One of the main focuses of selecting the right filter is how long that filter will last. Having a filter that can last longer lowers the Total Cost of Ownership of filters by reducing Labor, Operating Costs and Waste.
The filter's Dust Holding Capacity (DHC) is one of the most important factors that determines how long the filter can stay in your units. But this method is not perfect. There is no way to exactly determine the life of a filter due to several variables in the facility and environment.
ASHRAE 52.2-2013 states:
"Since the contaminant used for loading
is not typical of natural atmospheric dust,
its effect on the filter may not be the
same as an equal amount of atmospheric dust.
The value of the loading test is for rating and to some extent raking air filters.
The performance values obtained
in accordance with the standard cannot
be used by themselves to predict the air
cleanliness of a specific ventilated space
or the service of an installed filter."
When we make recommendations for your facility, a high Dust Holding Capacity is one of the main things we aim for.
Another factor that can play a roll in extending the life of your air filters is using Prefilters. Prefilters usually have a lower MERV rating, DHC and need to be changed more often. The purpose of the Prefilter is to capture the larger particles so that the Final filter does not clog up faster; Making the pressure drop rise, spiking energy costs.
Not all situations call for Pre and Final filters, it just depends on the industry and application.