Clean Air Solution by Camfil USA. Leader in Air Filters for Commercial and Industrial applications.
With the highest filtration efficiency and lowest total cost of ownership in the industry, Camfil products can’t be beat.
For building owners, managers, operators, and maintenance personnel to make proper decisions about the equipment they use for air filtration, they need reliable and accurate information about their options. When considering a change of any kind, proper research is an absolute must. The decision to enhance or upgrade air filtration in a specific building should be based on the building, its occupants, its architectural design and engineering, and of course, feasibility and cost. Effective air filtration will improve overall indoor air quality (IAQ), promoting a healthier and more productive environment for everyone that works in the building.
General Cost Issues
Cost is always a major consideration when selecting new commercial air filters. The initial purchase price of filters can vary widely, but it’s also important to look at all of the factors that will be involved in the total life cycle of the products you are considering. The total cost of ownership for any air filter will be affected by several things:
- Initial cost of the product, including shipping and storage costs
- Operating cost – the energy consumed as a result of using the filters
- Replacement cost – time and labor required to replace filters at end of life
- Disposal costs – may include storage and labor for special disposal procedures
Once everything has been considered, you will most likely find the most cost effective solution is not always the one that comes with the lowest initial price tag.
Operating Conditions
Building pressure is also a big factor when deciding to change things within the HVAC system. If there is significant leakage of air through imperfections in the building, it could mean that filtration efforts will need to be stepped up in order to help offset any unfiltered air that enters through such openings. Another alternative would be to attempt to maintain a positive pressure within the building so that filtered air leaks out through any uncontrolled openings rather than unfiltered air entering.
In addition to the building itself, the state of the HVAC system will have an effect on how well any filter performs. If there is leakage in ducts or filter bypass (when air passes around a filter rather than through it) occurs, the level of filtration will not be optimal. It’s important to make sure that the HVAC system has undergone proper maintenance and that any chosen filters fit properly when installed in the system.
Filtration Requirements
Of course, filter selection will have to be based on the filtration requirements of the building where they will be used. A standard office building will have vastly different needs compared to a building that operates industrial equipment within its walls, or a medical facility where pure air is of the utmost importance.
All commercial air filters have a minimum efficiency reporting value, more commonly referred to as a filter’s MERV rating. The MERV rating basically tells you what size particles (measured in microns) a filter is capable of capturing, and what percentage of them it will remove from the air that passes through it. MERV ratings can range from 1, the lowest efficiency, to 16, which will provide the purest air. A simplified explanation of the various MERV levels is below.
MERV Efficiencies – 1 micron = 1 millionth of a meter
- 1 to 4— Less than 20% of large particles (3 to 10 microns) are captured
- 5 to 7—Between 20% and 69% of large particles are captured
- 8 to 10—Approximately 85% of large particles and 50% of small particles (1.0 to 3.0 microns) are captured
- 11 to 16—More than 90% of large particles and between 70% and 90% of small particles are captured
Camfil Provides Value and Efficiency
Only after all of the above factors have been considered can one make an informed choice based on real needs and true costs.
Camfil air products can be used to filter and clean the air in any indoor environment. Our products represent the very best in air filtration technology and innovation. From replacement filters capable of removing sub-micron sized particles and gases, to complete air circulation and filtration systems, every product is backed with more than 50 years of experience. With the highest filtration efficiency and lowest total cost of ownership in the industry, Camfil products can’t be beat.
Lynne Laake
Camfil USA Air Filters
T: 888.599.6620,
E:Lynne.Laake@camfil.com
F: Friend Camfil USA on Facebook
T: Follow Camfil USA on Twitter
Y: Watch Camfil Videos on YouTube
The post 3 Things to Consider When Changing HVAC Equipment appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air .