HEPA Filters: Understanding Performance Standards, Applications, and Selection Criteria

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters represent a critical component in maintaining controlled environments across healthcare, pharmaceutical, laboratory, and industrial applications. Understanding the technical specifications, testing standards, and proper application of HEPA filtration technology is essential for facilities requiring precise air quality control and regulatory compliance.

Defining HEPA Filter Performance Standards

HEPA filters are defined by their ability to remove a high percentage of very small particles. Depending on the test standard used, HEPA filters can remove a minimum of 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns in size. Other standards identify the particle most difficult to capture (Most Penetrating Particle Size, aka MPPS) and define a HEPA as a filter that removes a minimum of 99.95% of MPPS, typically 0.1 – 0.2 microns in size. These test standards distinguish HEPA filters from lower-efficiency filtration technologies and ensure consistent performance across applications requiring the highest levels of particulate removal.

Classification Systems and International Standards

HEPA filter classification varies by geographic region and application requirements. In North America, most HEPA filters are tested under IEST-RP-CC001, which classifies filters into one of eleven different levels of filtration efficiency based on a particular particle size, from 99.97% up to 99.9999%.

Two other test standards are commonly used elsewhere: ISO29463 and EN1822. These standards classify HEPA filters according to their efficiency on MPPS.  A filter classified as ISO 35 E according to ISO29463 is 99.95% on MPPS, while a filter with a similar efficiency is known as an H13 according to EN1822.

ISO 14644-3 defines methodologies for testing cleanroom environments, including HEPA filter validation. Using this standard, cleanrooms can be classified according to the maximum number of particles of a specific size in a cubic meter. There are different levels of cleanrooms, known as classes, and run from ISO Class 1 through ISO Class 9.  

HEPA Filter Construction and Technology

Filter Media Technology

HEPA filter media typically consists of randomly arranged glass microfibers that creates a tortuous path for particles, enabling multiple capture mechanisms to operate simultaneously. The depth, density and arrangement of these fibers determine filtration efficiency, pressure drop characteristics, and dust-holding capacity.

Modern HEPA filter media incorporates advanced manufacturing techniques that optimize fiber distribution and density gradients throughout the media depth. This approach maximizes particle capture efficiency while minimizing airflow resistance, supporting energy-efficient operation in demanding applications.

Frame Construction and Sealing

HEPA filter frames require robust construction to maintain structural integrity under operational pressures while providing reliable sealing against bypass leakage. Frame materials typically include aluminum, steel, or engineered plastics, selected based on application requirements, including temperature, humidity, and chemical resistance needs.

Sealing systems vary by application, with options including gasket seals for standard applications and gel seals for critical applications requiring enhanced leak-tight performance. The sealing system selection significantly impacts filter performance, particularly in applications where minimal leakage is essential for maintaining controlled environment conditions.

Applications Requiring HEPA Filtration

Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Healthcare facilities rely on HEPA filtration in many spaces such as operating rooms, isolation units, and pharmaceutical manufacturing areas. These applications require filters that maintain their efficiency to prevent contamination that could compromise patient safety or product integrity.

Research published in the American Journal of Infection Control demonstrates that proper HEPA filtration in healthcare environments significantly reduces airborne pathogen concentrations, supporting infection prevention protocols and regulatory compliance requirements¹. The study documented consistent performance across diverse healthcare applications when filters are properly selected, installed, and maintained.

Laboratory and Research Facilities

Research laboratories utilize HEPA filtration to protect sensitive experiments, maintain specimen integrity, and ensure worker safety when handling hazardous materials. Laboratory applications often require specialized HEPA configurations that accommodate unique airflow patterns and contamination control requirements.

Cleanroom and Controlled Environment Applications

Manufacturing processes requiring controlled particulate levels, including semiconductor fabrication, precision electronics assembly, aseptic food processing, and biotechnology production, depend on HEPA filtration to maintain specified cleanliness classifications. These applications typically require the most stringent HEPA performance verification and ongoing monitoring protocols.

Selection Criteria for HEPA Filter Applications

Airflow and Pressure Drop Considerations

HEPA filter selection requires careful evaluation of airflow requirements and pressure drop characteristics. The relationship between filtration efficiency and airflow resistance affects both system performance and energy consumption, making proper sizing essential for optimal operation.

Pressure drop across HEPA filters varies based on filter construction, media area, and operating conditions. Initial pressure drop typically ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 inches of water gauge for new filters, with final pressure drop reaching 2.0 to 3.0 inches before filter replacement becomes necessary.

Environmental Operating Conditions

Temperature and humidity conditions significantly impact HEPA filter performance and service life. Standard HEPA filters operate effectively in temperatures up to 160°F (70°C) and relative humidity levels up to 95%, though specific applications may require specialized construction for extreme conditions.

Chemical resistance requirements must be evaluated for applications involving corrosive environments or reactive substances. Standard glass microfiber media provides good chemical resistance for most applications, but specialized media options are available for applications requiring enhanced chemical compatibility.

Validation and Testing Requirements

Applications requiring HEPA filtration typically mandate specific testing and validation protocols to verify continued performance. Common testing methods include DOP (dioctyl phthalate) testing, photometer scanning, and particle counting, depending on application requirements and regulatory standards.

The frequency of testing varies by application, with pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare applications typically requiring more frequent validation than general industrial applications. Testing protocols should align with relevant standards, including ISO 14644-3 for cleanroom applications and FDA guidelines for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Proper Installation Protocols

HEPA filter performance depends heavily on proper installation procedures that eliminate bypass leakage and ensure optimal airflow distribution. Installation requirements include precise fit verification, leak testing, and airflow uniformity assessment to confirm system performance meets design specifications.

Bypass leakage, even in small quantities, can significantly compromise overall filtration efficiency. Professional installation and commissioning procedures are essential for applications where HEPA performance is critical for safety, product quality, or regulatory compliance.

Maintenance and Replacement Protocols

HEPA filter maintenance focuses primarily on monitoring pressure drop and scheduling timely replacement to maintain system performance. Like most lower-efficiency filters, HEPA filters cannot be cleaned and reused. Dirty filters require complete replacement when pressure drop limits are reached or filter integrity is compromised.

Replacement scheduling varies depending on the application. Most rely on particle loading rates, which increase pressure drop to a point that airflow into the space is compromised. Facilities must establish monitoring protocols that track pressure drop trends and schedule replacements before performance degradation affects critical processes or regulatory compliance.

Economic Considerations and Total Cost of Ownership

Initial Investment and Operating Costs

HEPA filters represent a significant initial investment compared to lower-efficiency alternatives, but applications requiring HEPA performance have no acceptable substitutes. The total cost of ownership includes initial filter costs, energy consumption from increased pressure drop, and replacement frequency based on loading conditions.

Energy costs typically represent the largest component of HEPA filter total cost of ownership due to increased fan energy required to overcome filter pressure drop. Proper system design and filter selection can minimize energy consumption while maintaining required performance levels.

Cost-Benefit Analysis Framework

Facilities implementing HEPA filtration must evaluate costs against the value of improved air quality, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation. Applications where product contamination, regulatory violations, or safety incidents could result in significant financial losses typically justify HEPA filter investment through risk reduction benefits.

Research published in the Building and Environment journal indicates that facilities implementing appropriate HEPA filtration experience measurable improvements in process reliability and regulatory compliance outcomes, supporting the economic justification for higher-efficiency filtration in critical applications².

Future Developments in HEPA Filter Technology

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

Ongoing research focuses on developing HEPA filter media with reduced airflow resistance while maintaining or improving filtration efficiency. These developments address the growing emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability in controlled environment applications.

