Air filter changeout season is here, but with critical labour shortages and environmental challenges, is there a better way?

Toronto, Canada, Sept. 27, 2023

It's air filter replacement time for businesses, schools, and other organizations. However, is it sensible to switch out filters every October? During seasonal transitions, when HVAC systems typically need air filter replacements, the process can be time-consuming and disruptive. Labour-intensive actions involve accessing hard-to-reach areas, meticulously removing and disposing of old filters, and carefully installing new ones. This often results in prolonged system downtime, impacting productivity and business operations.

Regularly replacing air filters is essential for maintaining a healthy and clean indoor environment. But when is the right time? As the weather cools and people spend more time indoors, air quality becomes more important. Changing filters helps to remove PM2.5 and PM1, allergens, and other pollutants, ensuring that the air circulating inside a building contributes to occupant well-being.

Unfortunately, building operators are not always getting the most value for their spending on air filters because they often replace them well before they reach the end of their life, increasing labour and filter costs, as well as creating much more waste than necessary. Conversely, operators may delay filter changes for cost savings but end up with less airflow, harder working fans, and reduced indoor air quality which could put health at risk.

Finding the right balance is the key for building operators. It is important to note that different models of air filters have different lifespans. Manufacturer specifications detail lifespan for each model. For example, the best final filters can last 3-5 years depending on environmental conditions and usage. Regular maintenance and monitoring of HVAC systems can help identify the optimal time for filter replacements for both cost savings and improved air quality.

It’s all too common for maintenance staff to replace air filters when they look dirty, despite having plenty of life left in them. No matter how skilled, no one can visually determine how much life a worn filter has remaining. By tracking airflow and/or pressure drop over time, HVAC technicians can determine the optimal time for replacement based on actual performance not just appearance.

Change in conditions brought on by weather, construction in or around a building, or events such as wildfires can make air filters work much harder and reduce their lifespans. Thus, replacing filters based on a set time may result in either changing them too soon, or leaving them in the air handling units too long, which limits airflow.

The most important thing to do is use a high-quality pressure differential gauge. By regularly monitoring pressure, you can identify when filters are becoming clogged and affecting air handling unit efficiency. With such gauges, along with air quality monitors, property and facility managers can accurately assess the condition of filters and determine when they actually need replacement. Such an approach ensures good air quality and energy efficiency, and it also protects HVAC equipment. With the labour supply crisis plaguing all sectors of the economy, using longer-lasting air filters can allow staff to concentrate on projects that bring value to a company, school, or other organization. This also reduces waste and transportation, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach to building maintenance.

About Camfil Canada Clean Air Solutions

For 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

Media Contact:

Phillip Ilijevski

Camfil Canada Inc.

T: 437-929-1161