Using Field Measurements of Air Filter Performance and HVAC Fan Energy Measurements to Select Air Filters with Lowest Life Cycle Cost
Abstract
Properly selected and maintained, building air filters provide a
simple and often overlooked opportunity for significant reductions in
electric energy use. These savings can be achieved while maintaining
or enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) by filtration of incoming and
recirculated air in building HVAC systems. This article reviews the
technologies behind air filtration in buildings and describes methods
to select air filters and to measure electric energy use from fans and
blowers, as well as the field performance of particulate air filters.
Using the criteria described, air filters and energy use are evaluat-
ed in several common settings, including offices and mixed-use build-
ings, manufacturing plants, laboratories, and hospitals. Several case
studies are briefly described, showing in-situ filtration performance,
electrical energy measurements, life cycle cost calculations, and total
cost of ownership for air filters of various designs and qualities.
Air filter performance is characterized using the test procedure
outlined in ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2007 App. J, which includes a dis-
charge step that neutralizes the temporary static charge present on
some types of filter media. This step is important because the tempo-
rary static charge can result in inflated air filter minimum efficiency
reporting value (MERV) ratings that are higher than those exhibited by
affected filters when deployed in air handlers shortly after installation
in an AHU
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