HVAC Air Filtration for Transit Systems: Trains, Subways, Buses and Cruise Ships

Transit operators move millions of people through enclosed spaces every day. In 2025, Americans took 8.1 billion trips on public transit, and cruise lines carried 37.2 million passengers.¹ ² For operators, the air inside those spaces must be effectively maintained and the filter in a vehicle or station air handler is where much of that work happens. The right filter depends less on a single efficiency rating than on how the system moves air, how much space the frame allows, how the filter is maintained and whether it fits the equipment already in place.

Air filtration needs vary widely across different forms of transportation, from commuter trains, subways, and buses to cruise ships.  

Commuter Trains, Subways and Buses

Land transport carries the heaviest in-cabin particle load of the major transport modes. A review of 261 studies found that particles from traffic exhaust and from brake, wheel and rail wear enter cabins through doors and ventilation systems, and that a high-efficiency cabin filter reduced ultrafine particles and PM2.5 inside taxis.³ Underground systems add their own source, since braking and wheel-on-rail contact generate metal-rich dust in tunnels and on platforms.

For an operator, the first question is practical. Where does the air that reaches passengers come from, and does it pass through a system that can filter it? A filter only treats the air moving through its own unit. From there, the equipment sets the terms: the airflow the system moves, the filter depth the housing allows, the pressure drop the fan can carry, and how well the filter seals in its frame. Those limits, not the rating alone, decide what can be installed and kept in service, and they shape the maintenance schedule and how often a filter has to be changed.

Camfil’s AQ13, 30/30 Dual 9 and Hi-Flo ES are particle filters for building HVAC systems such as those in stations and terminals, and they also serve vehicle and vessel systems where the equipment suits them.

The Hi-Flo ES is a bag filter for stations and terminals that have the depth to house it. It runs from MERV 11 through MERV 15, carries a 12-month guarantee, and can be used without a prefilter to hold down energy use.

The AQ13 is a pleated panel filter rated MERV 13/11A that Camfil describes as fully compliant with ASHRAE 241. It comes in one, two and four-inch depths, which helps in transit equipment where frames are often shallow. Camfil positions its low pressure drop as a reason it can suit a move from MERV 8 to MERV 13. Whether that upgrade works in a given system depends on the system itself: the fan’s capacity, the space available and the pressure drop the equipment can accommodate. A higher-efficiency filter should not be assumed to drop in without checking those limits, and some systems will need adjustment to take it.

The 30/30 Dual 9 is a pleated panel filter rated MERV 9 and 9A with a dual-layer media in a moisture-resistant beverage board frame. Camfil guarantees it to remain in service for 12 months in commercial-duty applications and 9 months in industrial applications. It is used both as a prefilter ahead of higher-efficiency filters and as a stand-alone filter in rooftop units, package systems and air handlers. It captures a smaller share of fine particles than the AQ13, so the choice between the two comes down to the particles a system needs to control and what the equipment can carry.

Service life and operating cost are related but separate considerations. A filter that creates less airflow resistance can lower fan-energy consumption, and a longer-lasting filter can mean fewer changeouts and less labor, but neither is automatic. The gain depends on the system, the dust load and how the filter is maintained. Standard sizes help keep the right filter on hand. Custom sizing is available on the pleated AQ13 and 30/30 Dual 9, though not on the Hi-Flo ES or Durafil ES3.

Particle filters do not remove exhaust gases or the chemical vapors from cleaning products. Those call for source control, ventilation, or a carbon or molecular filtration stage built for gases and odors, used alongside the particle filter rather than in place of it. In vehicle passenger areas, that stage is Camfil’s CityPleat. For stations and terminals, it could be one of several products. The CityPleat is a combination particle and molecular filter in a pleated panel filter format and can be used wherever pleated filters are commonly used. The CityCarb I is also a combination particle and molecular filter in a V-bank configuration and often used wherever final filters are installed. Finally, for heavy-duty applications, the CamCarb XG is a cylinder filter containing molecular media and installed in special housings. This is a solution for extreme levels of gases and odors that need to be controlled.

Cruise Ships and Passenger Ferries

A ship has two filtration problems in one hull. Passenger spaces such as cabins, dining rooms and public areas run on HVAC systems much like a building’s. The mechanical areas, engine rooms and machinery spaces have their own ventilation and a dirtier, harder-working air supply. The filter choice differs between them. Large passenger and vehicle ferries share the same split, so the same filter choices apply.

Outdoor air at sea is not automatically clean. A survey of four cruise ships measured particle counts on open decks and found the highest readings behind the smokestacks. On one ship, the average near a running track behind the stacks was about 12,700 particles per cubic centimeter, against roughly 1,500 at the bow.⁴ Air drawn into a ship’s intakes carries part of that load, which is one reason intake filtration matters.

In passenger spaces, the same particle filters used on land apply where the HVAC system suits them. The AQ13 brings MERV 13/11A filtration where depth is limited, and the 30/30 Dual 9 serves as a prefilter or stand-alone panel. Mechanical areas place different demands on a filter: higher dust loads, continuous running and little tolerance for downtime. Two Camfil filters fit these spaces. The Hi-Flo ES is a bag filter available from MERV 11 through MERV 15, with a 12-month guarantee, and it runs with or without a prefilter. The Durafil ES3 is a V-bank filter available in MERV 13A, 14A and 16A. Both are used in ship mechanical areas.

As on land, odors and gases are a separate task. Galley exhaust, fuel and machinery produce odors that a particle filter does not touch, and a carbon or molecular stage is what addresses them. Since space is a premium on vessels, the CityPleat or CityCarb I are often ideal choices.  

How Camfil Helps Transit Operators Get the Right Filter Fit

Even a well-chosen filter underperforms when it is fitted poorly. Camfil’s service procedure calls for checking frames and gaskets, fitting the filter in the direction of airflow, and recording the installation date. A good seal keeps air from bypassing the filter instead of passing through it, and the recorded date gives the maintenance team a reference for inspection and replacement. On systems that run continuously, that record is often what keeps a change from being missed until airflow drops.

For a transit operator, filter selection is an equipment decision before it is a product decision. The filter has to match the system’s airflow and the space in the housing, seal properly in its frame, fit a maintenance schedule the team can hold to, and be available in the sizes the fleet uses. Efficiency rating matters, but only within those limits. The practical next step is a system-by-system review with Camfil to match each filter to the application it is documented for, rather than choosing one filter for the whole operation.

Sources

1. American Public Transportation Association, APTA Public Transportation Ridership Update, April 2026. https://bit.ly/47xxE8F
2. Cruise Lines International Association, 2026 State of the Cruise Industry, April 2026. https://bit.ly/3WnyYsb
3. Wang, Haimei, et al. A Global Multidimensional Analysis of Air Pollution in Land, Sea, and Air Transport Cabins Reveals Substantial Health Risks. One Earth, vol. 8, no. 1, 2025, article 101156. https://bit.ly/47y34M7
4. Kennedy, Ryan David. An Investigation of Air Pollution on the Decks of 4 Cruise Ships. Stand.earth, 2019. https://bit.ly/4z6qDaO
5. Camfil 30/30 Dual 9 Pleated Panel Air Filter Guarantee (Guarantee-Camfil-3030-Dual-9-Pleated-Panel-Air-Filter.pdf).
6. Camfil Hi-Flo ES Guarantee Letter (Guarantee-Hi-Flo-ES-Guarantee-Letter.pdf).
7. Camfil Durafil ES3 Guarantee (Guarantee-Durafil-ES3-Guarantee.pdf).

The post HVAC Air Filtration for Transit Systems: Trains, Subways, Buses and Cruise Ships appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.

from Air Filters for Clean Air

Getting School HVAC Ready Over the Summer

Summer break gives schools uninterrupted access to prepare the building and facilities for the upcoming year, ensuring a safe and healthy return for the students. HVAC systems are a crucial part of keeping students and faculty safe during the school year by improving the air everyone will breathe.