Advanced Materials and Construction

New materials and construction techniques are expanding HEPA filter capabilities for challenging applications, including enhanced temperature resistance, improved chemical compatibility, and extended service life under high particle loading conditions.

Smart Monitoring Integration

Integration of monitoring technologies with HEPA filtration systems enables real-time performance tracking and predictive maintenance scheduling. These advances support optimized replacement timing and enhanced system reliability in critical applications.

Conclusion

HEPA filters serve essential functions in applications requiring the highest levels of particulate removal and air quality control. Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of HEPA filtration systems require a comprehensive understanding of performance standards, application requirements, and regulatory compliance needs.

Facilities considering HEPA filtration should work with experienced suppliers who can provide application-specific guidance, proper sizing calculations, and ongoing technical support to ensure optimal system performance and regulatory compliance throughout the filter lifecycle.

The investment in HEPA filtration technology delivers measurable benefits in applications where air quality directly impacts safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance, making proper filter selection and maintenance essential components of comprehensive facility management strategies.

References

1. American Journal of Infection Control, “Effectiveness of High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filtration in Healthcare Environments: A Systematic Review,” Vol. 49, No. 8, 2021, pp. 1052-1059.
2. Building and Environment, “Economic Analysis of High-Efficiency Air Filtration in Critical Facilities: Cost-Benefit Assessment and Performance Optimization,” Vol. 195, 2021, pp. 107-118.

Additional Resources

For detailed information on HEPA filter testing protocols and cleanroom applications, refer to ISO 14644-3: Cleanrooms and associated controlled environments — Part 3: Test methods. Available at: https://bit.ly/4nm98NW

For technical specifications and application guidance for specific HEPA filter requirements, consult with qualified air filtration specialists who can provide application-specific recommendations based on operational requirements and regulatory compliance needs.

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LCC Lite: Transforming Air Filter Cost Analysis for Commercial Facilities

Introducing Camfil’s streamlined life cycle costing software, designed for rapid total cost of ownership analysis

The Hidden Energy Crisis in Commercial Air Filtration

Commercial facilities across North America are experiencing a silent drain on their operational budgets. Facility managers in retail malls, healthcare institutions, hotels, schools, and office buildings are making air filter procurement decisions based on initial purchase price alone, unknowingly committing their facilities to significantly higher energy costs and operational inefficiencies.

Research from the U.S. Department of Energy indicates that HVAC systems account for approximately 40-60% of commercial building energy consumption¹. Within this framework, air filter selection plays a critical role in determining system efficiency, energy costs, and overall operational performance. Yet many facilities continue to select filters based solely on upfront cost, missing opportunities for substantial energy savings and operational improvements.

The challenge facing facility managers is clear: traditional cost analysis methods are too time-intensive for real-world decision-making scenarios, while simplified approaches fail to capture the true financial impact of filter selection decisions. This gap between analytical need and practical application has led to widespread energy waste across commercial facilities.

Introducing LCC Lite: Speed Meets Analytical Precision

Camfil’s new LCC Lite software addresses this critical challenge by providing an executive summary version of comprehensive life cycle costing analysis. Designed to quickly demonstrate potential cost savings through total cost of ownership evaluation, LCC Lite transforms complex energy analysis into rapid, actionable insights suitable for time-constrained business environments.

Core Capabilities and Design Philosophy

LCC Lite delivers three essential capabilities that address real-world commercial facility challenges:

Speed-Optimized Analysis: The software generates rapid comparisons, within 90 seconds, between filter solutions, enabling informed decision-making in impromptu meetings and short-duration consultations. This capability addresses the common scenario where facility managers need immediate cost analysis without extensive preparation time.

Database-Driven Accuracy: LCC Lite utilizes the same comprehensive database as Camfil’s full Life Cycle Costing software, drawing upon more than 20 years of air filter performance data. This historical foundation enables accurate forecasting of filter performance and energy consumption, distinguishing LCC Lite from simple Excel spreadsheet calculations that extrapolate figures in linear fashion without accounting for real-world performance variations.

Action-Oriented Results: The software is designed to demand further engagement and detailed analysis, serving as an effective tool for identifying significant cost optimization opportunities that warrant comprehensive facility assessment.

Target Applications and Market Focus

LCC Lite’s initial launch focuses specifically on commercial applications where energy efficiency and operational cost management are primary concerns:

• Retail and Warehouse Operations:  Large-format spaces with substantial HVAC energy consumption
• Hotels and Hospitality:  Facilities requiring optimal guest comfort while managing operational margins
• Healthcare Institutions:  Organizations balancing indoor air quality requirements with budget constraints
• Commercial Office Spaces:  Buildings seeking LEED certification and sustainability goal achievement
• Educational Institutions:  Schools and universities managing tight budgets while maintaining healthy learning environments

The Technical Foundation:  Why LCC Lite Delivers Superior Results

Advanced Modeling vs. Simple Calculations

LCC Lite’s analytical superiority stems from its foundation in historical performance data rather than theoretical calculations. Traditional spreadsheet-based life cycle costing approaches rely on linear extrapolations that fail to account for real-world performance variations, filter loading patterns, and system efficiency changes over time.

The software’s modeling technology incorporates actual filter performance data collected from thousands of commercial installations over two decades. This approach accounts for factors including:

• Progressive Filter Loading:  How efficiency and pressure drop change throughout filter service life
• System Integration Effects:  How different filters interact with specific HVAC system configurations
• Environmental Factors:  Climate and operational variations affecting filter performance
• Maintenance Variables:  Real-world replacement schedules and their impact on total costs

Pre-Loaded Scenarios for Commercial Applications

LCC Lite incorporates segment-specific parameters designed to accelerate analysis for different commercial applications. These pre-loaded scenarios enable accurate results using basic facility information, such as total estimated CFM capacity, without requiring detailed filter size inventories.

For example, a commercial building with five air handling units operating at 50,000 CFM each can generate accurate cost analysis through LCC Lite’s streamlined approach, eliminating the time-intensive process of cataloging every filter size combination while maintaining analytical accuracy.

Strategic Applications Across Commercial Sectors

Energy Cost Optimization in Retail Operations

Commercial  facilities face unique air filtration challenges due to high customer, occupant, or visitor traffic, extended operating hours, which means  substantial HVAC loads are required. . LCC Lite enables these  facility managers to quickly identify energy waste from suboptimal filter selections that force HVAC systems to work harder, consume more energy, and require more frequent maintenance.

According to ASHRAE research, properly selected air filters can reduce HVAC energy consumption by 15-25% in commercial retail environments². LCC Lite quantifies these savings opportunities for specific retail operations, enabling informed procurement decisions that align with operational cost management objectives.

Healthcare Facility Cost Management

Healthcare institutions operate under strict indoor air quality requirements while managing significant budget pressures. ASHRAE Standard 170 Ventilation of Health Care Facilities and Canada’s CSA Z317.2 recommend air change rates and filtration efficiency levels that directly impact energy consumption³. LCC Lite enables healthcare facility managers to optimize filter selection within regulatory requirements while identifying cost reduction opportunities.

Healthcare facilities implementing total cost of ownership approaches to air filter procurement report average HVAC fan energy cost reductions of 20-30% compared to lowest-initial-cost purchasing strategies⁴. LCC Lite makes these analysis capabilities accessible for healthcare facility managers operating under time constraints and budget pressures.

Educational Institution Budget Optimization

Educational institutions face particularly acute budget challenges, requiring careful optimization of operational expenses while maintaining healthy learning environments. Research from the EPA indicates that improved indoor air quality in schools correlates with enhanced academic performance and reduced absenteeism⁵.

