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HVAC unit, everything you need to know about air filtration
HVAC unit, everything you need to know about air filtration
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HVAC unit, everything you need to know about air filtration

20.10.2025

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In industrial, commercial and residential buildings, indoor air quality is a major issue. It directly affects the health and well-being of occupants, the durability of facilities and overall energy performance. However, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, where dust, fine particles, allergens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
In light of these findings, buildings must incorporate comprehensive air treatment and control solutions. At the heart of these systems, the HVAC (Heat Ventilation Air Conditioning) unit plays an essential role: it ensures the circulation, conditioning and filtration of air to maintain a healthy and balanced indoor environment.

Operation of the HVAC unit

An HVAC unit, or air handling unit, is the lifeblood of a building or industrial facility. It circulates, treats and regulates the air to ensure a healthy and comfortable environment. In practical terms, it draws in fresh air from outside or a mixture of recycled air, passes it through filters that trap dust and impurities, and then conditions it as needed: the air can be heated, cooled, dehumidified or humidified. Fans then distribute it throughout the premises via a network of ducts. At the same time, stale air is extracted and often directed to an exchanger that recovers some of its heat to preheat the incoming air, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the installation. The whole system forms a balance in which each component contributes to maintaining optimal air quality while limiting energy consumption.
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Roles and challenges of air quality

  • Occupant health and comfort
    The presence of fine particles, allergens or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air can have a direct impact on health. Their accumulation in enclosed spaces increases the risk of indoor pollution and reduces overall comfort. Properly filtered and regularly renewed air limits these effects while ensuring a healthier and more balanced environment. Temperature and humidity control completes this system by ensuring constant thermal comfort and optimal working conditions.
  • Compliance with standards and safety
    Air quality management is subject to a demanding regulatory framework. Buildings must comply with specific standards in terms of hygiene, safety and energy efficiency. Appropriate filtration and regular maintenance ensure that installations comply with regulations and contribute to the safety of occupants.
  • Installation performance and optimal conditions
    In technical or industrial environments, air control is essential for equipment to function properly. The accumulation of dust or poorly regulated humidity levels can alter sensitive processes, disrupt the accuracy of instruments or accelerate equipment wear. In sectors requiring strict control of conditions, such as clean rooms, air quality becomes a determining factor in maintaining process compliance and stability.
  • Energy efficiency and sustainability
    Good air quality also contributes to the building's energy performance. A well-maintained HVAC system with suitable filters reduces pressure losses and optimises heat exchange. The result: controlled consumption, reduced operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint.

Did you know?

In a clean room, a single microscopic particle can be enough to compromise the manufacture of an electronic component or a medicine. ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air) filters provide the ultimate barrier against such contamination.
Thanks to their extremely dense mesh, they combine several mechanisms to capture both nanoparticles and coarser dust particles. Indispensable in critical environments such as microelectronics, pharmaceuticals and aeronautics, they guarantee the reliability of processes and the quality of the most sensitive products.
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Filtration, a central component of the HVAC unit

Filtration plays an essential role in the operation of a HVAC unit. While temperature control, air circulation and energy recovery ensure the comfort and efficiency of the system, it is the quality of the filtration that determines its long-term performance. Every cubic metre of air circulating in the building first passes through a filter device: an invisible but essential barrier against dust, fine particles, pollen and micro-organisms.
Effective filtration protects both the occupants and the internal components of the unit, such as fans and heat exchangers, by preventing clogging and maintaining a constant air flow. It thus contributes to the reliability of the system, the control of energy consumption and the reduction of maintenance operations.
HVAC systems incorporate several levels of filtration, adapted to the nature of the pollutants and the regulatory requirements defined by ISO 16890 (air filter classification) and EN1822:2009 (high-efficiency and ULPA filters) standards. These standards guarantee measurable and consistent performance over time, regardless of the context of use.

Our filtration solutions

  • Pre-filters : They retain the coarsest particles and protect downstream filters. Often designed as rigid panels or pocket filters, they use synthetic fibre or polyester media, chosen for their robustness and low pressure drop.
  • Fine filters : They capture impurities. Mounted on metal or synthetic frames, they use microfibre glass or high-density synthetic fibre media, offering an excellent compromise between efficiency (ISO ePM1, ePM2.5, ePM10) and durability.
  • High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) and Ultra Low Particulate Air (ULPA) filters : IThey guarantee exceptionally pure air for sensitive environments such as clean rooms, pharmaceutical laboratories and microelectronics factories. In microchip manufacturing, for example, even the smallest particle can compromise a component. ULPA filters retain up to 99.99% of particles measuring 0.12 microns.
  • activated carbon filter: They eliminate gases, odours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Widely used in paint booths, they neutralise solvent vapours and ensure safer ambient air for operators. To find out more, see our article on activated carbon.They eliminate gases, odours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Widely used in paint booths, they neutralise solvent vapours and ensure safer ambient air for operators. To find out more, see our article on activated carbon.

The consequences of neglected filtration

Clogged or unsuitable filters reduce air flow, increase energy consumption and weaken the entire system. In the long term, this results in reduced performance, higher maintenance costs and poorer air quality.
Choosing the right filter is therefore much more than a question of size or price. The filtration class, allowable pressure drop, replacement frequency and operating conditions must all be taken into account. A correctly sized filter maintains the performance of the HVAC unit, optimises consumption and preserves the service life of the equipment.
To meet these requirements, HIFI FILTER offers a complete range of solutions dedicated to HVAC units: filter mats, pocket filters, panel filters, HEPA/ULPA filters and activated carbon filters. Each product combines filtration efficiency, energy efficiency and durability to ensure clean air and long-lasting operation, even in the most demanding environments.

HIFI FILTER © expertise

Air quality control is not just a matter of comfort: it is a key factor in performance and sustainability. With its expertise in filtration, HIFI FILTER supports HVAC industry players in the design and maintenance of reliable, high-performance systems tailored to each environment.
We offer a comprehensive range of solutions and personalised support to meet the requirements of all sectors of activity.
Contact our experts for tailored support.
Contact us