For Maintenance Managers and Superintendents, providing a high-efficiency filter solves more than the risk of particulate matter in the air. The more efficient a filter, the fewer change-outs and labor needed to service an HVAC unit, saving the district thousands of dollars. 

Air filtration is central to a healthy academic environment. In a typical classroom of 30 students, about three are statistically likely to have asthma. Poor indoor air quality has been shown to cause respiratory problems, reduce attendance, and hurt concentration.

The benefits are measurable. A study across 30 primary schools in Bradford, England, found that classrooms with HEPA air filters had over 20 percent fewer pupil absences than classrooms without them. The lead researcher, Professor Cath Noakes of the University of Leeds, presented the findings at the World Health Organization Europe Indoor Air Conference in September 2023. A similar study in Milan found that classroom air filters reduced pupil absences by 12.5 percent.¹

A well-designed filtration strategy also affects operating expenses, maintenance schedules, and system reliability for the rest of the school year.

Why Summer Is the Window

During summer, maintenance departments have access that they cannot get once school resumes. Rooftop units and air handlers can be serviced without disrupting day-to-day activities on campus.

Summer is also a safer time to work on rooftop equipment than the winter months.

Major HVAC service should take place at least two weeks before teachers return, with seasonal HVAC planning and equipment readiness scheduled 30 to 45 days before cooling and occupancy demands begin to rise.

Start With the Filters

Summer is the right time to evaluate whether filtration efficiency should be upgraded. Moving from MERV 8 to MERV 13 improves the average filtration efficiency for particles in the 1.0 to 3.0 micron range, from between 20-35 percent to at least 85 percent and from 70 percent to more than 90 percent in the 3.0 to 10.0 micron range.

Proper installation matters as much as filter performance. Even a filter with a high rating loses effectiveness if air bypasses the media because the frame is not properly sealed.  Optimizing your HVAC filters is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost steps schools can take to improve indoor air quality before students return.

AQ13 Panel Filter

Schools with rooftop units or single-stage air handling systems often face space limitations that make deeper filters impractical. The Camfil AQ13 Panel Filter provides a direct path from MERV 8 to MERV 13 filtration without requiring deeper filter configurations. This MERV 13/11A pleated panel filter complies with ASHRAE 241 and is available in 1, 2, and 4 inch depths with low pressure drop. A high-strength frame and welded wire backing help maintain rigidity and durability across its service life. For schools looking to improve filtration efficiency in existing rooftop equipment, the AQ13 offers an effective solution without major system modifications.

Hi-Flo ES Bag Filter

Schools with larger air handling units that accommodate pocket filters have different priorities. Energy efficiency, maintenance intervals, and long service life often matter as much as filtration performance.

The Camfil Hi-Flo ES Bag Filter combines high-efficiency filtration with the lowest average pressure drop for low energy cost. It is guaranteed to last 12 months or longer without a prefilter. Tapered pockets use Controlled Media Spacing to maximize use of the filter media, and the molded frame helps prevent air bypass. Its extended service life means fewer filter changes during the school year, which reduces maintenance interruptions and lowers labor and disposal costs.

Durafil ES3

Facilities that require a high-efficiency final filtration stage have another option.

The Camfil Durafil ES3 is a compact V-bank final filter designed for high-efficiency commercial HVAC applications. It is available in MERV 13/13A, MERV 14/14A, and MERV 16/16A efficiency ratings (ASHRAE 52.2), and is engineered to provide a low initial pressure drop and high dust-holding capacity, helping to reduce energy use and extend filter life. Its compact design enables high filtration performance in air handling units while helping lower life-cycle operating costs, making it well suited for schools and other facilities seeking improved indoor air quality. 

Match the Filter to the System

Selecting the right filter depends on the equipment already installed.

Choose the AQ13 Panel Filter for rooftop units and single-stage systems that need a practical upgrade to MERV 13. Use the Hi-Flo ES Bag Filter where air handlers accommodate pocket filters and long service life with low energy consumption is the priority. Select the Durafil ES3 as the final filtration stage where high efficiency and the lowest life-cycle cost are the primary goals.

The Payoff: Cleaner Air and Lower Costs

Summer HVAC preparation delivers benefits well beyond operational efficiency.

Schools without significant maintenance backlogs see about four to five additional students present each school day for every 1,000 enrolled, along with roughly 10 to 13 percent fewer annual dropouts compared to similar schools that have deferred maintenance.²

Air quality also affects achievement. Research shows that students in classrooms with better air quality perform at higher levels on standardized math and reading assessments.

Financial performance matters too. HVAC systems typically account for 40 to 60 percent of a school’s building energy use. Filters with high pressure drop or short service life force systems to work harder, and they increase labor and disposal costs through more frequent replacements.

Looking at total cost of ownership rather than purchase price helps schools capture savings across the entire life of the filtration system.

“Summer gives schools the opportunity to prepare HVAC systems before classrooms fill again. The most effective approach is to match the right filter to each stage of the system and evaluate performance based on total cost of ownership, not price alone,” said Jason Cooper, Business Development Manager for Camfil, USA.

A Simple Summer Checklist

•  Visually check that all HVAC filters are in good physical condition and operating within manufacturer’s specifications 
• Review current MERV ratings and upgrade where the system allows
• Inspect frame seals and fit to eliminate air bypass
• Clean coils and drain pans before cooling season
• Confirm outdoor air dampers and economizers are operating correctly
• Schedule maintenance before the late-summer rush
• Document all service work for board reporting and audit records

FAQ

Why is summer the best time for school HVAC maintenance?

Summer gives crews safe access to rooftop equipment and air handlers while buildings are unoccupied. It also lets districts complete planned work before contractors and filter inventories become stretched during back-to-school season.

What MERV rating do schools need?

Schools should always follow any state or local requirements, but many schools are upgrading from MERV 8 to MERV 13 where system design allows, because of the improved filtration efficiency for smaller airborne particles. The right rating depends on the HVAC system and applicable indoor air quality requirements.

How often should schools change HVAC filters?

Filters should be replaced when physically damaged or when pressure drop has increased to the point airflow into the building decreases below acceptable levels.  This timetable depends on the quality of the filter, the filter type, system design, and operating conditions.

What is ASHRAE 241, and does it apply to schools?

ASHRAE Standard 241 establishes minimum requirements for reducing the risk of disease transmission through infectious aerosols in buildings, including schools. It addresses ventilation, air cleaning, and system operation. 

For filters evaluated under ASHRAE Standard 52.2, Standard 241 requires MERV-A ratings, which measure filtration efficiency after conditioning and provide a better indication of how well a filter maintains its performance over time. 

Do higher-efficiency filters raise energy costs?

Not necessarily. Pressure drop has a significant influence on energy use. A filter designed with low pressure drop can deliver higher filtration efficiency while still helping control operating expenses.

Summer is the best window schools have to prepare their HVAC systems for the year ahead. Start your staged filtration strategy by selecting a filter that matches the equipment, and evaluate solutions based on total cost of ownership rather than purchase price.

To develop the right filtration strategy for your school district, speak with a Camfil air quality expert or request a site survey.

Camfil has been helping people around the world breathe cleaner air through premium air filtration solutions for over 60 years. Our products improve indoor air quality, protect critical processes, and support energy-efficient HVAC performance across commercial, healthcare, education, and industrial applications.

