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Energy Saving with PVC Strip Curtains — The Facts
An open doorway in a heated building is one of the most significant sources of energy loss in UK industrial and commercial premises. PVC strip curtains reduce this loss by 60–80% compared to an unprotected opening — with zero running cost and payback periods measured in weeks, not years.
How Heat Is Lost Through Open Doorways
Heat loss through open doorways occurs through two mechanisms:
- Stack effect / convection — warm air rises and escapes through the upper portion of the opening; cold air enters at floor level. This occurs even when there's no wind.
- Infiltration — direct exchange of internal and external air driven by wind pressure, forklift movement, or ventilation systems.
A typical 3m × 3m unprotected warehouse door left open in winter can lose the equivalent of a 10kW electric heater running continuously — simply from convective losses.
What Reduction Can PVC Strip Curtains Achieve?
Independent studies on industrial doorway sealing consistently show:
- 60–80% reduction in heat loss vs open doorway at rest
- 30–50% reduction in average heat loss accounting for pass-through events
- Up to 90% reduction with 80% overlap in temperature-critical cold store applications
Worked Example — Warehouse Door
Assume a 3m wide × 3m high loading bay door, open 10 hours/day, 5 days/week, heated to 18°C in winter (external average 5°C):
- Estimated heat loss through open door: ~85,000 kWh/year
- Gas cost at 7p/kWh: ~£5,950/year
- With PVC strip curtain (65% reduction): save ~£3,870/year
- Cost of strip curtain kit: ~£200–£350
- Payback period: 2–5 weeks
Cold Room Energy Savings
The economics are even more compelling for refrigerated spaces. Running a cold room with an unprotected doorway forces the refrigeration system to work significantly harder. A Polar Grade PVC strip curtain with 80% overlap can reduce cold room compressor run time by 20–40%, translating directly to lower electricity bills and extended compressor life.
Choosing the Right Overlap for Maximum Savings
Higher overlap = better sealing = more energy saved. However, higher overlap also means more resistance when walking through:
- 50% overlap — easy access, moderate energy saving
- 67% overlap — recommended balance for most warehouse and food applications
- 80% overlap — maximum saving, best for temperature-critical doors with lower traffic frequency
Additional Benefits Beyond Energy
- Reduced dust ingress (lower cleaning costs)
- Quieter working environment
- Reduced condensation and damp issues
- Lower HVAC maintenance burden
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