LCC Lite enables educational facility managers to demonstrate how strategic air filter investments support both budget management and educational mission fulfillment. The software’s rapid analysis capabilities are particularly valuable for school administrators who must make informed decisions within compressed budget planning cycles.

Operational Benefits and Resource Optimization

Maintenance Labor Reallocation

Commercial facilities implementing optimized air filtration strategies through total cost of ownership analysis typically experience significant maintenance labor reallocation opportunities. Extended filter service life reduces replacement frequency, freeing maintenance staff for higher-value facility improvement projects.

Industry data suggests that commercial facilities can reduce air filter-related maintenance labor by 40-60% through strategic filter selection⁶. LCC Lite quantifies these labor optimization opportunities, enabling facility managers to plan resource reallocation and identify additional cost improvement projects.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Alignment

LCC Lite supports commercial facility sustainability initiatives by identifying energy efficiency improvements that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives. The software’s analysis capabilities enable facility managers to connect air filter selection to carbon footprint reduction and energy efficiency certification programs.

Commercial buildings implementing energy-efficient air filtration strategies have reported  average energy consumption reductions of 15-20%, supporting LEED certification and corporate sustainability goals⁷. LCC Lite makes these optimization opportunities visible and quantifiable for facility decision-makers.

Implementation Strategy and Sales Network Integration

Launch Timeline and Availability

LCC Lite officially launches September 9th, 2025, at 11 AM EST, with availability across North, Central, and South America. The launch includes comprehensive training for Camfil’s entire sales network, including their independent distributors, ensuring consistent application and maximum prospect value delivery.

The software integrates seamlessly with existing Camfil sales processes, using the same access methodology as the full LCC software while providing enhanced capabilities for time-constrained prospect interactions.

Training and Support Framework

The September 9th launch webinar will provide comprehensive training for Camfil’s sales network on LCC Lite capabilities and optimal application strategies. Training will address:

• Prospect/Customer Assessment:  Using LCC Lite effectively in various customer needs/ applications
• Technical Application Guidance:  Selecting appropriate analysis parameters for different commercial applications
• Follow-Up Strategy Development:  Leveraging LCC Lite results to drive comprehensive facility assessments
• Competitive Positioning:  Demonstrating LCC Lite’s analytical superiority compared to alternative approaches

The Strategic Advantage of Data-Driven Filter Selection

Moving Beyond Initial Cost Focus

LCC Lite addresses a fundamental challenge in commercial facility management: the disconnect between procurement practices focused on initial cost versus operational realities, where total cost of ownership determines actual financial impact. The software enables facility managers to shift from reactive cost management to strategic optimization approaches.

Commercial facilities implementing total cost of ownership approaches to air filter procurement consistently outperform those using initial-cost-focused strategies across multiple performance metrics, including energy efficiency, maintenance costs, and operational reliability⁸.

Competitive Market Positioning

LCC Lite provides Camfil’s sales network with a distinctive competitive advantage through its foundation in historical performance data and advanced modeling capabilities. While competitors offer simple calculation tools, LCC Lite delivers sophisticated analysis accessible through a user-friendly interface design.

The software’s ability to generate accurate results using basic facility information addresses a common sales challenge: prospects who lack detailed HVAC configuration data but need immediate cost analysis to support decision-making processes.

Transforming Commercial Facility Decision-Making

LCC Lite represents a strategic advancement in air filtration cost analysis, making sophisticated total cost of ownership evaluation accessible for routine commercial facility decision-making. By combining analytical rigor with practical usability, the software addresses the real-world challenges facing facility managers, procurement professionals, and building owners across diverse commercial applications.

The launch of LCC Lite reflects Camfil’s commitment to supporting commercial facility excellence through evidence-based decision-making tools that connect air filtration optimization to broader facility management objectives, including energy efficiency, operational cost control, and sustainability goal achievement.

For facility managers seeking to optimize air filtration performance while managing operational costs, LCC Lite provides the analytical foundation needed for informed decision-making. The software’s rapid analysis capabilities and comprehensive database foundation ensure that commercial facilities can identify cost optimization opportunities without compromising indoor air quality or operational performance.

To learn more about LCC Lite and access the software following the September 9th launch, contact your Camfil representative or visit www.camfil.us for additional information about the total cost of ownership analysis for commercial air filtration applications.

Sources and Citations

¹ U.S. Department of Energy, Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS), 2020

² ASHRAE, “Energy Efficiency and IAQ in Commercial Buildings,” ASHRAE Journal, 2023

⁴ Healthcare Financial Management Association, “Energy Cost Optimization in Healthcare Facilities,” 2024

⁵ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Indoor Air Quality and Student Performance,” EPA Report 402-F-00-009, 2023

⁶ Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), “Commercial Building Maintenance Cost Analysis,” 2024

⁷ U.S. Green Building Council, “LEED Building Performance Analysis,” 2024

⁸ Facilities Management Journal, “Total Cost of Ownership in Commercial Building Operations,” 2024

For additional technical specifications and implementation guidance, visit Camfil’s Life Cycle Cost Analysis resources at https://www.camfil.com/en-us/support-and-services/services/aircair-turbo-services/life-cycle-cost-analysis-aircair.

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US Green Building Council and ASHRAE Fact Sheet Tips for Smarter HVAC Filtration and Cleaner Air In Schools

School indoor air quality affects millions of students daily, yet many educational facilities still rely on outdated filtration systems that fail to protect against many common airborne contaminants. With growing awareness of how air quality impacts student health and academic performance, schools need practical guidance on upgrading their HVAC filtration systems effectively.

A recent fact sheet published by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) offers vital insights for school administrators facing challenges in updating their schools’ air filtration technology. This installment in the “School Indoor Air Quality Fact Sheets” series was developed in collaboration with Flu Lab, ASHRAE, and air filtration experts from leading companies and educational institutions in the field.

Proper air filtration and well-planned ventilation can significantly reduce respiratory illnesses, improve cognitive function, and help schools operate safely during wildfire events. The challenge isn’t whether to upgrade; it’s knowing which filters work best for your specific system without overwhelming your equipment.

Understanding MERV Ratings and Filter Efficiency

MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings measure a filter’s ability to capture particles of various sizes. Efficiency is indicated numerically with MERV 1 providing the lowest efficiency and MERV 16 indicating the highest efficiency. School HVAC systems have historically used  MERV 8 panel filters. Filters with a MERV value of less than MERV 7 shouldn’t be used in public buildings. 

A filter’s MERV value is determined by testing its efficiency against particles of different sizes. Dirt particles, divided into three size categories E1, E2, and E3, which range from a low of 0.3 microns in size to a high of 10 microns. These particles are passed through a test duct and onto the filter. The filter’s ability to capture particles across these size ranges is compared to a MERV chart,  The final MERV value is the highest rating at which the filter meets all three size range requirements.

A MERV 13 rating, for example, requires that the tested filter capture at least 50% of E1 particles, at least 85% of E2 particles, and at least 90% of E3 particles. 

For infectious aerosols carrying viruses like SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV, higher MERV-rated filters prove very effective. A MERV 13 filter is rated to remove  77% of particles in the size range of typical infectious aerosols, while a MERV 16 filter is rated to achieve 95% removal efficiency of these same particles. 

Important note:  Some filters achieve these higher MERV ratings by relying on a temporary electrostatically charged media. This charge can lose effectiveness once the filter is in use and begins loading with dirt. Always look for an air filter’s MERV-A value, which gives a better indication of its long-term performance.