 

Sources

¹ National Education Union, “Good ventilation in schools and colleges and how to achieve it.” Bradford study led by Professor Cath Noakes, University of Leeds, presented at the World Health Organization Europe Indoor Air Conference, September 2023. https://neu.org.uk/latest/library/good-ventilation-schools-and-colleges-and-how-achieve-it

² How Does Indoor Air Quality Impact Student Health and Academic Performance? https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/how-does-indoor-air-quality-impact-student-health-and-academic-performance

The post Getting School HVAC Ready Over the Summer appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.

from Air Filters for Clean Air

How Healthcare Facilities Layer Their Air Filtration

Air quality needs vary across healthcare facilities, but the goal remains the same: protecting patients, their families and healthcare workers, as well as the critical processes that support patient care. From public lobbies and administrative offices to patient rooms, operating rooms and pharmacy cleanrooms, each space presents different risks. The right filtration strategy should reflect how the space is used, who may be exposed and the level of protection required. 

Healthcare facilities address these differences by selecting filters based on how the space is used and the level of protection required.

Most patient treatment areas use a pre-filter followed by a high-efficiency final filter. Environments with the greatest clinical risk add a third stage of HEPA filtration to protect patients, visitors and staff.

In healthcare, the consequences of failure can be fatal. Between October and December 2025, six immunocompromised transplant patients at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital developed invasive Aspergillus infections during a nearby hospital redevelopment project. Two died. Health authorities were unable to positively identify a single conclusive cause, but adjacent construction work and a balcony posed the greatest risk. The hospital’s response included a deep clean of the transplant ward, upgrades to air filtration systems, and comprehensive air testing.¹

Why Healthcare Facility Air Is Different

Healthcare facilities care for people who are often more vulnerable to airborne particles and pathogens than the general population. Some patients are recovering from surgery. Others have weakened immune systems from illness, treatment or transplant procedures. This raises the bar for indoor air quality.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted that individuals receiving high doses of chemotherapy, along with those receiving organ or stem cell transplants, face some of the highest risks from airborne microorganisms, including common environmental fungi.

Meeting those needs is not just best practice. Healthcare ventilation requirements are governed on a state-by-state basis in the U.S., with many states following  ASHRAE Standard 170, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities, which establishes minimum ventilation and filtration requirements for many healthcare spaces. In many areas of a hospital, this means a two-bank filtration system with a prefilter followed by a high-efficiency final filter. The most critical spaces go a step further and require or recommend terminal HEPA filtration.

“The most effective healthcare filtration strategies recognize that every space has different requirements,” says Mark Davidson at Camfil. “Standard 170 follows a layered approach, allowing facilities to match filtration to the level of risk involved. In those spaces where the risk is highest, HEPA filters are required. These filters are often protected by high-efficiency filters upstream such as MERV 14 or MERV 16. “

The Three-Stage Filtration Train

Healthcare filtration works best when each filter performs a specific role within a complete system.

Stage one is the prefilter. Its job is to remove larger airborne particles before they enter the rest of the air handling system. Removing this material early protects the more valuable downstream filters from unnecessary loading and keeps equipment clean.

Stage two is the high-efficiency filter. This stage captures the finer particulate that the prefilter cannot. Most general healthcare areas use this as their final stage.

Stage three is HEPA filtration. HEPA filters are required where the risk of infection is highest, not only for the patient, but for visitors and staff as well. Rather than serving the entire building, HEPA filters are often installed in terminal housings nearest the diffusers. 

Camfil’s product portfolio maps to each stage of this system.

The 30/30 Dual 9 Panel Filter serves as the prefilter. This MERV 9 pleated panel filter, also rated under ISO 16890 as ePM10 55%, features radial pleats and welded wire backing. It carries a 5-Star Energy Cost Index rating and is guaranteed to last 9 to 12 months in commercial use. Its role is to protect downstream high-efficiency and HEPA filters while keeping the air handler coils clean. A longer service life also reduces the number of filter changeouts.

The Durafil ES3 fills the high-efficiency stage. Available in MERV 13, 14, and 16 efficiencies, corresponding to ePM1 70% to 95% under ISO, it complies with ASHRAE 170 requirements for many patient care areas and also serves as the upstream high-efficiency stage before HEPA filtration in critical spaces. It offers the lowest life-cycle cost and the lowest average pressure drop of any comparable ASHRAE-rated high-efficiency filter. 

Note on MERV notation: Camfil filters are also designated with MERV-A ratings under ASHRAE 52.2 Appendix J, which measures efficiency after conditioning and indicates a filter’s ability to maintain its efficiency rating. A MERV 13/13A rating for example, means the filter will maintain its MERV 13 performance for the duration of its service life. 

For spaces that require the highest level of filtration, Camfil’s Megalam Panel Filters provide the terminal HEPA stage. These HEPA and ULPA mini-pleat panel filters deliver tested and certified efficiencies ranging from 95%  at 0.3 micron to 99.99995% at the most penetrating particle size. For air handling units designed to hold box-style HEPA filters, Camfil offers the Absolute VG, a lightweight but exceptionally strong V-bank style HEPA filter with certified capture efficiency of 99.99% on 0.3-micron particles. 

The Payoff: Safer Air and Lower Costs

A layered approach supports long-term operating efficiency alongside infection control.

A quality prefilter captures larger particulate matter before it reaches downstream high-efficiency and HEPA filters. It also extends the life of those higher-value filters and reduces replacement frequency.

Healthcare facilities run continuously and use significant energy to condition and move air. Filters with lower average pressure drops reduce the energy needed to circulate air, which drives down operating costs.

Longer-lasting filters mean fewer maintenance interruptions. In continuously operating facilities, every filter replacement takes staff time and creates potential disruption to critical care areas. Eliminating unnecessary replacements supports both operational efficiency and total cost of ownership.

What to Review in Your Facility

Healthcare facilities should periodically review their filtration strategy to make sure it still supports both operational requirements and applicable standards.

• Verify each space complies with the requirements within ASHRAE Standard 170
• Confirm that a prefilter protects every high-efficiency and HEPA filter bank
• Verify the seal and installation integrity of HEPA filters in critical spaces, not just the filter media
• Change filters based on pressure drop monitoring rather than a fixed calendar
• Maintain filtration records to support accreditation and infection control reviews

 

FAQ

What air filters do hospitals use?

Most hospitals use layered filtration systems. These consist of a prefilter followed by a high-efficiency final filter. Terminal HEPA filters are added to critical spaces such as high-risk procedure operating rooms and pharmacy cleanrooms.

What does ASHRAE 170 require for healthcare filtration?

ASHRAE Standard 170 establishes minimum ventilation and filtration requirements for many healthcare spaces. Two-bank systems are common in most areas, and terminal HEPA filters are recommended for the most critical environments.

Where is HEPA filtration required in a hospital?

HEPA filters are used in critical applications, including operating rooms designed for high-risk procedures, protective environment rooms, airborne infection isolation rooms and compounding pharmacy cleanrooms.

Is a high-efficiency filter the same as a HEPA filter?

No. High-efficiency filters are tested according to ASHRAE Standard 52.2 and are rated between MERV 13 – MERV 16. HEPA filters are tested according to one of three accepted standards: IEST RP-CC001, EN1822 or ISO29463. HEPA filters should be individually tested and labeled with the results of the test.

How often should healthcare filters be changed?

Filter changeout frequency should be driven by pressure drop monitoring. Pressure drop increases as the filter loads with dirt. Higher pressure drop forces the fan to work harder to supply the required volume of air, which increases energy costs.  

Healthcare air filtration works best when every stage has a clear role. Combining prefiltration, high-efficiency filtration, and HEPA filtration where needed lets facilities match air quality to each space while improving operational efficiency.

To review the right filtration strategy for your healthcare facility, contact a Camfil Air Quality Expert or request a facility assessment.

 

Sources

¹ Sydney Local Health District statement, February 2026. Coverage: SBS News, “Two patients have died after a fungal outbreak at Sydney hospital,” February 26, 2026. https://bit.ly/4x5wyvo

The post How Healthcare Facilities Layer Their Air Filtration appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.

from Air Filters for Clean Air

How Commercial Buildings Can Stay Ahead of Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke is a year-round concern for facility managers across North America, not just for buildings near active fires.

