UBC News

HVAC Air Filter Mistakes That Cost Commercial Buildings Thousands Every Year

Episode Summary

Building managers often make costly errors when selecting and installing final filters, leading to poor air quality and HVAC damage. Learn professional techniques that protect your investment. To learn more, visit: https://www.finalfilters.com

Episode Notes

Walk into any office building and take a deep breath. That air you're breathing might be two to five times more polluted than the air outside, and chances are, it's costing the business serious money. Poor indoor air quality leads to increased sick days, reduced productivity, and HVAC systems that break down far too often. The problem usually starts with a simple mistake that building managers make when choosing air filters. Many facilities default to basic MERV 1-4 filters because they seem cost-effective upfront. These cheap filters only catch large particles like dust and carpet fibers while allowing smaller contaminants to circulate freely throughout the building. Meanwhile, other managers swing too far in the opposite direction, installing MERV 16 filters without considering whether their HVAC system can handle the increased airflow resistance. Here's what most people don't realize about final filters - they're the last line of defense in your HVAC system, and they need to match your building's specific requirements. MERV 13-16 filters typically work best for commercial spaces because they capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, including bacteria and some viruses, without overstressing most systems. Installation timing matters more than you might think. Changing filters during peak business hours can temporarily reduce air quality as dust gets stirred up during replacement. Smart building managers schedule these changes during off-peak hours or weekends to maintain consistent air quality for their teams. The arrow on your filter isn't just decoration - it shows airflow direction and must point toward your HVAC unit. Getting this wrong can damage your system and make your expensive filter practically useless. Before starting any installation, turn off your HVAC system completely to prevent debris from being sucked into the system during changeover. For buildings dealing with odors or chemical fumes, carbon-enhanced final filters provide an extra layer of protection. These filters use activated carbon's porous structure to capture gas molecules and volatile organic compounds that regular filters miss entirely. Most commercial final filters need replacement every one to three months, depending on building occupancy and outdoor air quality. High-traffic buildings or those in polluted areas require more frequent changes, while smaller offices with good outdoor conditions can extend intervals slightly. Professional consultation often pays for itself through improved system efficiency and longer equipment life. Final Filters provides expert guidance on filter selection and installation techniques that maximize both air quality and HVAC performance. Click on the link in the description to learn more about professional filtration solutions for your commercial building from Fina lFilters dot com. FinalFilters.com City: Spokane Address: 4008 East Broadway Avenue Website: https://www.finalfilters.com