A hidden energy-cost savings is right in front of your nose — literally. Air filtration and indoor air quality (IAQ) are not only important components of a healthy building environment, but of an efficient filtration system, since proper air-filter selection and replacement, creating uniform air flow and velocity, leads to more consistent and thus efficient energy use.
But finding the right filters and scheduling filter replacement for maximum efficiency and energy savings can be a confusing task.That's why we've researched top tips for how you can reap savings and improve your building's quality of life — and health — with something as simple, inexpensive and low-tech as air-filter preventive maintenance.
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3) Use two tiers of filters
One good method to extend filter life is to use a lower-efficiency, less costly filter ahead of the high-efficiency filter. Snagging larger particles first allows the high-efficiency filter to do what it does best — trap finer particles to keep spaces clean and improve indoor air quality.
Protecting the most expensive filter with a pre-filter makes practical sense, maximizes the investment and extends filter replacement time.
4) Use carbon filters to control odours
activated carbon filters are effective for controlling odours. A pre-filter for mist control ahead of the carbon filter is required, as carbon filters are not meant to be particulate filters.
5) Know when to change filters
Visual inspection of a one-inch residential pleated filter may be as simple as observing a color change from white (clean) to brown (dirty), indicating the need to replace the filter. The dirtier the filter, the less air can pass through it and the more energy it takes to move the air.
6) Balance short- and long-term costs
Weigh such factors as life-cycle cost, including disposal or cleaning of spent filters, and initial, replacement and storage costs. Since air cleaning and replacement is a continual process, the operating cost and anticipated filter life is as important as the initial cost of the filters.
7) Keep it clean
The air filter that contributes the most to curtailing energy use is a clean one. Proper monitoring and development of a filter-replacement plan, helps lower energy cost by minimizing filter loading.
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