Debunking the High-Pressure Drop Myth

A persistent myth that air filtration specialists encounter in their work with schools is that MERV 13 filters, or higher-efficiency filters in general, automatically create excessive pressure drop, overwhelming HVAC systems. This assumption prevents many schools from upgrading to more effective air filtration, despite significant health and performance benefits.

In reality, pressure drop doesn’t correlate directly with MERV ratings; a well-designed MERV 13 filter can operate at similar pressure levels as a basic MERV 8 filter. Construction methods, filter depth, and media design influence pressure drop more than the efficiency rating alone. High-performance air filters use advanced construction techniques — such as dual-layered media, pleat geometry, or advanced fiber arrangements — to enhance particle removal while maintaining lower pressure drop.

The USGBC fact sheet highlights that MERV 13 filters can often have the same pressure drop as MERV 8 filters while providing superior protection from airborne contaminants. Don’t assume your system can’t handle a MERV 13 upgrade; instead request manufacturer data comparing pressure drops between your current filter and potential replacements. Many schools discover they can upgrade filtration without modifications to their existing equipment. Contact a qualified air filtration professional should you need assistance. 

The AQ13 Advantage for School Applications

Among the available filter options, a MERV 13 2-inch pleated air filter with a low pressure drop combines high particle removal efficiency with practical operational benefits. A filter like this makes cleaner air achievable for school maintenance teams without damaging HVAC systems or sacrificing airflow. 

The AQ13 represents this type of filter well, delivering MERV 13 performance while maintaining pressure drop levels comparable to standard MERV 8 filters. These filters typically provide double the service life of conventional MERV 8 options, reducing replacement frequency and maintenance costs. The filter has been designed and constructed of high-strength materials to easily withstand this additional service life. 

This extended service life proves particularly valuable for schools managing multiple buildings and tight maintenance schedules. Fewer filter changes mean reduced labor costs and less disruption to building operations, while maintaining superior air quality protection for students and staff. The flexibility to schedule filter changeouts to seasons of the year where the weather conditions are more favorable is particularly valuable to facilities located in areas where winters are harsh or where the summer heat can be dangerous. 

Addressing Wildfire Smoke and Other Air Quality Challenges

Schools should also consider their geographic risk profile when selecting air filtration strategies. Facilities near high-traffic areas or in regions with frequent air quality alerts benefit from the enhanced protection that higher MERV ratings provide, even during normal operating conditions.

Wildfire smoke presents unique filtration challenges that require specialized consideration. Smoke particles range from 0.05-0.4 microns, smaller than most infectious aerosols and more difficult to capture. Even high-efficiency MERV filters achieve lower removal rates for wildfire particles compared to virus-containing aerosols.

LEARN MORE: How High-Efficiency Air Filters Can Help Protect Indoor Air Quality During Wildfire Season 

The fact sheet points out that a  MERV 13 filter removes approximately 69% of wildfire particles, while MERV 16 achieves 96% removal. For schools in wildfire-prone regions, this difference could justify the higher efficiency investment, especially when combined with activated media filters to address molecular pollutants (i.e. gaseous contaminants) that mechanical filters cannot capture.

Making Smart Air Quality Decisions for Your School

Upgrading school air filtration requires balancing multiple factors, including IAQ needs, system compatibility, maintenance requirements, and budget constraints. 

For the best performance, inspect your school’s HVAC system filters every quarter or during each filter change, whichever comes first. The fact sheet recommends tracking several factors at the district level so that IAQ challenges can be effectively addressed:

• Number of filters and prefilters in the system, along with their locations and MERV ratings.
• Dimensions of the current filter rack.
• The pressure drop each fan can handle, for both clean and dirty filters.

Additional tips from the fact sheet include working with qualified professionals to evaluate upgrade options specific to your equipment and local air quality challenges, requesting detailed manufacturer data on pressure drop performance, and remembering that even buildings with limited outdoor ventilation can significantly reduce health risks through efficient HVAC filtration. Filter upgrades are one of the most accessible and impactful improvements schools can make to protect student and staff wellbeing.

For more details, graphs, and diagrams explaining how to upgrade school air filtration and ventilation, access the full factsheet. 

About Camfil USA 

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 to protect people, processes, and the environment, visit us at www.camfil.us. 

Media Contact 

Lynne Laake 

Camfil USA Air Filters 

Phone: 888-599-6620 

Email: Lynne.Laake@camfil.com 

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Breathe Better, Spend Smarter – Upgrading Air Filtration in Schools and Universities

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) in educational buildings gained greater awareness and significance because of its association with health, well-being, and academic performance. As indoor air quality becomes a priority for schools, colleges and universities, many are investing more in the assessment and improvement of their HVAC systems. 

As the average school building is nearly a decade old, many have outdated or inadequate HVAC systems not designed for infection control or modern indoor air quality needs. COVID-19 has brought to light that a large number of schools are still operating with old HVAC infrastructures that do not meet infection control guidelines or standards. 

Designed primarily for heating and cooling, these obsolete systems lack the capacity for adequate filtration of airborne pathogens, which is one key to protecting the health of students, staff and faculty. EPA Indoor Air Quality studies suggest that 40% of schools have inadequate school air filtration systems that fail to effectively reduce airborne transmission risks. 

A nationwide poll conducted in 2021 among 500 higher education managers and executives showed that the most common strategy for addressing IAQ was a school HVAC filtration upgrade to reduce airborne contaminants and create healthier learning environments for students and staff. 

Investing in premium school air filters can help lower disease transmission by decreasing exposure to allergens, pollutants, and airborne viruses. Additionally, these high-efficiency air filters provide economic and operational benefits for schools and universities by reducing absenteeism, lowering health-related costs, and decreasing maintenance needs. Overall, improving air filtration in schools and universities delivers long-term benefits, including healthier indoor environments, increased energy efficiency, and reduced operational expenses. 

This article provides an overview of the current state of indoor air quality in educational facilities, the health and learning impacts associated with poor indoor air quality, along with the benefits and strategic approaches for investing in air filters that support healthier learning environments and long-term operational efficiency. 

The State of Indoor Air in Educational Facilities 

Air Quality Conditions in Classrooms

Indoor air quality in educational settings, including K-12 schools and universities, is often compromised by a variety of pollutants and structural limitations. Common issues associated with indoor air quality include:

• Elevated carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels. Overcrowded or under-ventilated classrooms can lead to excessive CO2 concentrations.
• Particulate matter. Fine airborne particles (PM1 – particles with a diameter less than 1 micron and PM2.5 – particles with a diameter less than 2.5 microns) can originate from outdoor pollution, dust or indoor activities, contributing to numerous health problems.
• Allergens. Mold spores, dust mites, and pollen are prevalent in older buildings.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Emitted from building materials, cleaning products, furnishings, and even markers, VOCs are common indoor pollutants. 

Airborne particulates and VOCs are the main air pollutants found in university settings. They are generated in laboratories that use chemicals and high-traffic areas like classrooms, common areas, and dining halls.

For example, classrooms with constant foot traffic can shed up to 500,000 particles (0.3 microns or larger) per minute, while common areas and hallways generate high particle concentrations during class changes. Dining halls can produce particulates from high-density occupancy, along with gases and odors from food preparation. Laboratories where students handle chemicals generate VOCs. 

University indoor air quality challenges can vary based on geographic region and seasonal conditions. Urban schools are more likely to experience higher levels of outdoor air pollution like vehicle emissions and industrial pollutants that drift into classrooms. Rural schools can have issues with dust and pesticides. 

Seasonal factors also influence air quality. Cold climates may reduce ventilation during winter months, causing indoor CO2 levels to rise, while warm weather or humid regions face mold and high allergen levels. These regional and seasonal variations require tailored air quality strategies that take into consideration local environmental factors and seasonal air quality fluctuations to protect the health and well-being of students and staff.

