6. We serve commercial, industrial, retail, and hospitality clients throughout Canada and the USA.

What brands do you carry?
We currently specialize exclusively in two best-in-class commercial air curtain brands: Berner International and Schwank. Both are industry leaders with decades of proven performance across commercial, industrial, and institutional applications.

Who is Berner International?
Berner International is one of the most recognized air curtain manufacturers in North America, with over 60 years in the industry. Based in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Berner produces a comprehensive range of ambient, electric heated, and hydronic air curtains for commercial and industrial use. Berner products are AMCA certified and widely specified by engineers, architects, and facility managers for their reliability, performance, and energy efficiency credentials.

Who is Schwank?
Schwank is a global manufacturer of heating and air curtain solutions, with roots going back to 1933. Known for premium engineering and commercial-grade durability, Schwank air curtains are well-regarded in hospitality, retail, and industrial markets across North America and Europe. Schwank's air curtain lineup complements their broader heating product portfolio.

Are you an authorized dealer?
Yes. We are an authorized online distributor for both Berner International and Schwank. All products are sourced directly from the manufacturer with full warranties intact.

Do you serve both Canada and the USA?
Yes. We ship to both Canada and the United States. Pricing is shown in both CAD and USD — use the currency selector at the top of the site. We ship from within the USA to US customers and from within Canada to Canadian customers, minimizing cross-border complications and duties.

What other stores does ship2user operate?
ship2user operates a portfolio of currently six specialty e-commerce stores: Air Curtains Direct (commercial air curtains), Patio Heat Direct (outdoor patio heaters), High Velocity Outlets (Unico System HVAC), Natural Brick and Stone Depot (natural stone thin veneer), Wall SPC (siding and cladding), and Natural Stone Hardscaping (hardscaping stone).


Air Curtains 101 — What You Need to Know

What is an air curtain?
An air curtain — also known as an air door or fly fan — is a device that blows a controlled, high-velocity stream of air across a doorway or opening to create an invisible air seal. This seal separates two different environments (inside vs. outside) while allowing unobstructed traffic flow and clear sightlines through the opening. Air curtains are widely used in commercial and industrial settings to improve energy efficiency, maintain interior comfort, and reduce pest infiltration.

How does an air curtain work?
The process is straightforward:

  1. Air is drawn into the unit through an intake
  2. The fan accelerates the air through the housing
  3. The fast-moving air enters a plenum for even distribution across the full length of the discharge nozzle
  4. Airfoil-shaped vanes in the nozzle create a uniform, low-turbulence airstream
  5. The discharged air creates a jet stream to the floor — approximately 80% returns to the intake side, and 20% goes in the opposite direction

The result is a continuous air barrier that maintains separation between environments without any physical door.

Why use an air curtain?
Air curtains provide a range of measurable benefits:

  • Significant energy savings by reducing conditioned air loss through open doors
  • Reduced run time on HVAC, refrigeration, and air handling equipment
  • Elimination or dramatic reduction of flying insect infiltration (flies, mosquitos, wasps)
  • Maintained employee and customer comfort near entrances
  • Unobstructed traffic flow — no need to open/close doors
  • De-stratification of air for more even temperature distribution
  • Elimination of ice and fog formation at cold storage entrances
  • Improved air quality by reducing infiltration of dust, fumes, and pollutants

Do air curtains actually work?
Yes — when properly selected, sized, and installed, air curtains are highly effective. ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019 and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) recognize AMCA-certified air curtains as acceptable alternatives to vestibules in commercial buildings — a strong endorsement of their performance credentials.

Do air curtains keep flies and insects out?
Yes. Air curtains create a high-velocity airstream that flies, mosquitos, wasps, and other small insects cannot penetrate. The airstream is simply too powerful for them to fly through, deflecting them away before they can enter. This makes air curtains a popular choice for food service, restaurants, grocery stores, and food processing facilities.

Do air curtains help with heating and cooling?
Air curtains are not air conditioners or heaters on their own, but they are extremely effective at maintaining interior temperature by preventing conditioned air from escaping through open doorways. Electric heated and hydronic (hot water) models can also add supplemental heat to the entrance area in cold climates, warming people as they enter and further improving comfort.

Where are air curtains typically used?
Air curtains are installed across a wide range of applications:

  • Retail stores and supermarkets
  • Restaurants, quick service restaurants (QSR), and cafeterias
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
  • Warehouses, loading docks, and distribution centres
  • Food processing and cold storage facilities
  • Airports and transit terminals
  • Schools and universities
  • Hotels and hospitality venues
  • Indoor grow facilities and processing plants
  • Any commercial or industrial entrance where open doors are common

For a full deep-dive, read our Air Curtains 101 blog post.


