Building owners, operators, facilities managers, procurement teams, and business leaders face a significant challenge: balancing the need for high-quality air filtration with the rising costs of energy consumption. There’s often a struggle between having clean air in a building and paying for it with expensive air filtration systems. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can have the best energy efficiency and clean air without having to break the bank. Read on to find out more. This article will help you better understand how air filters and cutting-edge technology can improve your building’s operational costs.
One challenge in explaining the benefits of improved air quality is that, unlike water quality, where the effects can be immediately noticeable, for example, brown or green water signals a problem, the state of air quality is not as visually discernible. Unless you’re in an industrial setting, you won’t see how dirty the air may be. For instance, there could be a vast difference in air quality from one office to another, with one office containing billions of particles, which could have a negative effect on human health.
It’s important to understand that investing a little more in quality air filters can significantly reduce the invisible contaminants present in the air, enhancing health. However, this is challenging because people often overlook the total cost of air filtration when considering air filter upgrades.
How can you best understand the total cost of ownership in an HVAC system, particularly with respect to air filters?
The total cost of ownership encompasses everything from the moment the filter is shipped from the supplier until it is disposed of. This includes direct costs, such as physical labour involved with filter installation and removal, as well as indirect costs, like electricity, energy expenses, and disposal costs, that occur while the filter is in operation and at the end of its life. The total cost of ownership covers the entire lifecycle of the air filter, from delivery to disposal.
Avoid Costly Air Filter Mistakes: Advice from an air filter expert:
TCO includes direct costs, the purchase price of the filters and the labour required for their installation and replacement. Considerations such as hourly rates for contractors and the time taken for tasks associated with HVAC systems should be considered to accurately evaluate expenses.
In terms of indirect costs, energy consumption is the largest contributing factor, as the operation of HVAC systems can lead to high electricity costs as the filters become clogged. Filter resistance to airflow directly affects overall energy consumption in buildings, so selecting high-quality filters can save facilities managers considerable money.
Also, HVAC systems that run optimally have the least downtime.
Finally, filter disposal costs should not be overlooked. The manner in which filters are disposed of can add additional costs, particularly since they entail the disposal of hazardous waste.
How can procurement managers or purchasing managers optimize Indoor air quality while reducing costs?
Use higher-efficiency filters to enhance air quality without increasing pressure drop. If you are currently using a MERV 13 filter made of high-loft fibreglass, consider switching to a wet-laid glass V-bank filter that achieves a MERV 16 rating with less pressure drop than lower-quality MERV 13 filters. Although the initial cost of the V-bank filter may be double that of the MERV 13 filter currently in use, it offers significant long-term savings.
Generally, a typical high-efficiency filter (like the original HIFLO®) lasts about one year, while a Durafil® can last between three and five years. In this case, even if the upfront cost of the filter is double, you can save about one-third in overall costs due to the extended lifespan.
A common misconception is that simply upgrading to a MERV 15 filter will improve air quality. However, replacing a MERV 13 with another filter of the same type rated at MERV 15 will consume more energy and not last as long. To truly enhance air filtration efficiency, you must change the type of filter you use rather than just upgrading the rating.
Does a higher MERV-rated air filter have more resistance to airflow?
Yes, if you are using the same filter type but opting for a higher efficiency rating, then a higher MERV rating will typically result in more resistance to airflow. Many people are hesitant to switch to a different product that offers higher efficiency and a lower pressure drop. They often say, “I have been using this filter for 20 years; I want to stick with it,” while still asking for a higher efficiency option. But such thinking won’t achieve cost savings and better air quality.
How can facilities managers improve HVAC energy efficiency?
Energy efficiency can only be significantly improved if the system has a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)-controlled fan. Next, it’s essential to use filters with the lowest average pressure drop rather than the lowest initial pressure drop when the filters are new. Lastly, make sure to use mechanical filters instead of electrostatic ones. These are the main considerations for improving HVAC energy efficiency.
How can executives make data-driven HVAC decisions when buying air filters?
The process isn’t straightforward and typically involves in-situ testing. You need to find two units that are running at the same velocity—although not necessarily the same CFM (cubic feet per minute)—while drawing from similar areas. In the testing, you would place the filter you are currently using in one unit and a filter you are evaluating for performance in the other. You would then monitor the performance using pressure gauges to assess the changeout period. It’s advisable to have a filter company assist with this testing.
It’s important to evaluate all filters over the lifespan of the longest-lasting filter rather than just a one-year cycle. If the longest-lasting filter in the test was 3 years, calculate the cost of purchase price, labour, waste, and energy, if possible, for each filter over 3 years. In most air handling units, pressure gauges are standard. Still, if not included, you can purchase an affordable digital gauge for less than $200 to perform the measurements yourself or have a filter company assist in taking the measurements.
For a more comprehensive data-driven solution, consider using software, conducting in-situ testing, or relying on data from Camfil with similar applications in a given industry, such as in pharmaceutical facilities.