Health Impacts

Particulate matter poses serious health risks as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and even the bloodstream, causing severe health problems. Airborne pollutants can produce various adverse effects on students, faculty and staff, including headaches, allergic reactions, eye irritation, itchy skin, bronchitis, fatigue, and discomfort that results in higher absenteeism and poor concentration. 

Asthma is one of the most significant health concerns linked to poor indoor air quality. Factors such as particulate matter, mold spores, and VOCs can trigger attacks and worsen respiratory conditions. In some cases, individuals may experience sick building syndrome, where symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or irritation lessen upon leaving the building. 

Health Sensitivities Among Adult Learners

As more older learners return to higher education to meet professional and career demands, there is a diverse range of age groups and health sensitivities with educational populations. Older individuals are more likely to have underlying health conditions, such as asthma and COPD, are more adversely affected by poor indoor quality. They tend to have decreased respiratory resilience and heightened sensitivity to the environment.

Chronic Absenteeism

Inadequate IAQ increases absenteeism among students and staff. Student attendance is crucial for academic success and building relationships with peers and teachers. Chronic absenteeism impacts both educational outcomes and the financial stability of the school. When students miss school due to respiratory issues, schools lose between $7 to $15 per student per day in state funding. In addition, schools can incur costs for substitute teachers, which goes against the school budget.

Poor IAQ also negatively affects academic performance. Studies indicate a direct correlation between air quality and student cognitive performance. Elevated levels of CO₂, particularly in overcrowded or poorly ventilated classrooms, can impair cognitive abilities and concentration. 

Research shows that high levels of indoor air pollution and inadequate ventilation diminish performance across nine cognitive function domains, including basic activity level, task orientation, crisis response, information seeking, information usage, and strategic thinking. All are important for learning and conducting complex tasks. 

Why Schools and Universities Are Vulnerable

Higher education settings such as classrooms, lecture halls, dining areas and libraries, where large numbers of students and staff gather, increase the risk of airborne transmission of respiratory viruses. High occupancy density creates unique challenges for maintaining effective ventilation and indoor air quality, as it escalates the demand on ventilation systems. An increase in the number of occupants raises CO₂ levels and introduces more airborne particles and pathogens that can potentially overwhelm standard ventilation systems and compromise air quality. 

In addition, high foot traffic and constant movement can disturb settled dust particles, raising levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air. A building’s location, design, and activities also influence PM concentration. Buildings situated near roads and industrial zones are more likely to experience higher infiltration of outdoor PM due to pollutants. Activities such as cooking, printing, and laboratory work can generate indoor particulates within classrooms. In addition, poorly sealed buildings and those with inadequate filtration systems can allow more outdoor pollutants to enter indoor areas. 

Outdated HVAC systems

A national survey by the National Center for Education Statistics on public schools found that the average age of the main school building in U.S. public schools is 49 years, with 38% constructed before 1970. Additionally, one-third of public schools have never undergone major renovations. Similarly, over 50% of American college campuses were built between 1951 and 1990. This indicates that much of the nation’s education infrastructure is aging.

Older buildings often lack the modern filtration and ventilation capacity needed to maintain clean, healthy indoor air across campus environments. As campuses grow and change, the limitations of outdated systems struggle to meet today’s air quality and performance standards. Many schools and universities in the U.S. do not meet the minimum ventilation design standard outlined by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). 

To comply with modern standards and improve air quality, HVAC systems in many educational institutions require renewal or replacement. A 2020 Government Accountability Office report found that 41% of school districts need to update or replace HVAC systems in at least half of their schools. This represents about 36,000 schools nationwide that need updates. 

Budget Constraints

While schools and universities realize the importance of HVAC improvements, budget restraints often cause delays. The 2021 State of Our Schools report revealed a staggering $85 billion funding gap needed to properly maintain school buildings and equipment nationwide. 

Despite flat budgets and rising operating costs, schools and universities should actively pursue alternative funding sources to modernize HVAC systems. Delaying these upgrades poses serious risks to health, learning outcomes, and overall building safety. 

Investments in modernizing HVAC systems with premium air filtration will not only improve indoor environments but also positively affect learning environments, boost student and staff productivity, lower maintenance costs and reduce energy costs. 

What Are Premium Air Filters? 

While HVAC systems bring fresh air indoors through ventilation, this process does not eliminate airborne pathogens. While ventilation helps dilute contaminants, air filtration removes particles such as dust and aerosols from the air before it circulates in indoor spaces. While only a single component, air filters impact almost every performance feature of the HVAC system. 

MERV and HEPA

Air filters are evaluated based on how effectively they capture small airborne particles, using the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating system. For optimal performance, schools and universities should implement air filters with MERV ratings between 13 and 16, specifically those marked with a MERV-A designation. This MERV-A label signifies that the filter will sustain its efficiency throughout its operational lifespan. Air filters rated a minimum of MERV 13/13A capture an average of 85% of particles 1 micron and larger when properly installed in HVAC systems. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are even more effective, capable of removing at least 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns.

Carbon Filtration

Molecular filters with activated carbon are effective in removing gases and odors from the air through a process called adsorption. In this process, gas-phase molecules adhere to the surface of the activated carbon, which has an extremely high surface area due to its porous structure.

These filters are highly effective for controlling odors and chemical contaminants in:

• Science laboratories:  remove chemical fumes and VOCs. 
• Cafeterias:  control food odors and cooking by-products.
• Art rooms or industrial classrooms that utilize glues, paints or solvents. 

Prefilters and Final Filters

In HVAC systems, prefilters and final filters work together in a multi-stage filtration process to effectively clean environments with different pollutants. Using a combination of different filters targets specific contaminants such as allergens, mold, and odors. 

Prefilters are often one, two, or four-inch pleated panel filters and serve as the first line of defense by removing large airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and lint. They are installed upstream of other filters in the air handling unit. For example, in a school setting, a MERV-8A or 9A prefilter removes larger particles before they accumulate on the heating or cooling coils, which reduces heat transfer effectiveness or before they build up on the final filter, reducing airflow into classrooms. 

Final filters are installed downstream from the prefilter and before air enters the ductwork and is delivered into the building space. These filters typically have a MERV rating of 13-16 and are designed to  remove smaller airborne contaminants. They ensure that the HVAC  system delivers cleaner, safer air into the classrooms and can be considered as the last line of defense.  

Integrated Systems vs. Standalone Units

Integrated filters are built directly into existing HVAC systems and can be upgraded from standard to premium filters, depending on system compatibility. Most commercial HVAC systems have the framing support to accommodate filters with MERV ratings of 8- 16. However, standard HVAC systems in schools typically cannot accommodate HEPA filters due to fan design limitations and pressure drop issues. Installing HEPA filters often requires significant modifications or specialized air handling units to maintain airflow and ventilation rates. 

In such cases, standalone units, also known as air purifiers or air cleaners, are ideal. When equipped with HEPA filters and activated media filters, these portable units effectively reduce particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. They can be smaller plug-and-play units that require minimal installation and maintenance, or they can be larger ceiling mounted units for athletic spaces such as gyms, locker rooms, and indoor swimming pools or larger spaces such as auditoriums. Air purifiers and cleaners can be powerful filtration devices that deliver performance beyond the capabilities of most existing school HVAC systems.

