Many myths surround automatic door systems, not unlike the kind of stories you might hear in a small town. People are quick to say they can read your mind and believe they consume excessive electricity while constantly breaking down. Ignore those myths and look at the technology objectively pocket pivot hinge, though, and you will find little to back them up. We have put some of these assertions to the test.
Consider the belief that automatic doors dramatically increase electricity costs compared to manual doors. It is a simple assumption to make: a motor running all day must be costly. In reality, the motor runs only briefly during each opening and closing cycle. Once you consider the heating or cooling lost because an employee has left a conventional door propped open, automatic doors often become the more energy-efficient option.
Do Automatic Doors Constantly Break Down?
This is a common complaint. While there is a grain of truth to it, the claim is often exaggerated. Under the hood of an automatic door there is a motor, control boards, sensors; with that many components there is a greater likelihood of something going wrong. However, a properly maintained system is highly reliable. In most cases a breakdown is due to poor maintenance and not bad engineering. It is akin to blaming the car for a flat when one has never thought to check the tire.
Do Automatic Doors Save Time?
Arguments exist on both sides. If it is just one person coming into the building, saving a couple of seconds is insignificant. However, in busy hospitals or retail stores with heavy foot traffic, those seconds quickly add up. A customer with his arms full or a nurse with a gurney would rather not be fiddling with a handle. The goal is to make daily operations smoother and more efficient.
No Guarantees
Don't assume that automatic means flawless. Weather, dirt, and everyday wear eventually affect performance. Without regular upkeep, even a well-installed automatic door can begin to develop problems over time. You cannot install reliability and walk away from it any more than you can with a lawn; it requires attention. Make a set and forget affair of the system and you will discover that minor hassles have turned into an expensive proposition.