During the 2023 Canadian wildfires, NOAA estimated that more than 86 million people across the East Coast and Midwest metropolitan areas were exposed to fine particulate pollution above the federal health standard, with pollutants traveling thousands of miles from the source.

READ: Air Quality Specialists Jennifer Webb and Jon Holmes On Wildfires & Air Quality in Let’s Talk Clean Air Podcast

What Wildfire Smoke Does to a Commercial Building

The problem for facility owners and operators is more complicated than keeping smoke out of interior spaces.

Wildfire smoke contains both particles and gases. Roughly 90 percent of the total particulate mass is PM2.5, the fine particles small enough to penetrate deep into lung tissue and enter the bloodstream.

The smoke also carries nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and other harmful molecules that irritate the respiratory tract and eyes and produce strong odors.

The World Meteorological Organization reports that PM2.5 concentrations following extreme fire events often run 10 to 20 times higher than the levels the World Health Organization recommends.

These particles are tiny, typically between 0.05 and 0.4 microns, which makes them harder to capture than most of the airborne particles a commercial building is designed to filter.

A wildfire-specific filtration strategy protects employees and occupants, preserves indoor air quality, and keeps HVAC equipment running.

Why a Standard MERV Filter Is Not Enough on Its Own

A common misconception is that upgrading to a higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating will solve the wildfire smoke problem.

MERV ratings measure a filter’s ability to capture particulate matter. They do not account for gases, odors, or molecular contaminants. Even efficient particle filters let many smoke gases and odors pass through.

That said, higher MERV ratings do capture more fine particulate. A MERV 14 filter, for example, captures roughly 90 percent of particulates between 1.0 and 3.0 microns on average.

For wildfire applications, many specifiers recommend a MERV-A rating of 14 or higher, designated as MERV 14/14A.

Combining Particle and Gas Filtration

The best approach for wildfire smoke in commercial buildings combines high-efficiency particulate filtration with gas and molecular filtration.

Particles and gases behave differently and require separate filtration methods. High-efficiency filters handle PM2.5. Molecular filtration uses activated carbon and other media to remove gases, odors, and VOCs. Molecular filtration generally is installed in recirculating airstreams, so contaminants are continually pulled out as indoor air cycles through the system.

One way to do this is with CityCarb combination V-cell filters. These combine particulate and molecular filtration in a single assembly and fit standard 12-inch-deep air handling units. CityCarb filters use two layers of pleated media in an injection-molded housing, with Rapid Adsorption Dynamics (RAD) technology to handle low to moderate gas concentrations.

Each CityCarb filter offers a large media area, long service life, and lower pressure drops than traditional filters. A jointless header gasket creates a sealed connection with minimal leakage. Because they fit in standard AHU frames, facilities can upgrade existing systems without major changes.

Three options are available: CityCarb I, rated MERV 15 (ePM1 70%); CityCarb E, rated MERV 13 (ePM10 80%); and CityCarb CH, developed for environments with high levels of organic acids. Contact a Camfil representative to identify the CityCarb product best suited for your application.  

For facilities using panel-filter configurations, CityPleat is an alternative. CityPleat combines particulate and molecular filtration inside a standard pleated panel format, making it a strong retrofit choice for many existing systems.

Choosing Between CityCarb and CityPleat

The choice comes down to HVAC configuration.

CityCarb works best for facilities with 12-inch-deep AHU frames, high dust or gas loads, or a need for extended filter service life.

CityPleat is the better fit for facilities running standard pleated panel-slot configurations that want particulate-plus-molecular filtration without changing the equipment layout.

Options for Larger Facilities

Larger commercial buildings often benefit from supplementing central HVAC filtration with additional air-cleaning units.

This is especially useful in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing plants, institutional buildings, and any facility with large open-floor-plan spaces. Supplemental units add clean-air capacity exactly where occupants spend their time and ease the load on the central HVAC system.

The CamCleaner CC X-Series, introduced for commercial applications in 2026, is designed for these larger environments. The CamCleaner system is a supplemental device that provides particulate and carbon-based filtration in a single unit, handling both particles and gases simultaneously.

CC X-Series units can be integrated into BMS platforms and remotely monitored and controlled through Camfil’s AirImage 2.0 software platform. Facility staff can track indoor air quality and energy usage in real time.

Running HVAC During a Smoke Event

Operating commercial HVAC during a smoke event is very different from the residential recirculation advice given to homeowners.

Most commercial buildings pull in continuous outdoor air. Facility managers need to assess whether they can reduce outdoor air intake as outside smoke levels climb.

Economizer systems deserve particular attention. They are designed to draw in fresh outdoor air, and if left unchecked during a smoke event, they will pull wildfire smoke into occupied spaces.

Building management should maintain a slight positive indoor pressure to limit smoke entry through doors, gaps, and cracks.

Filter installation should be inspected before HVAC systems run hard during a smoke event. Even a high-performing filter cannot protect a building if it is improperly seated, because smoke will bypass gaps around the frame.

Preparation Before the Smoke Arrives

Planning your wildfire smoke response before smoke arrives is far more effective than reacting after the fact.

Filter supplies often run short during major wildfires, so facilities should stock replacement filters year-round.

Facilities should also check their air handling units for proper placement of pressure gauges or measurement ports. This lets staff monitor filter loading and replace filters as needed during prolonged fire activity.

A complete wildfire preparedness plan should include personnel and communication plans, operating procedures for different smoke conditions, defined HVAC settings for various stages of air quality decline, and identified locations for supplemental air cleaners in very large or heavily populated rooms. All of this should align with ASHRAE Guideline 44.

With these principles in place, commercial facilities can limit the impact of wildfire smoke on building occupants, on the systems inside the building, and on day-to-day operations.

 

Media Contact:

Mark Davidson

Marketing & Technical Materials Manager

Air Filters and Filtration Solutions

Mark.Davidson@camfil.com

+ (314) 566-6185

F: Friend Camfil USA on Facebook

T: Follow Camfil USA on X

Y: Watch Camfil Videos on YouTube

L: Follow our LinkedIn Page

Request More Info

The post How Commercial Buildings Can Stay Ahead of Wildfire Smoke appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.

from Air Filters for Clean Air

Air Pollution and Dementia: What the Science Says and What Your Building Should Do About It

Air pollution is increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor for dementia. This guide reviews the current state of the science, key findings from recent research, and considerations for building owners and facility managers when evaluating indoor air filtration and occupant well-being.

READ: Preventing Cognitive Decline with Home Air Filters

The evidence linking air pollution to dementia has grown substantially in recent years. While research is ongoing, a growing number of studies suggest a meaningful association. For building owners, facility managers, and others responsible for indoor air quality, these findings may have important implications.

A July 2025 meta-analysis published in The Lancet Planetary Health reviewed 32 studies covering data from approximately 29 million people across multiple countries [1]. The analysis found that for every 10-microgram-per-cubic-meter increase in PM2.5 exposure, the relative dementia risk increased by 17 percent. Similarly, each 10 microgram per cubic meter increase in nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exposure was associated with a 3 percent increase in risk [1].

These effect sizes are notable, particularly given the scale and scope of the underlying data. The meta-analysis is among the largest conducted on this topic, drawing on decades of longitudinal health records from the late 1980s through the early 2020s.

A separate 2025 study published in Nature Aging applied a Burden of Proof meta-analytic framework to 28 longitudinal cohort studies. It is estimated that long-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with at least a 14 percent increase in dementia risk [2].

The Scale of the Problem

The State of Global Air 2025 report found air pollution contributed to 7.9 million deaths worldwide in 2023 [3]. Long-term PM2.5 exposure alone accounted for more than 4.9 million of those deaths [3]. The World Health Organization reports PM2.5 shortens the average human lifespan by 2.3 years globally [4].