Camfil’s Premium Air Filters and Air Cleaners  Routinely Used in Schools and Universities

• 30/30 Dual 9 or Farr 30/30 panel filters for prefiltration in multi-stage units.
• AQ13 panel filters for single-stage units configured to hold air filters no greater than 4 inches in depth and supplying air to human-occupied, but non-critical spaces such as offices. 
• Durafil ES3 V-bank style air filters for final filters in multi-stage units supplying air to human-occupied or production areas not requiring HEPA filtration.
• CityCarb I V-bank style particulate and molecular air filter that combines MERV 14A particle removal efficiency and ozone removal efficiency of 90%. 
• Absolute VG V-bank style filters for areas where up to 99.99% @ 0.3 micron HEPA filtration is required and the air handling unit is configured for box-style HEPA filters.
• CamCleaner CC500 portable air purifier with HEPA filtration. 
• CamCleaner CC X-Series industrial air cleaner with modular construction capable of both particulate and molecular filtration in large spaces. 

Improved Indoor Air Quality – Health and Cognitive Benefits 

IAQ plays a vital role in promoting student health, cognitive development, and academic performance. By prioritizing clean air, schools and universities can create healthier, more effective learning environments.

Health Benefits for Educational Communities

Recent studies have shown that upgrading HVAC systems and integrating HEPA cleaners in classrooms provides health advantages. Reduced transmission of airborne pathogens minimizes the spread of colds and flus while lowering the incidence of asthma and allergy flare-ups. Improved IAQ also supports better respiratory health and strengthens the immune system. 

Academic Performance Enhancement

The COGfx study, a multi-phase research initiative led by Harvard University, Syracuse University and SUNY Upstate Medical University, found that improved IAQ led to a 101% increase in cognitive test results. 

Key academic benefits of well-ventilated classrooms include:

• Improved concentration, memory and cognitive performance. 
• Reduced absenteeism and disruption.
• A more comfortable environment aligned with academic achievement.

Staff Well-Being and Performance

Classroom air quality improvement also supports the health, performance, and satisfaction of teachers and school staff. Cleaner air reduces sick leave, ensuring consistent instruction in educational programs. 

Healthier, more comfortable working conditions enhance productivity, boosts morale and job satisfaction. When educators feel healthier and more engaged, overall quality instruction and school culture improve, leading to higher job satisfaction and better job retention. 

Energy Efficiency and HVAC Performance in Educational Facilities 

Energy Efficiency Gains

HVAC systems represent the majority of energy consumption in schools and universities. Upgrading to premium, high-efficiency filters will have a big impact on system performance and energy efficiency, resulting in major savings on utility costs.

Optimized System Load for Educational Buildings

High-efficiency filters enhance the performance of HVAC systems by decreasing airflow resistance and minimizing pressure drop. As a result, less energy is needed to maintain consistent indoor temperatures and air quality in classrooms, lecture halls and other campus areas, especially during high-demand periods. 

These advanced filters are also more effective in capturing airborne contaminants, reducing the load on HVAC systems. This not only reduces cooling energy requirements but also contributes to cleaner indoor air. By maintaining consistent airflow, minimizing pressure fluctuations, and reducing strain on critical components, these filters help extend the lifespan of HVAC systems.

Energy Cost Savings for Educational Budgets

Effective filter management lowers cooling and heating costs by keeping systems clean, efficient and free from dirt and debris. Clean filters allow air to flow more efficiently, reducing strain on equipment and improving energy efficiency. By maintaining optimal system performance throughout the year, schools can reduce heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer. 

Schools that upgrade to efficient air filters  can cut HVAC-related energy consumption by up to 80%, lowering utility costs. For example, by switching to premium filters, Montgomery County Schools in Pennsylvania captured up to 85% more airborne particles. This resulted in healthier learning environments and achieved a 15- 18% energy savings, which translates to hundreds of thousands in annual savings. 

Utility savings such as these allow more funding to be allocated to other educational programs and maintenance rather than utility bills. 

Sustainability Benefits for Educational Institutions

By adopting premium HVAC filters, educational institutions can reduce their carbon footprint. These advanced filters enable HVAC units to operate with lower energy demands, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating, cooling, and water purification processes across campus. 

This results in a cleaner, greener campus that aligns with the values of environmentally-conscious educational institutions. It also demonstrates corporate social responsibility to stakeholders.

Additionally, installing premium filtration systems can contribute directly to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by earning points in categories such as indoor environmental quality.

Maintenance Cost Savings – Labor and Materials 

By reducing airborne dust and particulate matter, premium filters help to prevent buildup in HVAC systems and prolongs the lifespan of HVAC components. This leads to fewer repairs and replacements, which reduces maintenance costs, minimizes system downtime, and lowers labor needs. 

High-quality air filters also often require less frequent replacement. When used in combination with a prefilter, final filters can last 6 to 12 months longer than standard filters due to their high-quality materials and enhanced design for airflow efficiency. This extends service intervals and reduces operational costs. Fewer filter changeouts mean less disruption to classroom activities and campus operations. 

Labor Hours and Staffing Optimization

By extending filter life, premium filtration systems reduce the frequency of replacements, reducing the time technicians spend on routine maintenance. This not only cuts labor costs but frees technicians to spend time on more urgent, complex maintenance issues, improving overall facility performance. 

Consistent filtration performance can improve staff productivity by focusing on educational support activities. It also reduces unplanned repair costs and reduces emergency maintenance calls during critical educational periods. 

Procurement and Inventory Efficiency for Educational Institutions

Standardizing high-efficiency filters across campus allows educational institutions and school districts to negotiate volume-based pricing for bulk purchases. The longer lifespans of premium filters simplify inventory management by reducing the number of SKUs and change cycles. And with fewer filter types and less frequent replacement, facility maintenance areas require less physical storage space for HVAC filter inventory. Standardized purchasing and reduced frequency of changeouts streamlines the procurement process with fewer requisitions, less manual oversight and more precise budgeting. 

Disposal Cost Savings and Environmental Benefits

Fewer filter replacements generate less waste, resulting in reduced filter disposal frequency. This, in turn, means fewer dumpster pickups, reduced landfill fees, and lower hauling and labor charges. 

The decreased volume of non-biodegradable materials sent to landfills supports sustainability initiatives, carbon reduction targets and compliance with green building standards such as LEED or Energy Star.

Waste reduction efforts also provide real-world opportunities for environmental education. By using filter optimization projects, educational institutions can demonstrate environmental responsibility and engage students in sustainability discussions using campus-based case stories. 

Cost-Benefit Analysis for Educational Investment 

While premium filters have a higher upfront cost compared to standard filters, they offer significant long-term financial and operational advantages. Standard filters, with their low initial cost, quickly become clogged, resulting in dramatically higher energy consumption as well as increased labor and disposal costs due to their short service life. The costs of premium filters are offset by extended service life, improved HVAC efficiency and reduced inventory and maintenance. 

Instead of simply evaluating filters based on price, examining the total cost of ownership (TCO) can provide a clearer picture of their overall value. This evaluation should include operational costs, energy consumption, operational gains, labor and disposal costs. Software such as Camfil’s LCC Green Software can be used to calculate the TCO of different filters under various conditions using real-life data. 

Budget Reallocation Opportunities

Investing in premium air filters creates opportunities for budget reallocation within educational institutions. The overall savings gained from improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance costs can be redirected to support different institutional priorities, such as:

• Academic program improvements, such as curriculum development and staff training.
• Facility upgrades that modernize infrastructure and help attract and retain students.
• Technology improvements that further reduce energy and maintenance costs while equipping learning environments with the latest digital tools. 

Implementation Considerations for Educational Facilities 

Upgrading to premium air filters requires a strategic, multi-step approach. This process should include a comprehensive assessment, proper filter selection, staff training and ongoing performance monitoring. 