A testing device can be set up on-site to run four filter scenarios in the system for an extended period, typically around six months, which will provide insights on air filter efficiency and pressure drop changes on an hourly basis. Contact Camfil to see if the mobile testing lab is right for the application.
The key thing to remember is that filter performance is rated by air velocity. For instance, if you have four filters operating at 8,000 CFM and one filter at 2,000 CFM, all running at 500 feet per minute, the filters’ lifespan will be comparable in each of the tests as long as the velocities remain consistent.
Balancing Excellent IAQ with Cost Management
How does suboptimal air filtration increase HVAC maintenance costs?
Essentially, when contaminants settle on components within a system, such as coils, it decreases the efficiency of temperature transfer. Contaminants can also accumulate on fans and motors, further reducing their efficiency. As these contaminants are circulated, they lead to poor indoor air quality, which negatively impacts the performance of the people in that environment.
In settings like data centres, contaminants can settle on circuit boards and other equipment, leading to increased deterioration and eventual need for replacement of components. This can result in significant costs, highlighting the downstream impact of using inferior air filters.
While it’s challenging to quantify the exact savings from improving air quality, it’s clear that better air quality results in fewer issues. Studies indicate that contaminants in a building can cause problems, from health issues to equipment failure.
Maintaining a car is similar. If you use subpar engine oil, your car may still run for 200,000 kilometres, and you might consider that acceptable. However, if you instead use high-quality oil and perform regular maintenance, that car may last 300,000 kilometres or even 400,000 kilometres.
What challenges are unique to Canada in terms of energy costs for air filtration?
The discussion shouldn’t be so much about the type of energy being used as about its cost. Provincial governments tax energy sources differently, which can affect costs. Also, you might be using inexpensive energy, but if the taxes are high, it can create issues.
The role of filters is crucial in terms of CO2 generation. A filter with a higher average pressure drop requires more energy to maintain airflow, leading to an increase in energy consumption. This applies to most provinces except for Quebec and a part of British Columbia, where hydroelectric power is used and does not produce CO2. The price of energy fluctuates a lot, so the current situation could change. Presently, the East Coast is experiencing relatively high energy prices in several Canadian provinces.
One of the key points Camfil emphasizes is the savings in labour costs. It is best to use filters that have long lifespans. If you have in-house staff, this is particularly beneficial, as they can focus their time on other tasks. For those employing contractors, utilizing longer-lasting filters can also save money since contractors won’t need to check systems as frequently. Typically, contractors visit four times a year, but if a system is particularly clean, they could check it only every six months.
Monthly checks are mandatory in settings like hospitals and healthcare facilities that adhere to CSA standards. However, in non-critical environments such as general offices, if you’ve established that a filter lasts six months, you don’t need quarterly inspections.
It’s important to set a baseline, as it helps you understand what to expect if conditions remain unchanged. However, if you opt for cheaper filters, you’ll likely find yourself having to replace them more frequently, every two to three months, resulting in increased maintenance.
Why does the price of air filters keep rising?
Several factors contribute to increases in air filter prices, primarily the cost of raw materials. Many air filters are made from fibreglass or another type of glass, which requires heat to melt. This process consumes a significant amount of energy, and as energy costs rise—whether due to increases in oil prices or other factors-the cost of producing these materials goes up.
Additionally, taxes, tariffs, and increased shipping costs play a role. Increased shipping costs typically come into effect when there is a significant rise in oil prices, leading to surcharges for transport trucks, which air filter suppliers must account for in pricing. When oil prices are stable, shipping costs don’t fluctuate as much.
Inflation is another major contributor to rising prices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the costs of everything surged, from cardboard, to wire backing, to labor. This increase in expenses is driven by a range of factors, including higher prices from raw material suppliers and shipping companies. They too are facing rising operational costs, which ultimately affects the price of air filters.
Will air filter costs continue to rise?
If we don’t face another pandemic or supply chain issues, prices will generally increase slightly each year due to inflation. While they may not keep pace with inflation, we shouldn’t expect dramatic increases. Tariffs may affect prices in the future as raw materials or finished materials could be subject to new tariffs. Additionally, some media formats are quicker or easier to produce and more cost-effective, which means that costs could actually decrease if those options become more popular.
Why is it important to avoid engaging in a ‘race to the bottom’ when it comes to lower air filter pricing?
Like anything else in the world, if a product is cheaper, there is usually a reason for that. Some companies may expect higher margins when selling their products, which is common across all industries. But importantly, there comes a point where the price drops so low that it no longer makes sense. Once you reach that threshold, be cautious.
A sales representative once shared an example that illustrates this point. He gave a quote to a company for panel filters that typically cost around $5. Unfortunately, he lost the tender for that contract. A month or two later, he visited the company and inspected their warehouse. He discovered that they were using two pads glued together instead of a wire support for their filters at a cost of around $1.50 each. When he raised this issue, the company insisted that it met specifications. This highlights how air filter companies might start cutting corners and manipulating specifications to make prices excessively low.
In summary, if there is only a small price difference, for instance, 5 to 10 percent, it’s OK. However, if prices are significantly lower, it’s important to examine filters to make sure they are made with the same materials and have the same construction as those you are currently using.