Products & Selection

What types of air curtains do you carry?
We carry three main categories of air curtains:

  • Ambient (Unheated) — air-only models that create the air seal without adding heat; ideal for temperate climates or applications where supplemental heat is not needed
  • Electric Heated — incorporate electric heating elements to warm the airstream; ideal for colder climates and entrance areas where comfort heating is needed
  • Hydronic (Hot Water Heated) — use building hot water systems to heat the airstream; preferred in facilities that already have a hydronic heating infrastructure

We also carry a full range of accessories and replacement parts for both Berner and Schwank products.

How do I know what size air curtain I need?
Air curtain sizing is primarily determined by the width of the door opening. The air curtain must span the full width of the opening to create an effective seal. Standard door widths are commonly 3', 4', 6', or 8' — and air curtains are available to match. Height of the opening also matters, as taller openings require higher-velocity units to maintain an effective seal at floor level. For commercial and industrial projects, we recommend consulting with us directly or engaging an engineer for larger or more complex applications.

Do you offer design or consulting services?
Yes — we provide basic consulting services to help identify which products are suitable for your project, including door dimensions, mounting requirements, heating needs, and electrical/hydronic specifications. For more complex or larger industrial projects, third-party engineering consultation may be required, and we can point you in the right direction. Contact us with your project details and we'll assist.

Do you carry accessories and replacement parts?
Yes. We stock accessories and replacement parts for both Berner and Schwank air curtains. If you need a specific part that isn't listed on the site, contact us and we will source it.

What is the difference between Berner and Schwank air curtains?
Both are excellent, commercially rated products. Berner is one of the most specified brands in North America with a very broad model range — nearly any application has a Berner solution. Schwank brings strong European engineering heritage and is well regarded in premium commercial and hospitality applications. The best choice depends on your specific application, door dimensions, and performance requirements. Contact us and we'll help you choose.


Pricing & Promotions

Why do you show "List Price" instead of the sale price?
We adhere to Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) guidelines set by our manufacturer and brand partners. List prices are displayed on product pages, however our actual selling price is lower — the discount is applied automatically when you add the item to your cart. You will see the reduced sale price in your cart before checkout. No coupon code needed in most cases — it applies automatically.

What is your current promotion?
Our current promotion is 25% off sitewide, applied automatically at cart. If the discount does not apply automatically, enter code 25%off!%$ manually at checkout. Check the Current Promotion page for the latest details.

What if I find a lower price somewhere else?
We aim to offer the lowest all-in cost — product price, shipping, and service quality combined. If you find a lower advertised price on the same product from another authorized dealer, contact us and we'll do what we can to earn your business.

Do prices include taxes?
Prices shown do not include applicable taxes. Taxes are calculated at checkout based on your shipping destination.

Do you offer volume or commercial pricing?
For large commercial orders or multi-unit projects, contact us directly at dave@ship2user.com or call (289) 809-6762. We will do our best to accommodate.


Ordering & Payment

How do I place an order?
Browse the site, add items to your cart, and proceed to checkout. The promotional discount applies automatically. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Google Pay, Shop Pay, and Diners Club.

Can I place an order by phone or email?
For security, all transactions are completed online. Contact Dave directly at (289) 809-6762 or dave@ship2user.com if you require assistance during online check-out. 

Is it safe to enter my credit card on your site?
Yes. AirCurtainsDirect.com runs on Shopify, one of the world's most trusted e-commerce platforms. All transactions are SSL-encrypted. We do not store or have access to your credit card details.

Can I cancel or modify my order after placing it?
Contact us immediately at dave@ship2user.com with your order confirmation email and a note requesting cancellation. If we catch the order before it ships, we will cancel and issue a full refund. Once a shipment is on the floor or loaded for pickup, cancellation is no longer possible and a return must be arranged after delivery.


Shipping & Delivery

Where do you ship from?
Products ship directly from the respective manufacturer's facility — from within the USA to US customers, and from within Canada to Canadian customers, where possible. Schwank has facilities in both Canada and USA, while all Berner product ships from the USA. Occasional cross-border shipments may occur where required, and we are not responsible for duty, brokerage, or international handling fees if such occurs.

Where do you ship to?
We ship to all 48 contiguous US states and throughout Canada. For remote locations, water-access-only destinations, or other special circumstances, contact us before ordering as freight may need to be discussed individually.

How long does shipping take?
In-stock items typically leave the warehouse within one week. Most equipment requires some lead time — generally 1 to 4 weeks, occasionally longer for custom or special-order items. Once shipped, transit time is typically 3 to 7 business days via LTL ground freight. Smaller or single-box orders may ship via FedEx or UPS.

How is freight calculated?
Freight is calculated at checkout based on the total weight of your order and your destination. Add items to your cart and enter your postal code on the cart page to get a freight estimate before proceeding to checkout. We reserve the right to adjust freight pricing in rare cases where the site miscalculates — we will always contact you before proceeding.

