While using expensive filters is not always the right answer, using the cheapest filters is almost always the wrong answer.

A race to the lowest cost is typically going to result in less media and or a poor performing media. Inadvertently you could increase your need to change your filters more often, increasing labor and filter costs, or drive your energy cost through the roof.

If a more restrictive filter is used, not only energy usage is affected. You will have added strain on your equipment (causing more wear and tear) and reduced indoor air quality, due to less air changes per hour.

When bidding out HVAC filters we have a few recommendations:

1. When requesting specifications use caution as they can be misleading at times. 3rd party test results are always recommended but be aware that every component in the test must be the same or they cannot be compared. One to watch closely is the dust type used, if not identical, the dust holding capacity cannot be compared.
   
2. Initial pressure will affect your energy usage and lower is better.
   
3. Dust holding capacity affects how long the filter lasts so higher is better.
   
4. Understand what is included in the cost….do you have to take full case quantity or can you get exactly what you need? This can have a large affect on admin and storage costs.
   
5. Will the vendor sort and label the filters by area, building or air handler to reduce install time?

Engaging an unbiased filtration expert that can run multiple scenarios for you to review with a proven ROI can be powerful.

Recently we tested 5 comparable filters, at the same lab, for a University and then laid out the results on a ROI calculator……the results were shocking! Neither the cheapest or the most expensive were the winners. The 2 lowest cost filters would have added cost to their program, number 3 was comparable to what they had, number 4 was going to save them over $300K in filter and energy costs combined and number 5 wasn’t going to save them any costs at all.

Net result: Filters are not a commodity! They affect so much that they themselves while being the smallest piece of the equation, they are a critical piece! Choose wisely!