An air filter life cycle cost analysis shows a user how to obtain the best value.
Although air filters are viewed by some as a commodity-type replacement item similar to rest room paper products or basic cleaning materials their application in HVAC systems makes them much more. Choosing the wrong filter can cost a facility hundreds of dollars a year for small buildings to tens of thousands of dollars a year for medium to large buildings.
The primary consideration for any facility should always be proper selection of air filters based upon the required air quality to protect building occupants or/and in manufacturing, protecting the process so product yield is not affected so company profits are unaffected. This involves the selection of air filters using their minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) recommended by cognizant authorities such as the American Society of Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Engineers (ASHRAE), local authorities or others directly recognized as experts for the processes involved. Once the MERV is established a life cycle cost analysis should be performed to ensure that the air filter products applied provide not only contaminant removal efficiency, but efficiencies of cost also.
Camfil has developed software that includes a database of over 25 years of experience to provide an accurate life cycle cost for using Camfil filters or competitive filters. Since over 80% of a filter’s true cost relates to moving air through the filter, or energy, a filter’s resistance to airflow over its life is critical and the prime consideration. Additional factors considered include local air quality, whether the filters maintain their efficiency, labor to service the filters, disposal costs and the initial cost per filter unit.
After a site survey or consult meeting the local Camfil distributor will run an LCC analysis in Camfil software. The user is provided graphic output comparing various filter selection options. Multiple options may be presented in one analysis. All related cost of ownership amounts are displayed including energy, filter cost, labor cost, waste cost, CO2 impact and landfill impact. Visual examples of each product analyzed are shown, so the user can confirm the products under consideration and ensure the latest manufacturer’s offerings are considered.
The Camfil software product database includes historical performance data relating to almost every air filtration product in North America.
For new construction or retrofit projects engineers can consult with Camfil Representatives and run analyses for different filter selection scenarios to ensure they are providing the best long term value for their customers.
Are you using the filtration that will give your facility the lowest total cost of ownership? Contact your local Camfil distributor to schedule your analysis today.
