Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a top priority for commercial facilities across industries—from office buildings and schools to healthcare, manufacturing, and cleanroom environments. While each space has its own challenges, most air filtration issues fall into three main categories. Understanding these areas helps facility teams create healthier, more efficient, and more compliant environments.
1. Understanding Common Airborne Pollutants—and Choosing the Right Filtration Solutions
Most commercial environments face a combination of airborne contaminants. Identifying the specific pollutants present is the first step in designing an effective HVAC air filtration strategy. Here are some of the most common pollutant types and the filtration technologies that help control them:
Particulate Matter (PM)
Dust, pollen, smoke, dirt, and industrial particles are some of the most common contributors to poor IAQ.
Best-fit filtration:
MERV-rated filters (MERV 8–13) for general particulate control
High-efficiency filters (MERV 14+, HEPA) for fine and ultra-fine particles
These filters help reduce occupant exposure and protect HVAC components from particulate buildup.
Biological Contaminants
Mold spores, viruses, bacteria, and fungi are especially concerning in crowded or high-humidity environments.
Best-fit filtration:
MERV 13–16 filters for enhanced biological particle capture
HEPA filters for healthcare, labs, and controlled environments
ULPA filters for critical contamination control in:
Semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing
Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical production
Biosafety labs and advanced research facilities
Aseptic filling and sterile packaging operations
ULPA filters provide one of the highest levels of airborne contaminant removal—essential for spaces where even microscopic particles can cause product failure or safety risks.
VOCs and Odors (Volatile Organic Compounds)
These gases come from paints, adhesives, cleaning products, building materials, office equipment, and certain industrial processes.
Best-fit filtration:
Gas-phase filtration, including activated carbon and specialty molecular media
Combination particulate + molecular filters for mixed-contaminant environments
This helps improve comfort, reduce odors, and support healthier indoor environments.
Gases and Combustion Fumes
Nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other gases can enter when air intakes are near vehicle traffic or industrial activities.
Best-fit filtration:
Molecular filtration using carbon or oxidizing media
Paired systems that combine molecular and particulate filtration for comprehensive IAQ control
2. Keeping HVAC Systems Performing Efficiently
Even the highest-rated filters cannot do their job if the HVAC system isn’t operating properly. Common operational challenges include:
Clogged or overloaded filters that reduce airflow and increase energy consumption
Filter bypass, where unfiltered air leaks around the filter due to poor installation or damaged seals
Improper filter selection, such as using a MERV rating that doesn’t match system capacity or IAQ needs
Inadequate maintenance schedules, which lead to inconsistent performance and poor air quality
System design issues, including unbalanced ductwork or negative pressure that pulls in unfiltered air
Optimizing HVAC performance with the right filters and maintenance schedule helps reduce energy costs, extend equipment life, and improve indoor air quality.
3. Supporting Health, Safety, Productivity & Compliance
Effective air filtration does more than clean the air—it protects people and operations.
Health risks: Poor IAQ can trigger allergies, respiratory irritation, headaches, fatigue, and long-term health concerns.
Occupant comfort and productivity: Cleaner air helps employees feel better, focus more effectively, and reduces absenteeism.
Equipment protection: Dust and corrosive particles can damage sensitive electronics, machinery, or manufacturing processes.
Regulatory compliance: Standards from OSHA, ASHRAE, and industry-specific regulations help ensure safe and compliant indoor environments.
Facilities that prioritize air filtration are better equipped to meet these requirements while promoting healthier indoor spaces.
The Bottom Line
Addressing the three core concerns of air filtration—managing diverse pollutants, maintaining system performance, and meeting health, safety, and compliance requirements—is essential for creating cleaner, safer, and more reliable indoor environments. Every facility has its own air quality challenges, whether driven by occupancy, processes, or the sensitivity of the work being performed. The right filtration strategy not only protects people and equipment but also supports long-term operational efficiency.
As a global leader in high-efficiency air filtration, American Air Filter delivers proven solutions for facilities of every type—from commercial buildings to the most critical environments in healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, and advanced technology. Whether your goal is improving indoor air quality, enhancing system performance, or safeguarding sensitive processes, AAF provides the expertise and technology to help you achieve it.