In February 2026, a study covering nearly 28 million older Americans found long-term fine particle pollution exposure raised the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers noted the connection appeared to stem largely from pollution’s direct effects on the brain, not through related conditions like hypertension or depression [5].

PM2.5 is not a future problem. The damage is happening now, in real time, inside the lungs and brains of building occupants everywhere.

How Air Pollution Reaches the Brain

Understanding the mechanism matters because the pathway from polluted air to cognitive decline is more direct than most people assume.

When inhaled, PM2.5 and PM1 particles travel to the deepest areas of the lungs. A significant portion passes through the cell membranes of the alveoli, enters the bloodstream, damages the inner walls of arteries, penetrates cardiovascular tissue, and spreads to organs, including the brain [6].

However, there is a second pathway. Research has shown fine particles and gaseous pollutants enter the brain through the nose, travel along olfactory pathways to the hippocampus (the brain’s memory center), and promote the buildup of toxic amyloid and tau proteins [1], which are among the signature markers of Alzheimer’s disease.

Additional research points to white matter damage and myelin disruption as another mechanism through which pollution degrades cognitive function [1].

Why Indoor Air Quality Affects Your Brain Health

People spend up to 90 percent of their lives indoors [7]. Indoor air concentrations run up to 50 times higher than outdoor levels in poorly ventilated or unfiltered buildings [7]. These two facts, taken together, mean indoor air quality is the primary exposure pathway for most people.

A joint study by Harvard University and Syracuse University found employees in green, well-ventilated environments performed around 60 percent better on cognitive tests than those in standard office environments. When ventilation rates doubled, cognitive performance increased by more than 100 percent [8].

A separate study showed participants scored 15 percent worse on cognitive tests at moderate CO2 levels and 50 percent worse at high CO2 levels [8].

The brain depends on a steady supply of oxygen, and indoor air quality can play a role in supporting that process. When air is polluted, stagnant, or particle-laden, some studies suggest cognitive performance may be affected. Over longer periods, ongoing exposure to poor air quality has been associated in research with increased risk of cognitive decline, including dementia.

Why Standard Filters Are Not Enough

Most commercial HVAC systems run filters selected for dust and pollen.  Air filters rated between MERV 8 and  MERV 11 do a reasonable job with large particles. They do almost nothing against PM2.5 and PM1, the fractions most strongly linked to brain damage and dementia.

A MERV 13/13A filter continuously captures approximately 69 percent of PM2.5. A MERV 16/16A captures 96 percent. HEPA filters reach 99.97 percent efficiency down to 0.3 microns [9]. For buildings serious about protecting occupant health, MERV 13/13A is the minimum starting point, not the ceiling.

And particle filtration is only half the equation. NO2, the second pollutant now confirmed as a dementia risk factor, is a gas. So are the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by traffic, industrial processes, cleaning products, and building materials. Standard particle filters, including HEPA, do nothing to remove gases from the air stream [10].

Molecular filtration using activated carbon or activated alumina is the technology designed to address gaseous contaminants. Activated carbon adsorbs gas-phase molecules onto a matrix of microscopic pores with extremely high surface area [11]. Camfil’s molecular filtration products remove NO2, ozone, VOCs, and other gaseous pollutants from HVAC air streams at commercial and institutional scale.

Improving Indoor Air Quality: Practical Steps for Building Owners

The research increasingly points to a consistent theme: indoor air quality may play an important role in long-term brain health for building occupants. For organizations focused on occupant well-being, this is an area worth careful consideration.

Fortunately, Camfil’s team of air filtration experts has developed a practical, step-by-step approach to help you get started.

Start with an expert assessment.

Before making system-wide changes, it can be valuable to consult with an indoor air quality specialist. A qualified expert can evaluate your building’s current HVAC systems, air filters,  ventilation rates, and pollutant sources, and help prioritize interventions based on your specific layout, occupancy patterns, and local outdoor air conditions to help ensure that upgrades are both effective and cost-efficient.

Audit your current filtration. 

Pull a filter from every air handler and read the MERV rating on the label. If anything below MERV 13 sits in the housing, replace the filters. A MERV 13/13A-rated filter (tested under ASHRAE Standard 52.2 with Appendix J) maintains its rated efficiency throughout its full service life, not only when new [12].

Assess your gaseous contamination risk. 

If your building sits near highways, industrial zones, or in an urban area with elevated NO2 and PM2.5 readings, particle filtration alone is insufficient. Molecular filtration should be part of the HVAC strategy. Camfil’s CamCarb product line provides activated carbon and activated alumina media in configurations ranging from panel filters (CamCarb PM) to cylindrical systems (CamCarb XG) for commercial and industrial HVAC applications [13] [14].

Deploy standalone air purifiers in high-occupancy zones.

 Classrooms, patient rooms, conference areas, and open office floors benefit from supplemental HEPA purification. The CamCleaner CC500 runs a pharmaceutical-grade 99.99% HEPA filter and covers up to 13,000 cubic feet per unit [15]. 

Monitor air quality continuously. 

You do not manage what you do not measure.  PM2.5 and CO2 sensors placed in occupied zones give facility teams the data they need to respond before air quality degrades. There is a wide range of performance quality in sensors of this kind, so research before purchasing is advised. 

Increase ventilation rates where possible. 

Higher outdoor air exchange dilutes both particulate and gaseous contaminants. Balance this with filtration to avoid simply importing more outdoor pollution.

Schools and Healthcare: The Highest Stakes

Children and patients are the most vulnerable populations. Their developing or compromised systems absorb more pollution per unit of body weight and have fewer defenses against the damage.

ASHRAE recommends a minimum of MERV 13 for school HVAC systems [17]. The EPA has published specific guidance on indoor air quality in schools and commercial buildings during elevated pollution events [18]. Schools running standalone HEPA purifiers in classrooms during poor air quality events have documented 50 to 70 percent reductions in PM2.5 levels [17].

For hospitals and senior care facilities, the equation is even more direct. Patients with cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, or early-stage cognitive decline face amplified risk from PM2.5 and gaseous pollutant exposure. Healthcare facilities already running high-efficiency particulate filtration need to evaluate whether their systems also address the gaseous component, specifically NO2 and VOCs, the pollutants linked to dementia by recent peer-reviewed research [1] [2].

Meeting federal clean air standards would have prevented an estimated 29,808 hospital admissions and emergency room visits throughout California alone, with nearly three-quarters attributable to PM2.5 reductions [19].

The Cost of Doing Nothing

The healthcare costs associated with air pollution exposure are substantial. Less visible, however, are the potential long-term effects on cognitive function among people who spend extended time indoors.

Research suggests that poorer indoor air quality may be associated with reductions in cognitive performance. In workplace settings, even modest declines could influence decision-making, work quality, and overall productivity over time [8]. Across years, these effects may accumulate in ways that are meaningful when compared with the cost of improving filtration and ventilation.

In schools, these impacts may relate to learning outcomes. In healthcare environments, they may influence recovery conditions. In senior living settings, they may intersect with populations already more vulnerable to cognitive decline.

Effective air filtration technologies are widely available, and the body of peer-reviewed research continues to grow. For building owners and operators, the question is less about whether solutions exist and more about how and when to incorporate them into a broader indoor air quality strategy.

About Camfil

The Camfil Group is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has 29 manufacturing sites, six R&D centers, local sales offices in 35+ countries, and 5,700 employees and growing. We proudly serve and support customers in a wide variety of industries and communities across the world. To discover how Camfil USA can help you protect people, processes, and the environment, visit us at www.camfil.us.