This principle also applies to specifications like the number of pleats per foot. There are a few key points to consider:
Type of Media: Camfil specifies the type of media used and works closely with suppliers to ensure the proper loft and blend so that they don’t load with dirt quickly.
Design of the Filter: The design is crucial; if the pleats are not open, if the media pack isn’t deep enough, or if there is too much resistance from the backing, it all contributes to increased resistance to airflow.
This is why it often takes years, not a short time, to design and produce new air filter technology. Every time you change a component, it can drastically affect the performance of the filter. For example, if you change the media, the pressure drop might increase, which then requires a redesign to accommodate better airflow. This balance can lead to blockages in other areas, making the process a complex science.
How does extreme weather in Canada affect air filtration systems?
Air filters are designed to collect particles, not water or snow. Should you have an application where the filters are getting wet, they will begin to grow mould, increase in pressure drop and could collapse in the system. In this scenario, the airflow should be adjusted, or a hood built around the intake to prevent water droplets from reaching the filter-high levels of humidity are acceptable. If the filters load with snow, they will immediately clog the filter. This should also be avoided at all costs.
When should you plan your air filtration site survey?
You typically wouldn’t plan a site survey before scheduled filter changeouts, although some hospitals request this. In most cases, a test bank is conducted first. The discussion usually revolves around solutions that can be provided and what they can do with their existing setup.
Before changing suppliers, it’s essential to conduct a thorough survey of the customer’s facility
For instance, Camfil advocates for the use of long-lasting filters, but in certain environments, pharmaceutical facilities may need to be changed daily due to the sensitive chemicals involved to prevent cross-contamination. In such cases, it cannot be suggested that a more expensive filter that lasts longer would always be beneficial.
It’s essential to assess present solutions, the filter installation, and the available space behind secondary filters to determine if longer or shorter bags can be accommodated. This includes checking if the bags are being damaged or if they’re touching the coils, which can lead to holes developing.
When transitioning from lower-quality filters or considering the removal of prefilters altogether, if there’s enough space, using a HiFLO ES® single-stage filter could be a viable solution. There is less resistance to airflow, and users have options: they can either save energy by using a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) or increase the MERV rating to achieve cleaner air.
It’s important to note that some prefilters are located in front of coils, while others are not. In certain configurations, you may have both prefilters and final filters in front of a coil. If a survey is not conducted, it can be challenging to determine the best solution. If you have both a prefilter and a final filter located together, you can switch to a HiFloES® and eliminate the prefilter. However, if the prefilter is in front of one coil and the final filter is in front of another coil, you will need to make modifications to the system’s hardware. These necessary changes wouldn’t be apparent just by visual inspection.
Industries that would benefit most from high-quality air filtration include food and beverage, healthcare, life sciences, and schools.
In a property management building, bringing in dirty air may make people feel tired, but it typically won’t affect production, costs, or downtime. However, in critical sectors like healthcare, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical facilities, poor air quality can have more serious consequences. In hospitals, it can lead to illness and serious liability issues. In the food and beverage industry, inadequate air quality can result in costly legal action and halted production. Similarly, the pharmaceutical industry faces risks related to contamination and legal ramifications.
How Camfil Lowers TCO
Camfil designs its filters with TCO in mind, aiming to reduce costs across the board:
- Camfil filters are built to last, reducing the frequency of replacements. This saves money on buying new filters and the labour costs associated with changing them.
- Camfil filters are designed to minimize airflow restriction, allowing HVAC systems to run more efficiently. This translates to lower energy bills.
- Some Camfil filters require less frequent cleaning or maintenance, saving on labour costs.
How much energy can you save by switching to Camfil air filters?
Camfil’s air filters, when paired with VFD-controlled fans, can reduce HVAC energy consumption by up to 50%, depending on your current system setup and usage patterns.
How long does it take to see ROI after switching to Camfil filters?
The ROI can typically be realized within the first year, with significant long-term savings as the filters last longer and require fewer replacements.
Why is Camfil the ideal partner for Canadian businesses seeking effective air filtration solutions?
Camfil is a premier choice for Canadian enterprises because it provides high-quality air filtration systems tailored to the unique needs of various industries. Camfil not only focuses on enhancing indoor air quality but also prioritizes research and development to increase particle capture efficiency and energy efficiency.
Camfil’s Canadian operations ensure local support and service, enabling responsive service and customized solutions that cater to specific needs. By partnering with Camfil, Canadian companies can take significant strides toward cleaner air, energy savings, cost savings, and a healthier work environment.
Would you like to improve the air quality in your building today? Start by contacting Camfil for a complimentary site survey for your commercial building, public building, or other facility. Use this contact form
About Camfil Canada Clean Air Solutions
For more than 60 years, Camfil has been helping people breathe cleaner air. As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions, we provide 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. Read more about Camfil Canada
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Sources:
With information from air filter expert Berni Baier
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
Media Contact:
Phillip Ilijevski
Camfil Canada Inc.
T: 437-929-1161