Assessment and Planning for Educational Environments

The first step in improving IAQ at schools is assessing their needs. It involves:

• Conducting an IAQ audit to evaluate pollutant sources, ventilation effectiveness and particulate levels to determine filtration requirements.
• Performing an occupancy-based analysis to outline occupancy patterns and usage throughout different buildings.
• Evaluating the current ventilation systems and poor circulation areas.

It is also important to establish baseline performance metrics to enable ongoing performance tracking, ROI calculations and alignment with sustainability reporting. 

Air Filter Selection for Educational Applications

Choosing the right filter requires a thorough evaluation of system compatibility, facility needs, and infrastructure diversity. 

Key considerations include:

• Conducting a compatibility check of the HVAC system to determine whether it can support premium filters without compromising performance.
• Assessing filtration performance based on the educational environments, such as minimizing airborne contaminants, controlling allergens and ensuring consistent IAQ in high-occupancy spaces.
• Considering the age and capacity of HVAC systems in older buildings, which may have limited airflow. Upgrades or system modifications may be required to accommodate high-efficiency filters.
• Selecting the filter solutions that adapt to the varying designs of different buildings, which can affect airflow requirements. 
• Consider adding individual room air purifiers or industrial air cleaners for larger spaces where needed. 

Training and Staff Buy-In for Educational Teams

The successful implementation of premium air filters depends on staff engagement, training and change management. The facilities and maintenance team should be educated on new filtration methods and goals through targeted training sessions. This should focus on filter specifications and proper installation, monitoring air quality improvements, and troubleshooting pressure drops or airflow issues.

Standard operating procedures should define inspection and replacement schedules for maintenance teams. Additionally, communication strategies should be developed to inform staff and stakeholders on the purpose and benefits of premium filter upgrades, addressing any potential resistance from faculty and administrative leadership. 

Monitoring Results and Performance Validation

Ongoing assessments enable schools to adapt their air quality management strategies in real time, ensuring the health and safety of students and staff. By utilizing advanced sensors and monitoring systems, schools can collect data on key pollutants including VOCs, particulate matter and CO₂ levels. 

Analyzing this data allows for early detection of emerging issues, identification of trends, and timely adjustments to ventilation systems or filtration efficiency. These proactive measures not only protect health but also enhance the learning environment by reducing distractions and discomfort caused by poor educational building air quality.

Clean indoor air is critical to the health, academic performance and productivity of staff and students in schools and universities. With approximately 51 million people occupying school buildings on any given day, IAQ must be a top priority in the mission of educational facilities. School air filtration benefits not only include improved air quality, but lower energy consumption, reduced maintenance and inventory costs, and enhanced comfort and safety.

For many older educational facilities that cannot accommodate major HVAC designs, premium air filters offer a practical, high-impact solution. They represent a smart, future-ready investment in creating healthier learning environments and promoting educational excellence. 

Camfil offers clean air solutions tailored to address air quality issues in educational institutions. To learn more about our premium air filtration capabilities for schools and universities, visit Camfil’s schools and universities clean air information page or connect with a Camfil expert who can provide product knowledge and support in upgrading the filtration capacity of your HVAC system. 

 

¹ https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/reference-guide-indoor-air-quality-schools

² https://www.fmlink.com/survey-colleges-issues-effective-iaq-solutions/

³ https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics

⁴ https://blog.csba.org/national-survey-school-facilities/

⁵ https://www.asumag.com/resources/white-papers/article/20853544/the-dilemma-of-aging-facilities-strategies-for-future-proofing-a-higher-education-campus

⁶ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8789458/

⁷ https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-494

⁸ https://www.incidentiq.com/blog/2024-2025-k12-facilities-management-survey

⁹ https://www.asumag.com/energy/indoor-air-quality-iaq/article/55276022/hvac-upgrades-enhance-air-quality-in-school-facilities

¹⁰ https://healthybuildings.hsph.harvard.edu/research/indoor-air-quality/cogfx/

¹¹ https://airsysnorthamerica.com/a-school-hvac-upgrade-is-it-really-necessary/

¹² https://centralplumbinghvac.com/why-montgomery-county-schools-are-switching-hvac-filter/

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Texas Charter School District Achieves Major Cost Savings with Innovative Filtration Strategy, New Camfil Case Study Video Reveals

Riverdale, NJ — Camfil USA has released a compelling new case study video documenting how one of Texas’ largest public charter school districts dramatically reduced maintenance costs and improved facility operations by implementing high-performance air filtration systems. The video, featuring firsthand testimony from facility management leadership, provides unprecedented insight into the operational challenges facing large educational institutions and the strategic solutions that deliver measurable economic impact.

International Leadership of Texas (ILTexas), a multilingual K-12 charter school network operating multiple campuses across the state, faced significant maintenance challenges common to large educational institutions: limited budgets, insufficient staffing, and overwhelming filter replacement schedules that consumed valuable maintenance resources.

“Educational institutions nationwide are grappling with similar facilities management challenges,” noted John Davidson, Branch Manager at the Camfil office in Dallas, TX. “This documented case study provides tangible evidence of how strategic filtration decisions can transform maintenance operations while improving indoor air quality for students and staff.”

Documented Transformation in Maintenance Operations

The case study video captures the dramatic operational impact experienced by the school district after transitioning to high-performance filtration solutions:

• Reduction in filter change frequency from monthly replacements to quarterly or nine-month intervals
• 95% decrease in maintenance labor hours dedicated to filter changes (from 24 man-hours to just 1)
• Reallocation of maintenance resources to critical equipment maintenance, including HVAC coil cleaning, belt replacement, lighting, and kitchen equipment
• Elimination of storage requirements for large quantities of replacement filters
• Six-figure annual savings in maintenance labor costs

“When they said nine months, I was like, ‘You guys are crazy. Our units aren’t going to be able to handle that,'” the facilities director states in the video. “So we tested it out at a campus . . . It takes about two days for us to change filters. That’s 24 days of man-hours, and we’re now able to do it in one.”

Evidence-Based Decision Making in Educational Facility Management

The video highlights the importance of performance validation and data-driven decision-making in educational facility management. When a mechanical contractor raised concerns about the extended-life filters during a service call, Camfil dispatched engineers to conduct comprehensive airflow testing, which confirmed the filters were performing as promised.

“We were able to prove to the mechanical contractor that it was the VFD that was causing the issue,” explains the facilities director in the video. The documentation of actual performance over time provided crucial validation for the district’s innovation in maintenance practices.

For educational institutions operating under tight budgets, the case study addresses the common misconception that lower-priced filters reduce overall costs. Despite the higher initial investment in premium filtration, the school district achieved substantial net savings through dramatic reductions in labor costs and replacement frequency.

“We’re saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in man-hours every year changing filters because we don’t have to as often,” concludes the facilities director. “Luckily, International Leadership of Texas gives me autonomy to make those business decisions . . . it was a no-brainer for us to make that switch.”

Educational Focus on Multilingual Excellence

The case study also highlights ILTexas’s distinctive educational mission of providing trilingual education in English, Spanish, and Mandarin—languages that enable graduates to communicate with approximately 90% of the world’s population. The school system’s designation of Mandarin as a “national security language” underscores the institution’s forward-thinking educational philosophy.

By reducing maintenance burdens through smarter air filtration strategies, the school can direct more resources toward its core educational mission while maintaining healthy learning environments for students and staff.

The comprehensive case study video is now available on Camfil USA’s YouTube channel and website, offering facility managers in educational settings a valuable resource for evaluating potential operational improvements.