Media Contact:

Mark Davidson

Marketing & Technical Materials

Air Filters and Filtration Solutions

Mark.Davidson@camfil.com

+ (314) 566-6185

F: Friend Camfil USA on Facebook

T: Follow Camfil USA on X

Y: Watch Camfil Videos on YouTube

L: Follow our LinkedIn Page

Request More Info

 

Footnotes

[1] Khreis, H., et al. “Long-term air pollution exposure and incident dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” The Lancet Planetary Health, July 2025. Reviewed 32 studies covering 29 million participants. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(25)00118-4/fulltext

[2] “A systematic review with a Burden of Proof meta-analysis of health effects of long-term ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure on dementia.” Nature Aging, 2025. Assessed 28 longitudinal cohort studies. https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-025-00844-y

[3] State of Global Air 2025 Report. Health Effects Institute, October 2025. Air pollution contributed to 7.9 million deaths in 2023; PM2.5 alone accounted for 4.9 million. https://www.healtheffects.org/announcements/new-state-global-air-2025-report-shows-nearly-nine-ten-global-air-pollution-deaths-are

[4] World Health Organization. “Ambient (outdoor) air pollution.” Fact sheet on global health impact of PM2.5, including lifespan reduction. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health

[5] “Air pollution linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk in 28 million older Americans.” ScienceDaily, February 2026. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260220010836.htm

[6] Camfil. “PM1: The New Focus to Protect Human Health.” Particle penetration pathways from lungs to bloodstream and organs. https://www.camfil.com/en-us/insights/standard-and-regulations/pm1-is-most-harmful

[7] Camfil. “Why Do We Need a Deeper Connection with the Air We Absolutely Depend Upon.” Indoor air concentration data and time-spent-indoors statistics. https://www.camfil.com/en-us/insights/air-quality/deeper-connection-with-air

[8] Camfil. “How to Improve Indoor Air Quality and Productivity.” Harvard/Syracuse cognitive performance study and CO2 impact research. https://www.camfil.com/en/insights/air-quality/how-to-improve-indoor-air-quality-and-productivity

[9] Camfil. “Wildfire Smoke Air Filters: Camfil’s Solutions and Guide.” MERV rating efficiency data for PM2.5 capture. https://www.camfil.com/en-us/insights/air-quality/wildfire-smoke-filter-solution-guide

[10] Camfil. “Molecular Air Filtration in Life Sciences and Healthcare.” Limitations of particle-only filtration for gaseous contaminants. https://www.camfil.com/en-us/insights/life-science-and-healthcare/molecular-air-filtration-in-life-sciences

[11] Camfil. “The Journey of Activated Carbon.” Activated carbon adsorption mechanism and capability to control over 150 million cataloged chemicals. https://www.camfil.com/en-us/insights/innovation-technology-and-research/journey-of-activated-carbon

[12] Camfil. “MERV vs. MERV A Filter Efficiency Ratings Explained.” ASHRAE Standard 52.2 with Appendix J testing methodology. https://www.camfil.com/en-us/insights/standard-and-regulations/pm1-is-most-harmful

[13] Camfil. “CamCarb PM: High-Efficiency Molecular Panel Filter.” Product specifications for activated carbon panel filtration. https://www.camfil.com/en-us/products/molecular-filters/panel-filters/camcarb/camcarb-pm-_-35067

[14] Camfil. “CamCarb XG Activated Carbon Cylinders.” Product specifications for cylindrical molecular filtration systems. https://www.camfil.com/en-us/products/molecular-filters/cylinders/camcarb/camcarb-xg-_-70341

[15] Camfil. “CamCleaner CC500 Portable Air Purifier.” Pharmaceutical-grade 99.99% HEPA filter; coverage up to 13,000 cubic feet. https://www.camfil.com/en-us/products/air-cleaners–air-purifiers/industrial-range/particulate-air-cleaner

[16] Camfil. “Education Department Protects Students and Staff from Viruses in Their Schools.” City M purifier HEPA H14 classroom performance data. https://www.camfil.com/en-us/insights/case-studies/education-department-protects-students-and-staff

[17] Camfil. “Air Filters in Schools: Everything You Need to Know About Air Quality in K-12 Schools.” ASHRAE MERV 13 recommendation and HEPA purifier PM2.5 reduction data. https://www.camfil.com/en-us/industries/commercial-and-public-buildings/schools-and-universities

[18] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality in Schools and Commercial Buildings.” Federal guidance on IAQ management. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/wildfires-and-indoor-air-quality-iaq

[19] Camfil. “Hospital Air Quality Matters.” California hospital admission data attributable to PM2.5 and federal clean air standard compliance. https://www.camfil.com/en-us/insights/life-science-and-healthcare/hospital-air-quality-matters

The post Air Pollution and Dementia: What the Science Says and What Your Building Should Do About It appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.

from Air Filters for Clean Air

Camfil Highlights the Importance of Air Filtration in Schools to Improve Student Wellbeing and Academic Performance

Camfil showcases how proper air filtration in schools improves student health, reduces absenteeism, boosts performance, and lowers operational costs.

With research indicating that approximately 11 million students in the U.S. study in facilities with documented indoor air quality issues, the need for effective filtration is more urgent than ever. Camfil, a global leader in clean air solutions, has released critical insights into improving indoor air quality in schools, showcasing how proper air filtration can enhance student health, reduce absenteeism, and bolster academic performance.

READ: Improving Indoor Air Quality in Schools: How Proper Air Filtration Enhances Academic Performance

“When we analyze the performance metrics of schools implementing proper air filtration systems, the results are consistently measurable across different parameters,” said Mark Davidson, Manager of Marketing and Technical Materials at Camfil. “Districts from Sacramento to Syracuse and Austin to Nashville report significant reductions in absenteeism and energy consumption after upgrading to MERV 13A or better filtration combined with appropriately designed air handling systems.”

The report sheds light on the distinct air quality challenges in various school environments, from classrooms with high occupant density to specialized spaces like science laboratories and gyms. It also emphasizes the financial implications of insufficient air quality, including increased student and staff absenteeism, which directly impacts state funding and operational costs.

Optimal air filtration strategies for schools vary by region due to unique environmental challenges. Southern and Southwestern regions require high-efficiency and humidity-resistant filtration systems to combat long cooling seasons and high dust levels. Northern and Midwestern schools need filtration paired with heat-recovery systems to address extended heating seasons, pollen, and winter efficiency. Urban centers face elevated pollution levels and benefit from multi-stage filtration systems designed to tackle traffic emissions and both indoor and outdoor contaminants.

Implementing appropriate air quality solutions not only improves air quality but also offers significant cost savings by lowering energy demands and maintenance requirements. Improving air quality in schools is a practical investment in education systems. Camfil is committed to helping schools achieve healthier, more efficient environments with tailored air filtration solutions.

To learn more, access the full article—Improving Indoor Air Quality in Schools: How Proper Air Filtration Enhances Academic Performance

About Camfil

The Camfil Group, based in Stockholm, Sweden, operates 29 manufacturing sites and 6 R&D centers, with local sales offices in over 35 countries and 5,700 employees worldwide. Camfil develops advanced air filtration solutions to protect people, processes, and the environment. For more information on Camfil’s role in improving air quality in schools, visit www.camfil.us.

Media Contact:

Mark Davidson

Marketing & Technical Materials Manager

Air Filters and Filtration Solutions

Mark.Davidson@camfil.com

+ (314) 566-6185

F: Friend Camfil USA on Facebook

T: Follow Camfil USA on X

Y: Watch Camfil Videos on YouTube

L: Follow our LinkedIn Page

Request More Info

The post Camfil Highlights the Importance of Air Filtration in Schools to Improve Student Wellbeing and Academic Performance appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.

from Air Filters for Clean Air

How the Right Air Filtration Strategy Can Significantly Reduce Facility Energy Costs

Commercial building energy costs in the United States total nearly $190 billion every year, and an estimated 30% (percent) of that energy is wasted due to inefficiencies in building systems. A major contributor to this waste is HVAC operation. On average, approximately 65% of a commercial facility’s total energy costs are directly related to HVAC systems, making them one of the most powerful levers for cost reduction.

