As facility owners face increasingly complex financial challenges in asset management, life cycle cost of air filtration systems presents a key opportunity for long-term savings.
When buying a part, system or asset to be used in any operation, the upfront cost is often the primary focus. But managers that look beyond the initial purchase price of infrastructure components – like air filtration systems, building materials, and mechanical equipment – will see enormous cost reductions.
The financial implications are substantial. As Camfil Australia’s Sustainability and Efficiency Specialist Philipp Schluter explained, in air filtration alone, fan energy represents up to 70 per cent of total operational costs. A seemingly economical $60 filtration solution could cost significantly more over its lifetime compared to a $120 advanced filter.
“If my filter lasts longer and has a lower pressure drop – so it poses less resistance to my fan over its lifetime – then I can reduce that energy cost by half or more,” Schluter said.
“Additionally, with a cheaper option you might replace a filter three or four times, whereas a more advanced filter might require replacement only once, reducing labour costs and waste.”
Strategic asset selection
Asset owners stand to save thousands of dollars through strategic asset selection.
Schluter said that choosing an advanced single-stage filter over a cheaper and less effective two-stage filtration solution can save in the order of $500 in energy costs per filter over a year. When scaled across multiple air handlers, or even buildings, these savings become transformative.
“Think of light bulbs. You can buy an incandescent light bulb for 50 cents, and it chews through 80 watts of power. Or you can buy an LED light bulb for $5 but it only uses ten watts of power. Your incandescent light bulb lasts for 2000 hours, and your LED light bulb lasts for 10,000 hours. Obviously, everybody has chosen LED light bulbs, because we see them, and they look pretty, and they’re front of mind,” he said.
“Now look at the humble air filter. It’s stuck in a duct. It’s dirty, it’s messy. Nobody wants to think about it, but in terms of energy, labour and waste cost savings, it’s exactly the same thing.”
Australian standards pushing efficiency
Emerging Australian standards are pushing towards more sophisticated infrastructure management. New regulations require tighter air filtration and more energy-efficient systems, creating an imperative for facility managers to reassess their asset procurement strategies.
“The new standards require far tighter filtration of air in buildings,” Schluter explained.
“Where previous solutions were sufficient, new technologies now offer opportunities to simultaneously improve filtration and energy efficiency.”
Key considerations for asset managers include:
- Prioritising life cycle cost analysis over initial purchase price
- Investing in advanced, long-lasting infrastructure technologies
- Evaluating assets based on long-term operational costs
- Considering environmental and sustainability impacts
The broader implications extend beyond immediate financial savings. Sustainable infrastructure represents a commitment to community well-being, reducing long-term environmental impact and demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
“Clean air is a human right,” Schluter said.
Creating value
Tools like Eurovent energy ratings, Environmental Product Disclosure Statements, and comprehensive performance testing provide managers with robust frameworks for making informed decisions. These resources allow them to move beyond traditional procurement approaches, transforming infrastructure investment from a cost centre to a strategic opportunity.
Critically, many asset owners remain unaware of the potential savings.
“In Europe, energy-saving technologies have been standard for a decade,” Schluter said, “while Australia is just beginning to catch up… this represents a significant opportunity for forward-thinking managers to lead in efficient, sustainable infrastructure management.”
The future of asset management isn’t about cutting costs – it’s about creating value. By embracing life cycle cost analysis, asset owners can develop more resilient, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure that serves communities more effectively and economically.
“Our role is to create awareness and make people understand the importance of strategic, long-term asset management.”
This means looking beyond the immediate price tag and investing in solutions that deliver value for decades to come.
To find out more, visit camfil.com
