Types of Industrial Air Filters
From restaurants and hotels to schools and healthcare facilities, many commercial applications require proper air filtration. One of key components of an industrial HVAC system is the air filter. This component is responsible for keeping your indoor air quality in top shape. But with so many on the market which one is right for your facility? This guide walks you through the common types of industrial air filters you should consider.
What Do Air Filters Do in Industrial HVAC?
An industrial or commercial air filter is similar to the one you have in your home's AC unit or furnace. As air is pushed through your HVAC system, an industrial air filter removes small particles and contaminant, helping improve the indoor air quality in your facility. These contaminants include but aren’t limited to:
- Aerosols
- Bacteria
- Dander
- Dirt
- Dust
- Germs
- Mold
- Oils
- Pollen
Types of Industrial Air Filters
As you search for the right option, consider these popular types of air filters for your industrial HVAC unit. During your research, make sure to check the owner's manual or get in touch with the manufacturer as well. That way you can find out which options work best with your specific unit.
HEPA Filters
High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters trap 99.97% of particles and contaminants as small as 0.3 microns. Microns are measure length that is one millionth of a meter. While there is overlap with residential applications, commercial HEPA air filters tend to be larger and have higher MERV ratings.
MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, gauging a filter's ability to capture large particles ranging from 0.3 to 10 microns in diameter. The higher the rating, the smaller the particles the filter can trap. In commercial settings like hospitals and healthcare systems, these facilities use filters with MERV 16 to 20 rating. In restaurants and cafeterias, operators might choose between filters with MERV 8 to 14 ratings.
UV Light Filters
UV filters eliminates airborne viruses and bacterial using a short-wave ultraviolet light. The light is radiated from a near-invisible bulb that typically need to be replaced every year. Used heavily in healthcare facilities, the filters are ideal for removing allergens, mold spores, aerosols and other microorganisms that cause respiratory illness and are dangerous to your health.
While they remove harmful bacteria and viruses well, UV light filters aren't as effective at eliminating pollutants like dust, dirt and dander. That is why they're normally paired with HEPA filters as part of a larger air filtration system, allowing you to tackle multiple airborne particles at once.
Pleated Filters
Typically made of polyester and cotton, pleated filters use a folded, accordion-style construction to capture dust, dander, dirt and other pollutants in the air. The pleats provide a greater surface area than non-pleated options, ensuring more particles are removed during the filtration process.
Pleated air filters come in disposable and reusable designs and are available at affordable prices. While they're effectiveness against pollutants and price are a major advantage, their most glaring disadvantage is that they pull air through your HVAC unit. That makes the unit work harder and less efficiently.
Fiberglass Filters
Fiberglass filters, also known as spun glass filters, are a cost-effective option mainly designed to protect your unit from being damaged by large particles. In terms of indoor air quality, they can trap some dirt, dust and allergens but not ones that are in the form of extremely small particles.
If you don't have to worry about air purification or fending off particles that cause asthma or allergies, fiberglass filters are fine. However, for greater protection, you would be better off using one of the options above.