READ: Case Study: Camfil Air Filters Decrease Labor by 80% and Energy Costs by 34% at Music City Center in Nashville

That reality is becoming even more urgent as electricity prices rose sharply across U.S. markets in 2025. According to the U.S. Electricity Market Update July 2025 Mid-Year Report, electricity prices are forecasted to increase 30%-35% in California and the Southwest, 13%-20% (percent) in New York, and 15%-20% (percent) across much of New England. In Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, capacity charges are increasing by more than 800%, with similar upward pressure in New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware as suppliers adjust forward contracts.

As energy costs climb, facilities managers are under increasing pressure to reduce operating expenses without compromising indoor air quality. Yet air filtration is still widely viewed as a commodity, often selected based on the lowest purchase price, with the assumption that filters have minimal impact on energy consumption. In reality, this approach frequently leads to higher HVAC energy use, increased system strain, and greater total cost of ownership over time.

The truth is that air filtration strategy plays a critical role in HVAC efficiency. Filter design, pressure drop, dust-holding capacity, and service life all directly influence fan energy consumption and overall system performance. 

This article explores the relationship between filter performance and energy use, quantifies the potential cost savings of high-performance filtration, and provides practical decision frameworks for commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities seeking to control energy costs while maintaining healthy indoor environments.

Why Air Filtration Has a Major Impact on HVAC Energy Use

Air filters may look like a simple “swap-in” component, but in reality, they’re a critical control point inside a complex HVAC system that influences airflow, fan workload, coil cleanliness, indoor air quality, and ultimately total operating cost. In a typical air handler, the fan must move a set volume of air through a series of resistances (filters, coils, ductwork, diffusers). The filter is one of the few resistance points that facility teams can directly select, and it has an outsized effect on energy use because it contributes to airflow resistance, commonly measured as pressure drop.

Energy isn’t consumed by the filter itself. It’s consumed by the fan working to overcome system pressure losses. Higher resistance to airflow, also known as the pressure drop, means the fan must work harder to maintain airflow, which drives up energy consumption. 

Just as important, pressure drop is not static. As a filter captures particles, particulate loading increases resistance over time, raising pressure drop and pushing fans toward higher power draw (or reducing delivered airflow if the system can’t compensate). That’s why “initial pressure drop” alone is an incomplete way to evaluate energy impact; what matters is the average pressure drop across the filter’s service life, tied closely to dust-holding capacity and media design.  

This relationship is more than engineering theory; it’s an operational reality. Pressure drop and fan energy are directly linked, and filtration choices affect people (Indoor Air Quality), processes (contamination control), equipment (coil/fan performance and cleanliness), and energy efficiency at the same time. 

Regional climate conditions amplify these stakes. In cooling-dominant markets like Phoenix, Houston, Miami, and Las Vegas, cooling loads can dominate annual HVAC energy. National data shows cooling energy intensity in hot climates is dramatically higher than in cold climates. In heating-dominant markets such as Minneapolis, Boston, Chicago, and Denver, heating demand is reflected in higher heating degree days. And in balanced climates like San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland, moderate year-round loads mean efficiency gains from reduced fan energy and stable airflow can be captured across more operating hours. 

The Hidden Energy Cost of Low-Quality, Low-Cost Filters

Low-cost air filters are often selected with good intentions: minimize upfront spend, meet basic filtration requirements, and keep systems running. However, many of these products function as “sacrificial” filters, meaning they are inexpensive at purchase, but costly over their service life due to their impact on HVAC energy use, maintenance, and reliability. Filters chosen solely on price are among the most expensive components in an HVAC system when evaluated by total cost of ownership. 

The core issue lies in how low-quality filters behave once installed. These filters typically have minimal media surface area, achieved through fewer pleats and shallow depths. As a result, they exhibit low dust-holding capacity, meaning they load quickly as particulate accumulates. Rapid loading causes a steep rise in pressure drop, forcing fans to work harder to maintain the required airflow. Since fan energy increases roughly in proportion to system resistance, this translates directly into higher electrical consumption. 

Short service life compounds the problem. Many low-cost filters require replacement every 30 to 90 days, leading to frequent changeouts, increased labor demands, and higher disposal costs. Each filter change also introduces safety risks for maintenance staff and raises the likelihood of installation errors that can result in filter bypass or system damage. 

Performance degradation is another hidden cost. Many inexpensive filters rely heavily on electrostatically charged media to meet efficiency ratings. As that charge dissipates over time, filtration efficiency can drop significantly while pressure drop continues to rise. Weak frame construction further increases risk, as warped or collapsed filters allow unfiltered air to bypass the media, reducing indoor air quality and accelerating coil and equipment fouling. 

Ultimately, purchasing decisions based only on initial filter price ignore the energy, labor, safety, and equipment costs that follow. What appears to be a savings on day one often results in higher HVAC operating costs, greater energy consumption, and reduced system performance over the long term, precisely the opposite of what facilities managers are trying to achieve.

How High-Performance Air Filters Deliver Energy Savings

High-performance air filters are engineered with a fundamentally different goal than low-cost, sacrificial options, that is, to optimize airflow efficiency over the entire service life of the filter. Rather than focusing on minimum upfront cost, premium filters are designed to reduce HVAC energy use while maintaining consistent indoor air quality and system performance. That’s why it is important to adopt a filtration philosophy that emphasizes total cost of ownership, where energy consumption is often the largest and most controllable operating expense. 

At the design level, premium filters prioritize lower initial pressure drop through media designed specifically for filtration, optimized pleat structure, and an overall design shape that maximizes usable surface area. Equally important, they are engineered to experience a slower, more predictable increase in pressure drop over time. By fully utilizing the entire filter surface area and depth, these filters load evenly rather than clogging prematurely at the upstream face.

Longer-lasting filters also maintain filtration efficiency instead of degrading quickly, a key distinction from low-quality, electrostatically charged media. Premium mechanical and synthetic media are designed to deliver stable, rated efficiency throughout their service life, even as dust accumulates. In contrast, filters that rely heavily on electrostatic charge may lose efficiency as the charge dissipates, often while pressure drop continues to rise. The result is a system that uses more energy while delivering less effective filtration.

Understanding HVAC Energy Spend – Where Filtration Makes the Difference

In most commercial facilities, HVAC systems represent the single largest share of energy consumption. Industry data shows that approximately 65% (percent) of total commercial building energy use is tied directly to HVAC operations, including heating, cooling, ventilation, fans, and pumps. Within that total, fan energy alone can account for a significant portion of electrical consumption because fans must run continuously to move conditioned air throughout the building.

Low-quality filters accelerate this problem. Rapid particulate loading increases resistance, placing constant strain on fans and motors while contributing to uneven airflow distribution. Over time, this added strain can shorten equipment life, increase maintenance frequency, and raise monthly energy spend, often without facilities teams realizing that filtration is the root cause.

By contrast, premium air filters reduce system workload across the HVAC chain. Lower and more stable pressure drop enables fans to operate closer to design conditions, which improves airflow consistency and reduces electrical consumption. Cleaner coils and ductwork further enhance thermal efficiency, allowing heating and cooling systems to reach target temperatures using less energy. These combined effects can deliver meaningful reductions in monthly energy costs while improving indoor air quality.

Optimized airflow also supports broader sustainability and decarbonization goals. Reduced fan energy lowers greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity use, while longer filter life minimizes waste and material consumption. As facilities increasingly track energy intensity, carbon reporting, and ESG performance, air filtration emerges as a practical, measurable strategy for improving HVAC efficiency and advancing sustainability objectives at the same time.

Life-Cycle Cost Analysis – Looking Beyond the Price Tag

When facilities evaluate air filters, the purchase price is often the first, and sometimes only, number considered. Again, filters should never be treated as commodity items, because the upfront cost represents only a small fraction of what filtration truly costs over time. The more meaningful metric is total cost of ownership: the full life-cycle cost of filtration, including energy, maintenance, labor, and disposal.