About Camfil USA

For more than half a century, Camfil has been helping people breathe cleaner air. As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions, Camfil provides commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that improve worker and equipment productivity, minimize energy use, and benefit human health and the environment. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Camfil operates 29 manufacturing sites worldwide with approximately 5,700 employees serving customers across diverse industries in more than 35+ countries.

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Clean Air: A Key Factor for Thriving University Fitness Facilities and Improved Student Wellness

Breathing is often overlooked but plays a vital role in optimizing workout performance. Proper oxygen intake fuels the body and supports sustained energy, aiding muscle growth and recovery. However, the quality of the air being inhaled matters just as much as breathing technique.

This article examines the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) in campus fitness centers. Poor IAQ can hinder performance, increase fatigue, and even pose health risks for students and staff. Ensuring clean, well-circulated air in these spaces is essential for creating a safe and effective environment for fitness and wellness.

The Importance of Physical Activity for College Students

Physical activity plays a crucial role in the overall well-being and academic success of college students. Incorporating movement, such as yoga, weightlifting, running, dancing, and team sports, into daily routines has been linked to:

• Improved sleep quality [1] 
• Higher energy levels, lower fatigue, and an enhanced sense of vitality [2] 
• Increased productivity and cognitive performance [3]

Regular exercise can even be as or more effective in treating mild to moderate symptoms of depression as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a common first-line medication for depression. Exercise in combination with these medications has been shown to increase its effectiveness in individuals with and without comorbid diagnoses [4]

For college students adapting to new environments and intense workloads, physical activity acts as a critical tool to sustain balance and resilience, therefore reducing overall psychological success. With a healthy environment in which to engage in regular exercise, students can develop healthier habits that contribute to long-term academic and personal success.

How Bad Air Quality Impacts Athletic Performance

Numerous studies highlight the detrimental effects of air pollution, not only outdoors but also indoors in recreational settings. Poor air quality can:

• Decrease endurance due to the presence of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that restricts lung function. 
• Slow reaction times and reduce cognitive focus, especially during high-intensity workouts [5] 
• Diminish long-term athletic performance, leading to severe respiratory strain or inflammation. [6] 

For the broader student body, these effects can offset the positive effects of exercise and make the overall experience unpleasant, therefore reducing students’ motivation to maintain healthy physical activity. Regular exercise is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but when done in polluted environments, it can have negative consequences on students’ health and well-being.

Implications of Poor IAQ for Student Athletes

For student athletes, the stakes are particularly high. Poor IAQ jeopardizes:

• Performance Stability: Air pollution impacts both aerobic accomplishments and strength-based activities [5] 
• Recovery Rates: Contaminated environments elevated with carbon particulates increase oxidative stress in the body, delaying muscle recovery.
• Long-Term Lung Health: Exposure to pollutants may render athletes more susceptible to chronic respiratory conditions later in life [6]

A 2024 study conducted by researchers at Brown University examined 16 years of marathon runners’ finish time data—encompassing several million data points—and concluded that exposure to PM2.5 during a race was significantly correlated with slower finish times. [6]

Students who train in compromised air frequently find it harder to meet their full athletic potential within the safety of campus facilities. Because of its impact on individual athletes’ overall health and athletic performance, poor IAQ may impact a team’s standing in their NCAA division. 

Common Pollutants in University Gyms and Recreational Spaces

While you might not think that air pollution is a cause for concern in your school’s fitness center, indoor air pollution in these environments is surprisingly common and often goes unnoticed. 

Indoor pollutants in fitness centers typically originate from both internal and external sources and are dependent on several factors, including geographic location and other uses of the building. A university recreation center at a large school housed in its own building in close proximity to a highway, for example, will have different pollution concerns than a smaller fitness center in a rural location housed in the same building as a dining hall or dormitories.

Pollutants often include:

• • Particulate Matter from overcrowded spaces, poor ventilation systems, and outdoor sources.
  • Dust and Allergens generated by heavy traffic on gym flooring or unclean HVAC systems.
  • Airborne Pathogens that can lead to increased infection rates of illnesses such as COVID-19 across campus
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitted from cleaning solutions, rubber mats, and worn-out exercise equipment.

Although these pollutants might seem harmless initially, their accumulation can contribute to nausea, breathing difficulties, and even long-term cardiovascular issues.

Solutions to Improve IAQ in University Fitness Centers

Ensuring clean, breathable air starts with proactive measures to integrate healthier practices. These strategies can include:

1. Upgrade Your HVAC System

Efficient ventilation systems are critical for removing stale air, maintaining optimal oxygen levels, and blocking external pollutants.

2. Install High-Efficiency Air Filters 

Using HEPA filters and high MERV-A rated filters in air filtration systems can trap harmful particles like viruses, bacteria, PM1 and PM2.5 particles, safeguarding both students and staff.

3. Use Air Quality Monitors

Real-time monitoring devices can flag sudden spikes in pollutants, allowing for immediate corrective actions.

4. Consider Chemical Use

Keeping equipment clean is important for safety and hygiene in fitness centers, but harsh cleaning chemicals emit VOCs that cause both immediate and long-term respiratory health impacts. Adopting environmentally-friendly and/or low VOC cleaning supplies can help mitigate this risk, but air filters designed to control molecular contaminants (sometimes referred to as molecular or gas-phase filters) provide that extra layer of protection that could allow the athlete to perform at their highest level.

5. Consult with an Air Filtration Specialist

Professionals can provide tailored solutions after conducting audits, identifying specific IAQ concerns, and suggesting interventions aligned with fitness center needs. Summer presents a unique opportunity for university facilities managers to initiate strategic changes, such as implementing premium air quality solutions, with relatively little interruption to campus life. 

READ MORE: Why Summer Is the Smartest Time for HVAC Filter Changeouts in Schools and Universities 

Prioritizing IAQ is Essential for a Healthy Campus

At universities, recreation and fitness centers aren’t just facilities; they are hubs where students recharge, connect, and improve both mental and physical health. By prioritizing IAQ, universities demonstrate a commitment to their community’s well-being while empowering students to achieve their fitness aspirations.

Take your next step toward cleaner, healthier indoor environments by consulting an air quality specialist. Together, you can craft a healthier future for campus fitness.

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 to protect people, processes, and the environment, visit us at www.camfil.us.

 

Sources: 

[1] Alnawwar, M. A. (2023). The effect of physical activity on sleep quality and sleep disorder: A systematic review. Cureus, 15(8). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43595

[2] Wender, C. L. A., Manninen, M., & O’Connor, P. J. (2022). The Effect of Chronic Exercise on Energy and Fatigue States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials. Frontiers in Psychology, 13(13). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.907637

[3] Davidson, M. (2023, June 6). The Hidden Benefits of Clean Air: Exploring the Link Between Better Indoor Air Quality and Improved Productivity. Camfil Clean Air Blog. https://cleanair.camfil.us/2023/06/06/the-hidden-benefits-of-clean-air-exploring-the-link-between-better-indoor-air-quality-and-improved-productivity/

[4] Noetel, M., Sanders, T., Gallardo-Gómez, D., Taylor, P., & Cruz, B. del P. et al. (2024). Effect of exercise for depression: Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. The BMJ, 384. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-075847

[5] Maldarelli, C. (2025, February 28). How Bad Air Quality Slows Down Marathon Runners. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-bad-air-quality-slows-down-marathon-runners/

[6] Fleury, E. S., Bittker, G. S., Just, A. C., & Braun, J. M. (2024). Running on Fumes: An Analysis of Fine Particulate Matter’s Impact on Finish Times in Nine Major US Marathons, 2003–2019. Sports Medicine, 55. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-024-02160-8

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