Westbury Filtermation’s commitment to good practice in Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance (ESG) has been recognised, with Avetta nominating Westbury as one of its ESG leaders.
The award confirms Westbury’s “dedication to sustainable practices and strategies” and cements the progress that the business has made in these areas in recent years.
Avetta is a platform which aims to create transparency between supply chain and client partners to mitigate environmental and social risks. Westbury’s work to align our commitments with Avetta’s core values – Safe, Sustainable and Secure – allows Westbury to provide our key clients with the reassurance that our approach is sustainable and founded on ethical business values.
Indoor air quality has become a growing concern in recent years as people spend more time indoors.
Properly specified and maintained Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems can play a crucial role in ensuring that people and processes are properly protected. Air filtration within HVAC systems is critical in ensuring the air we breathe is clean, but how can users verify the performance of their air filters?
Understanding ISO 16890 Testing
ISO 16890 is the globally recognised standard for evaluating air filters used in HVAC systems. In 2016 it replaced the previous EN779 standard and provides users with a useful tool for comparing the filtration performance & energy efficiency of air filtration solutions.
The results of air filter testing against ISO 16890 are expressed in relation to particulate sizes (1 micron, 2.5 micron & 10 micron). This allows users to assess the efficiency performance of filters against particulate size and make straightforward comparisons.
Reputable filter providers will have access to an ongoing program of independent filter testing and should be able to provide ISO 16890 guidance on request.
Beware of misleading claims!
Despite the best efforts of industry leaders and filtration experts to implement ISO 16890 in a way which increases transparency for users, there remain many misleading claims within the air filtration marketplace.
Caution should be exercised where filter providers claim that additional approvals are required to deliver “compliance”. Any claims that further approvals or trade-body memberships are required are false and should be dismissed.
Similarly, any reputable filter provider should be conversant in the terminology of ISO 16890. Many users of air filtration products are still most familiar with the terminology of previous filter standards and our role as industry experts is to be able to talk both “languages”, for the benefit of air filtration users.
For further advice on how filter test standards have evolved and for a clear & honest conversation about the points discussed above, contact Westbury today.
Air filters are often “out of sight, out of mind”, however many users do not realise the enormous cost savings that are achievable through air filtration optimisation, including appropriate maintenance.
Maintaining your air filters is essential to ensure smooth performance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
1. Check the filters regularly It is important to check your filters regularly to ensure that they are not clogged with dirt and debris. Whilst visual checks can be beneficial in spotting any air bypass or incorrect fitment, because the air filters are removing particulate that is invisible to the naked eye, differential pressure should be monitored using manometers, magnehelic gauges, or similar. The differential pressure is the best way to determine when a filter is approaching the end of its economical service life.
2. Replace dirty filters Dirty filters can reduce the airflow in your system, leading to higher energy costs and reduced air delivery. Once your filters reach the end of their service life they should be replaced as soon as possible. Westbury can provide guidance for users on optimum change-out points as well as additional support on responsible and compliant disposal of waste filters. You can read more about Westbury’s licensed waste disposal services here.
3. Choose the right filter(s) Choosing the right filters for your system is essential for maintaining optimal performance. Not only should filter selection be appropriate for delivering the quality of air needed in your application, but also bear in mind that filters protect and prolong the service life of many other components in the ventilation system such as coils, dampers & ductwork. You can read more on selecting the right filter for your application here.
4. Schedule routine maintenance Routine maintenance is essential for ensuring the correct performance of your HVAC system and maximising the longevity of its components. Visual inspections should be carried out in conjunction with regular monitoring to spot any issues that need attention. You can read more about Westbury’s on site services including filter fitting, equipment servicing and ensuring regulatory compliance here.
Appropriate maintenance is critical in allowing your HVAC assets to perform at their best. A filter is always a small part of a larger system, but filters are a key component in providing protection for people and processes as well as offering straightforward opportunities for reducing costs and extending the service life of the whole HVAC system.
When it comes to selecting HVAC air filters, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right options for your application:
1. Filter Efficiency The first selection consideration is the efficiency rating, or the capability of the filter to capture particulate. The higher the efficiency, the more effective the filter will be in capturing smaller particles. You can read more about filter efficiency here.
