Clean Air Solutions: How High Efficiency Air Filters Can Lower Your Expenses

According to Value Penguin, the average American household spends more than $7,000 on utilities and other household operational costs each year, representing roughly 11% of total household budget. When you run a business, operational costs can run significantly higher. A high efficiency air filter can lower your expenses by improving air-flow and reducing utility bills. (1)

“Your building is filled with dirt, dust, and other particles,” said Camfil’s Charlie Seyffer, Manager of Marketing & Technical Materials for commercial air filters and 37-year ASHRAE member and active committee participant. “Even though these particles are so small they cannot be seen, they impact your health and economic well-being – not to mention the health of your customers and employees. An efficient air filter can change everything.”

High Efficiency Commercial Grade Air Filters: Definition and Benefits

Many homes and businesses have an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. This system is responsible for keeping your space comfortable throughout the changing seasons. While the equipment may seem overwhelming, the efficiency of your entire system hinges on a single item – an air filter. High quality filters will maintain steady airflow and remove contaminants from the air you breathe. (2)

Why High Efficiency Air Filters Are So Important

If you refuse to use or change your air filter, there are repercussions. High efficiency commercial grade filters are essential because, without them…

Hot or cold air can’t leave your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner smoothly, raising utility bills and making your space uncomfortable. Your system could freeze or overheat.
Moisture can gather on used air filters, encouraging the growth of bacteria and mold. This can disturb air circulation and introduce pollutants to your system.
A building without an air filter is a building without purification. Your employees and customers will be exposed to illness and discomfort. Walking into your business should represent a breath of fresh air – not a potential hazard.

“Indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental health risks facing our community,” said Seyffer. “This is an issue we need to take seriously.”

How High Efficiency Air Filters Can Lead to Savings and Improved Health

The quality of an air filter is usually based on its MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). This rating indicates the percentage of dust, dirt, and other particles the filter can remove from air passing through it. When it comes to health and economics, high efficiency commercial filters – those with a MERV of 11 or higher – deliver impressive value.

The official MERV range is 1 to 16. Here are some rating examples:

Air filters with a MERV of 6 capture an estimated 50% of particles in the air.
Air filters with a MERV of 8 capture an estimated 70% of particles in the air.
Air filters with a MERV between 14 and 16 capture up to 85% of particles in the air.

Cheap air filters are usually thick and disposable, made from fiberglass and coarse fiber strands. They have an average MERV range between 1 and 5. This means the most affordable air filters are removing less than half of all particles from the air in your home. (3)

Like most products, you get what you pay for when it comes to commercial grade air filters. High efficiency filters with a MERV of 11 or higher will improve your space, ensuring you breathe cleaner air and experience longer intervals between filter changes.

Earn More Energy Savings by Changing Air Filters Regularly

If you don’t have experience changing high efficiency filters, don’t sweat it. The process is less complex than it seems.

First, determine what filter size you need. Turn off the furnace, remove the filter, and note the size. If your filter has a plastic frame, you have a reusable model. Clean it regularly with a vacuum and water, then dry before insertion.
Next, consider what model you’d like to purchase. Comparing air filters can take time and research. If you have trouble following MERV ratings, note that filters with deeper depths tend to provide superior air cleaning and have a longer lifespan.
Finally, install the new filter. Write down the date of replacement so you’ll know when your next replacement is due. For pleated panels a good rule of thumb is to change the filter at the beginning of the most significant seasons; air conditioning and heating.

High efficiency filters can last three months, six months or more, depending on the quality level and MERV. While some filters are more expensive than others, replacement is relatively inexpensive compared to the associated health benefits.

What You Need to Know about Purchasing from Air Filter Manufacturers

There are several high efficiency filter brands on the market – but few are worth buying. When choosing a manufacturer, you’ll want to consider material, MERV, and efficiency.

Some filter types include:

Fiberglass Panel Air Filters – Thin and inexpensive. These filters are designed to protect your equipment rather than improve air quality. Expect them to remove less than 10% of the air pollutants in your building.
Pleated Air Filters – More effective and an added cost. The number of pleats per foot will determine the overall life expectancy. Expect pleated filters to remove up to 45% of the air pollutants in your building.
High Efficiency Air Filters – Primarily applied in commercial buildings, although they can be installed in residences to address health problems of occupants, expect these filters to remove up to 85% of pollutants in your building.
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters – The best source of filtration, removing up to 99% of all air pollutants in your building.

It’s important to avoid cheap, bargain filters. Focus on CAMFIL high efficiency air filters that deliver regular value and health to your home. The right brand will have a mission; a goal to improve the safety and air quality of your business. When you choose a manufacturer that cares, you choose a product specifically built to get the job done.

Camfil USA believes in that mission. If you’re interested in learning more about high quality, high efficiency air filters, please click here.

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Lynne Laake

Camfil USA Air Filters

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