FILTRATION TECHNOLOGY IN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS

INPAL
Nov 6, 2025
3 min read

In recent years, indoor air quality has become a necessity in residential spaces as well as industrial environments that require controlled air. However, little is said about what actually happens inside air conditioning units to remove suspended particles and maintain a balance within the building.

Filtration technology in air conditioning systems has two objectives.

On the one hand, protecting people from dust, viruses, bacteria, and contaminants; on the other, protecting the system itself from the effects of dirty air—the accumulation of particles reduces efficiency and accelerates wear and tear. Without that barrier, equipment becomes the perfect medium for spreading what it should be preventing.

THE AIR

Each cubic meter of air can contain millions of particles: from dust and pollen to microscopic combustion residues and volatile organic compounds. According to the World Health Organization, indoor air can be between two and five times more polluted than outdoor air, especially in enclosed spaces where natural ventilation is limited. In this context, the role of the filtration system is so important that it goes beyond comfort: it becomes a factor in public health and energy efficiency.

AIRBORNE PARTICLES.

The most common filters, known as flat panel or pleated filters, are designed to capture large particles such as dust or lint. However, current technologies allow us to go much further. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are capable of retaining up to 99.97% of particles measuring 0.3 microns, including bacteria, mold spores, and some viruses. Activated carbon filters absorb gases, odors, and chemical compounds, an essential function in industrial environments, hospitals, and laboratories.

FILTERING CHEMICAL MEDIA.

In the most advanced systems, multiple filtration stages are integrated: a first mechanical layer for large particles, a second electrostatic or HEPA stage for fine particles, and a third activated carbon stage for gases and odors. This configuration ensures cleaner air and reduces the load on each filter, extending its useful life.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND AIRFLOW DESIGN

Filtration does not occur in isolation; it is part of a precise engineering calculation involving parameters such as air flow velocity, differential pressure, and pressure drop. A denser filter can capture more particles, but it also increases airflow resistance. If not properly balanced, the system requires more energy to maintain the same flow rate, affecting power consumption and overall equipment efficiency.

Metal filter — FIRST STAGE OF FILTRATION IN AIR TREATMENT UNITS.

INPAL® engineers use metrics such as MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), a scale from 1 to 20 that classifies a filter's ability to capture particles of different sizes. Values between 8 and 13 are recommended for residential spaces; in hospitals or clean rooms, filters with MERV 17 to 20, equivalent to HEPA or ULPA, are used, where air purity must be almost absolute.

Types of filtration — WE OFFER DIFFERENT TYPES OF FILTERS FOR EVERY NEED.

In addition, the air systems we design at INPAL® incorporate smart sensors that monitor filter saturation and automatically adjust air flow. This not only optimizes maintenance, but also prevents failures due to overload or pressure loss. In industrial applications, these sensors are connected to Building Management Systems (BMS) that record performance in real time and allow for predictive replacement scheduling, avoiding unscheduled downtime.

MAINTENANCE

A dirty filter stops filtering and becomes an obstacle. When particles accumulate, the system has to work harder to move the same volume of air, which translates into higher energy consumption and shorter equipment life. Various studies indicate that a saturated filter can increase the energy consumption of an HVAC system by up to 15%.

Manufacturers recommend inspecting and, if necessary, replacing filters every three to six months, although this varies depending on location, type of use, and level of environmental pollution. In industrial or urban environments, where the air contains a high concentration of fine particles, changes should be more frequent.

BEYOND COMFORT

Indoor air quality has a direct impact on health. Studies show that improving air filtration in offices, factories, schools, etc. reduces symptoms of fatigue, allergies, and respiratory diseases, as well as increasing cognitive ability. In industrial environments, cleaner air means more stable equipment, more precise processes, and less risk of contamination of products or materials.

In closing —filtration technology in air conditioning systems is evolving toward more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable solutions.

At INPAL®, we design filtration solutions and controlled indoor environments that optimize energy efficiency, extend equipment life, and raise environmental quality standards in every project.