2. Airflow Resistance Resistance to airflow is crucial factor to consider when selecting any air filter. Higher efficiency filters generally have a greater resistance to airflow, which brings with it increased energy consumption. Filter selection should also be considered in the context of the HVAC system as a whole, to ensure that the fan and other components can deliver sufficient quantities of air, allowing for the resistance to airflow that the filter(s) present.
The ideal filter selection should deliver a low resistance to airflow to minimise energy costs. A filter that can maintain low resistance for a long period of time, will deliver the lowest costs of operation. You can read more about minimising life cycle costs by clicking here.
3. Particle Size The size of the particulate that the filters will be exposed to should also be considered when selecting air filters – different filters are designed to capture specific particle sizes. In many cases a multi-stage approach is preferred, with coarse pre-filters removing large particulate and higher efficiency secondary filters positioned downstream to remove finer particulate.
4. Environmental Factors Local environmental factors, such as the concentration of particulates and proximity to sources of air contamination should also be considered when selecting an air filter. It is important to remember that these factors are variable and will be influenced by factors such as seasonal changes, nearby construction works, time of day, etc. This should be considered when selecting filtration and planning appropriate maintenance regimes.
Taking these factors into account demonstrates that appropriate filter selection is vital for achieving and maintaining appropriate air quality and optimal system performance. Consideration of filter efficiency, airflow resistance, particulate size and environmental conditions will all be important. The correct selections in the balance of these considerations will ensure that your systems can operate efficiently and effectively to recover lost revenues, reduce costs and deliver improved efficiencies.
Contact Westbury today to arrange for a FREE of charge site survey to assess how your systems can be optimised.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems play a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality and thermal comfort. However, HVAC systems also account for a significant consumption of energy in many buildings. One way to reduce energy consumption and improve the efficiency of HVAC systems is by optimising the air filtration used in such systems.
How HVAC air filtration systems work
Air filters are an essential component of HVAC systems, performing a crucial role in protecting people and processes by removing pollutants such as dust, pollen and bacteria from the air. However, any air filter(s) will also create a resistance to the air flowing through the system, which increases the energy consumption of HVAC systems. The higher the resistance, the more energy is required to move air through the system. Therefore, it is vital to select air filters that provide an appropriate filtration efficiency whilst also minimising resistance to airflow.
Optimising Air Filtration for Energy Efficiency
There are several ways to optimise air filtration and reduce energy consumption in HVAC systems:
Choosing the Right HVAC Air Filters
The selection of air filters should be based on the needs of each application. A higher efficiency filter will provide better air quality, but it will also create higher resistance to airflow and increase energy consumption. It is essential to select air filters with the right balance of filtration efficiency and resistance. You can read more on selecting the right filter for your application in our guide to air filter selection.
Regular Maintenance and Replacement
The dirtier a filter becomes, the more resistance to airflow increases and the more energy consumption rises. It is crucial to maintain and replace air filters regularly to ensure that they perform at their best. Regular maintenance can help to reduce airflow resistance, improve air flow, and reduce energy consumption. You can read more on appropriate air filter maintenance.
Consider HVAC Air Filtration Retrofitting
Air filter retrofitting involves replacing existing filters with filters that have a lower resistance to airflow. In many cases this is straightforward and will deliver improved air quality, whilst drastically reducing energy consumption and allowing more air to be delivered through the system. Retrofitting can also help to extend the life of HVAC systems and reduce maintenance costs. Discover the transformative benefits of air filter upgrades.
Optimisation of air filtration is a highly effective way to reduce energy consumption and improve the efficiency of HVAC systems. A combination of correct selection, appropriate maintenance and consideration of filtration improvements can all combine to deliver reduced energy consumption. In this way building owners can save money on energy costs, reduce carbon emissions and improve the overall sustainability of their buildings.
Contact Westbury for Your Free Energy Consumption Assessment
Ready to enhance your HVAC energy efficiency? Contact Westbury today to discuss getting started with your FREE energy consumption assessment and discuss how optimised air filtration can save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and enhance your building’s sustainability.
