HVAC filter replacements are essential to keep up with at your commercial facility. If you don’t know how often to change HVAC filters and are going too long between replacements, you are harming indoor air quality and lowering your equipment’s efficiency.
The Most Common Commercial Building Air Filters
Air filters for commercial HVAC systems play an essential role in maintaining adequate indoor air quality and protecting your heating and cooling systems. Performing routine HVAC filter replacements is the easiest way to ensure your employees and customers can breathe fresh air, and your HVAC unit doesn’t work harder than necessary. So, how often should you change HVAC filters? Experts recommend you change them seasonally or about every 90 days.
If you need an HVAC filter replacement, you may be confused with all the options. Below is a summary of the four most common commercial HVAC filters.
Fiberglass Air Filter for HVAC
Fiberglass filters are by far the most commonly used filter type in commercial workspaces. They are popular because they are inexpensive and disposable. The blue material stretched over the frame makes them easily recognizable. Fiberglass filters trap airborne contaminants and particulates as they pass through your HVAC system. Part of their popularity is derived from being disposable.
Polyester Pleated Air Filter for HVAC
While the name might make you think of an old pair of pants your grandfather wore, they are actually a more effective filter when compared to other disposable filters like fiberglass. They have accordion-type folds, which increase surface area. The more pleats a filter has, the better for your filtering purposes. The increased surface area helps remove an increased amount of pollutants when compared to fiberglass.
Electrostatic Filter for HVAC
Electrostatic air filters use static electricity to give given airborne particles a positive change when entering the system. As the particles continue through the multiple layers of the filter, the charge is released and eventually trapped. Electrostatic filters are reusable, so you don’t have to worry about frequent replacements. Something to consider is that an electrostatic filter for HVAC does require periodic washing.
HEPA Air Filter for HVAC
HEPA filters are growing in popularity because they remove at least 90% of particles from the air. To achieve this high-efficiency, HEPA air filters for HVAC have three distinct components. They start by having at least one outer filter used to stop larger particles. Beyond the first layer is a second made up of very dense fibers which trap smaller particles. The third layer is a three-part mechanism that catches the smallest particles in its fiber system.
Choosing the Right Product for Your HVAC Filter Replacement
Now that you better understand air conditioning and furnace filters, you are probably curious about which you should use. There are a few deciding factors that can help you come to that decision. As a rule of thumb, the higher the HEPA and MERV rating, the better the filtering.
Many factors determine indoor air quality. Depending on your facility’s operations, you may be producing far more or less particulate matter than others. The more contaminants your facility has, the more you want to be filtering the air as it passes through your HVAC.
The outdoor air quality that surrounds your facility plays a significant factor in your indoor air quality. If you are near facilities that produce a lot of pollution or have many smokers congregate outside, you’ll probably want a high-efficiency air filter.
If trying to stay on a strict budget, you may want to consider sticking to fiberglass filters. They provide better air conditions and are the most budget-friendly.
CTA: If you want to breathe easier, React Industries can service your HVAC system and make sure you’re using the best filter for your building. Contact Us
How HVAC Filter Replacements Save You Money
Commercial building air filters help keep your HVAC systems running at peak efficiency. By filtering the air as it enters your HVAC units, it prevents dust and other particles from building up inside. If unattended for long periods, built-up debris can seriously affect how your systems function. By keeping up with routine maintenance and knowing how often to change HVAC filters and keeping up with them, you’ll avoid repair costs, extend the life of your HVAC units, and lower energy bills. What more could you need to remind yourself to put in new HEPA air filters for HVAC units at your building?
React Industries Knows Commercial Building Air Filters
If you need an HVAC filter replacement or have questions about using electrostatic filters or a HEPA air filter for HVAC systems at your facility, reach out to our experts today.