Life-Cycle Costs of Air Filtration
There's More to Consider Than Just the Price
Initial purchase is the most obvious cost of filtration. Included here are the cost of the filtration box that houses the filter(s), the filter media, any sensors or other instrumentation for monitoring pressure drop, and installation costs.
Ø With Air-Care Electrostatic Filters, all of these costs are included in one price.
Filter replacement over time is generally a far greater cost than initial equipment installation - even with very sophisticated installations. Factors such as where air intakes are located, entryway track-off and cleaning practices in the building, and pre-filtration will influence the life of filter media. Both the material and labor cost should be considered.
Ø Due to the higher loading capacity of Air-Care Electrostatic Filters, the maintenance cycle is nearly twice as long as disposable filters. In addition, Air-Care Filters can be vacuumed in place and may only require removal once per year for cleaning with soap and water.
Mechanical system life and maintenance are seldom figured into life-cycle costs of air filtration, but the savings from keeping ducts and mechanical equipment clean can be substantial. Simon Turner, of Healthy Buildings International in Irvine, CA points out that air filtration preempts the need for duct cleaning, which is very costly and disruptive. “You’re basically investing in the future.” Mechanical equipment kept clean will also operate longer with fewer breakdowns.
Ø The improved filtration provided by Air-Care Electrostatic Filters and a documented maintenance cycle can assure your HVAC equipment will operate longer with fewer breakdowns.
Energy is usually the single greatest cost of air filtration. If we want to provide a high level of air filtration, we need to recognize a potential increase in energy costs. Typically, improving air filtration results in an increase in energy consumption.
Ø Air-Care Electrostatic Filters have an extremely low pressure drop that will actually result in a decrease in energy consumption.
Disposal costs of dirty filters can be significant. The costs to change, gather, and haul off thousands of disposable filters each and every year can be substantial. This cost is not only in actual dollars spent to dispose of these filters but also in negative impact to the environment.
Ø Changing to Air-Care Electrostatic Filter completely eliminates disposal costs.
Final Thoughts
Air filtration plays a vital role in every building with air-handling equipment; some level of filtration is needed to keep ducts, blowers, and other equipment clean. Every HVAC unit requires a filter to not only protect the equipment but to provide a level of air quality for the individuals that work or live in these buildings. Before deciding on a particular air filtration strategy, examine all your options. When you consider all the factors, Air-Care Electrostatic Filters are the obvious solution.
