ENERGY CONSIDERATIONS IN AIR FILTER SELECTION

摘要

Several factors need to be considered when selecting an air filter for a HVAC application. In addition to selection of a filter with the appropriate efficiency for a given application, cost also needs to be considered. Too often a particular air filter is selected based solely on the price of the filter itself without analysis of the true operating cost associated with running the filter in service. A detailed life cycle analysis is one tool that can be used to determine the impact a particular filter model can have on overall operating costs. Life cycle (LCC) analysis involves consideration of several factors including investment, labor, maintenance, disposal, and energy. The significance of energy cost associated with using a particular filter in a HVAC system is often given little consideration. However, energy cost represents a major component of the total operating costs. The performance of the filter has a major impact on energy costs. This paper examines the role of filtration on energy cost. A LCC analysis case study is presented along with actual results obtained in-use.