Beyond energy, the total cost of ownership includes several operational cost factors that are frequently underestimated. Installation and labor costs rise sharply when low-quality filters require frequent replacement. Every additional changeout means more technician time, more disruption to operations, and more opportunity for improper installation or bypass leakage. Premium filters, designed for longer service intervals and stable performance, reduce the frequency of these interventions.

Waste disposal is another hidden expense. Short-lived filters generate large volumes of material waste, particularly in facilities with dozens or hundreds of filter openings. Longer-lasting filters reduce the number of units discarded annually, lowering both disposal fees and environmental impact.

Filtration choices also affect equipment wear and HVAC system longevity. Filters that load quickly or fail structurally allow particulates to penetrate deeper into the system, contaminating coils, increasing strain on fans, and driving up maintenance costs. Over time, this can shorten equipment life and reduce overall system efficiency.

Ultimately, life-cycle cost analysis helps facilities break the costly cycle of substandard filters, where a low purchase price leads to higher energy use, more maintenance, and greater long-term expense. By focusing on TCO instead of upfront cost alone, organizations can make smarter filtration investments that improve efficiency, protect assets, and deliver measurable financial returns over the full service life of the HVAC system.

Optimizing Filtration Strategy with Camfil Solutions

Achieving meaningful energy savings from air filtration requires more than selecting a single “high-efficiency” product; it demands a system-level filtration strategy. Air filters must be evaluated as part of the entire HVAC system, considering airflow requirements, operating hours, contaminant load, and lifecycle cost. When filtration is designed at the system level rather than as isolated components, facilities can balance indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and long-term performance. 

In comfort HVAC applications, Durafil® ES3 and Hi-Flo® ES filters are engineered to deliver high performance with exceptionally low pressure drop. These filters are commonly used as final filters in two-stage HVAC systems, providing high efficiency while reducing fan energy demand. In some cases, the dust-holding capacity and stable efficiency of the Hi-Flo ES bag filter may allow facilities to convert traditional two-stage systems into a single-stage configuration, eliminating upstream prefilters. This simplification reduces total system resistance, lowers maintenance requirements, and delivers significant, measurable energy savings. 

For applications requiring very high levels of air cleanliness, Camfil offers HEPA solutions specifically designed to manage energy use. The Absolute VG HEPA filter is engineered for lower energy consumption in high-efficiency applications, using optimized media and construction to minimize pressure drop while delivering reliable HEPA performance. This makes it well-suited for healthcare, pharmaceutical, and critical manufacturing environments where filtration efficiency cannot be compromised. 

In life science, microelectronics, and cleanroom environments, the Megalam® ES HEPA filter is designed to meet stringent regulatory and contamination-control requirements while maintaining energy efficiency. Its construction supports long service life and stable airflow, helping facilities control fan energy and operating costs without risking compliance with ISO and GMP standards. 

Ultimately, matching the right filtration solution to a facility’s specific needs and performance goals is what unlocks the greatest value. By combining system-level design with Camfil’s energy-efficient air filtration technologies, facilities can reduce HVAC energy consumption, simplify maintenance, and achieve a lower total cost of ownership while maintaining the highest standards of indoor air quality.

Conclusion

Air filtration plays a far more strategic role in HVAC performance than it’s often given credit for, directly influencing energy efficiency, operating costs, maintenance demands, and indoor air quality all at once. High-performance filters are engineered to maintain efficiency over time with lower and more stable pressure drop, reducing fan workload, extending service life, and helping facilities lower the total cost of ownership while supporting sustainability, compliance, and occupant health goals.

Contact Camfil to assess your current filtration strategy and discover how high-performance air filters can help reduce energy expenses while protecting people, processes, and equipment for the long term.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Q: Why does pressure drop matter for energy consumption?
Pressure drop is the resistance air encounters as it moves through a filter. Higher pressure drop forces HVAC fans to work harder to maintain airflow, increasing electrical energy use and operating costs over time. 

Q: Don’t premium filters cost more upfront, negating the savings?
Premium filters may cost more initially, but they reduce energy consumption, last longer, and require fewer changeouts. When evaluated through total cost of ownership, they often deliver net savings that outweigh the purchase price.

Q: How often do premium filters need replacement compared to standard filters?
Low-cost filters often require replacement every 30-90 days, while premium filters are designed for longer service intervals due to higher dust-holding capacity and slower pressure drop increase. Some Camfil filters come with service life guarantees.  

Q: Can high-performance filters work in our existing HVAC system?
Yes. High-performance filters like Camfil’s Durafil ES3 and Hi-Flo ES are designed to fit standard HVAC systems and can often improve efficiency without requiring major system modifications.

Q: How do I calculate the total cost of ownership for air filters?
TCO includes not just filter price, but also energy use, labor for replacements, disposal costs, and equipment impacts. Camfil provides guidance for evaluating filtration costs across the full life cycle.

Q: What industries benefit most from premium air filtration?
Industries with high energy use, sensitive equipment, or strict air quality requirements, such as healthcare, life sciences, cleanrooms, manufacturing, and commercial facilities, see the greatest value.

Q: How do premium filters support sustainability goals?
Premium filters reduce fan energy demand, lower greenhouse gas emissions tied to electricity use, and generate less waste through longer service life, supporting sustainability initiatives.

Q: What documentation does Camfil provide to verify energy savings?
Camfil offers engineering resources, pressure drop performance data, life-cycle cost tools, and case studies that quantify energy and operational savings from optimized filtration strategies.

Q: How quickly can we expect to see payback on premium filter investment?
Because HVAC accounts for ~65% of facility energy use, even small reductions in fan energy can deliver rapid payback, often within months, especially as electricity rates are rising sharply across U.S. markets.

 

¹ https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/about-commercial-buildings-integration-program

² https://cleanair.camfil.us/2017/08/10/air-filtration-energy-savings-good-health/

³ https://www.energyprofessionals.com/u-s-electricity-market-update-2025-mid-year-report/

⁴ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av-aii9MUlI

⁵ https://cleanair.camfil.us/2025/03/19/hvac-engineers-resource-for-low-pressure-drop-air-filters/

⁶ https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=57260

⁷ https://www.weather.gov/ffc/degdays

⁸ https://www.eia.gov/consumption/commercial/maps.php

⁹ https://cleanair.camfil.us/2016/10/27/how-to-account-for-total-cost-of-ownership/

¹⁰ https://cleanair.camfil.us/2017/08/10/air-filtration-energy-savings-good-health/

¹¹ https://cleanair.camfil.us/air-filtration-faqs/electrostatic-technology/

¹² https://cleanair.camfil.us/2016/10/27/how-to-account-for-total-cost-of-ownership/

¹³ https://cleanair.camfil.us/2025/03/19/hvac-engineers-resource-for-low-pressure-drop-air-filters/

¹⁴ https://cleanair.camfil.us/air-filtration-faqs/electrostatic-technology/

¹⁵ https://cleanair.camfil.us/2017/08/10/air-filtration-energy-savings-good-health/

¹⁶ https://cleanair.camfil.us/2016/10/27/how-to-account-for-total-cost-of-ownership/

¹⁷ https://cleanair.camfil.us/2025/03/13/the-environmental-impact-of-air-filters-balancing-indoor-air-quality-with-sustainability/

¹⁸ https://cleanair.camfil.us/2016/10/27/how-to-account-for-total-cost-of-ownership/

¹⁹ https://cleanair.camfil.us/2025/03/13/the-environmental-impact-of-air-filters-balancing-indoor-air-quality-with-sustainability/

The post How the Right Air Filtration Strategy Can Significantly Reduce Facility Energy Costs appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.

from Air Filters for Clean Air