What shipping carriers do you use?
We use LTL (less-than-truckload) ground freight for most orders. Smaller orders may ship via FedEx or UPS. We reserve the right to select the carrier and shipping method used.

My order arrived damaged — what do I do?
Inspect all freight deliveries before signing. If damage is visible, note it on the delivery receipt before the driver leaves — call us while the driver is still present if possible. Contact us at dave@ship2user.com with photos as soon as possible. Do not refuse the shipment — items returned freight collect will be refused. 

Should I book an installer before my order arrives?
We recommend caution when pre-booking installation dates before your order has shipped and a delivery window is confirmed. Lead times are estimates and while delays are rare, they do occasionally occur.


Returns & Refunds

What is your return policy?
Where applicable, we accept returns within 10 days of shipment date, subject to the following conditions:

  • Product and packaging must be unused, uninstalled, and undamaged
  • Original packaging and all documentation must be intact (removed protective films void return eligibility)
  • Returns are subject to a 25% restocking fee in most cases
  • Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer
  • We do not refund original outbound freight charges
  • Berner products sold online are final sale — no returns accepted

For full details, see our Refunds & Returns Policy.

How do I initiate a return?
Email dave@ship2user.com before shipping anything back. We will issue a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and instructions. Do not ship items back without prior authorization — unauthorized returns will not be accepted.

How long does a refund take?
Refunds are typically processed within 7–10 days of receiving the returned item. Allow an additional 1–2 billing cycles for the refund to appear on your credit card statement. Refunds are issued to the original payment method.

What if I received the wrong item or it arrived defective?
Contact us immediately with photos and a description. We will arrange a replacement or full refund at no cost to you.


Warranty

What warranty do Berner products carry?
Berner International products are backed by Berner's manufacturer warranty. Berner has been in business for over 60 years and stands firmly behind their products. Specific warranty terms vary by product line — warranty documentation is included with every purchase. Contact us for details on a specific model before you buy.

What warranty do Schwank products carry?
Schwank products are covered by Schwank's manufacturer warranty. As a premium global brand with decades of engineering heritage, Schwank has a strong warranty and support program. Contact us for model-specific warranty details.

How do I make a warranty claim?
Contact us at dave@ship2user.com with your order number, product model, and a description of the issue. We will liaise with the manufacturer on your behalf and guide you through the process.

Does warranty cover improper installation?
No. Manufacturer warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship only. Damage resulting from improper installation, misuse, or unauthorized modifications is not covered.


Installation & Technical

Do I need a professional to install an air curtain?
Electric heated and hardwired units must be installed by a licensed electrician. Hydronic units require a licensed plumber or HVAC technician. Ambient unheated models with standard plug connections can often be self-installed. Always follow the manufacturer's installation manual and comply with local codes.

Do you provide installation services?
We do not offer installation services directly. We provide product documentation, installation manuals, and technical guidance to assist your installer. Berner and Schwank both have technical support resources available for complex projects.

Does Berner offer technical support?
Yes. Berner International has a full technical support team and resources at berner.com.

Does Schwank offer technical support?
Yes. Schwank Group offers product and technical support at schwankgroup.com.

What electrical requirements do air curtains have?
Ambient models are typically low-draw and may plug into standard 120V outlets. Electric heated models often require 208V, 240V, or 480V dedicated circuits. Always verify electrical specs in the product listing or installation manual before ordering and before scheduling an electrician.

What mounting options are available?
Most air curtains mount overhead above the door opening. Some models offer surface, recessed, or side-mount configurations. Mounting hardware and brackets are available as accessories.


Why Choose AirCurtainsDirect.com

Why buy from Air Curtains Direct vs. a general distributor?
A few good reasons:

  • Specialized focus — we sell air curtains, period. Berner and Schwank exclusively. We know these products inside and out.
  • Authorized dealer — full manufacturer warranties, no grey-market risk.
  • Direct access to the owner — you deal with Dave Hammond directly, not a call centre. Fast, knowledgeable responses.
  • Competitive pricing — automatic promotional discounts applied at cart. We aim for the lowest all-in cost.
  • Ship-direct model — products ship from the manufacturer's own facility, within your country.
  • Full product range — ambient, electric heated, and hydronic models, plus accessories and replacement parts.

How quickly do you respond to inquiries?
We aim to respond the same business day, often within hours. You can reach us by chat, email, phone, or text.

Can I speak with someone who knows the products?
Yes — Dave Hammond handles customer inquiries directly. Call or text (289) 809-6762 or email dave@ship2user.com.


Contact & Support

How do I contact you?
Multiple ways to reach us:

I need help choosing the right air curtain — can you help?
Absolutely. Give us your door width, door height, application type, climate, and whether you need heating — and we'll point you to the right product. Reach us by chat, phone, or email.


Still have a question? Contact us — we're happy to help.

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