Which air filters to choose for recuperation systems?

Recuperation systems (ventilation systems with heat recovery) are becoming increasingly popular in new construction as they enable rooms to be ventilated efficiently with minimal energy consumption and provide clean and safe air for householders.

One of the components of recuperation systems are air filters located in the ventilation duct. The process of filtering the air in such a system consists in stopping impurities from the outside air before it enters the premises, which protects the entire installation system including heat exchangers against deposits and, most importantly, the household members against harmful compounds in the air.

You can find out what outdoor air pollutants are in our blog articles.

Air filtering in recuperation systems.

Choosing the right air filter depends on the type of pollutants that are present in the outside air, as well as the type and size of the rooms in which the recuperation system is installed. It is important to change the air filters regularly to ensure adequate indoor air quality and to maintain the efficiency of the recuperation system.

You can find out why it is worth replacing the filters here.

Air filters for recuperation systems can be made of different materials, such as activated carbon, felt, non-woven glass or braided metal.

Here are some types of air filters for recuperation systems:

Pre-filters – these are used to trap larger particles such as dust and dirt. Pre-filters are usually made of metal mesh or polyester foam.

Primary filters – trap smaller particles such as pollen, mould, bacteria and viruses. The most commonly used essential filters are HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which remove particles larger than 0.3 microns from the air.

Carbon filters – remove unpleasant odours, gaseous pollutants and volatile organic compounds from the air.

Air filters used in recuperation systems should meet specific technical and quality requirements, such as:

High filtration efficiency in removing particulate matter such as dust, dust, dust mites and allergens, as well as organic and chemical particles such as smoke, fumes and toxins.

Long life so that they do not require frequent replacement and maintain their effectiveness.

Low airflow resistance to maintain the efficiency of the recuperation system and ensure optimum energy consumption.

Appropriate filter size, as sizing the filters to suit the dimensions of the recuperation system will ensure effective filtration.

Recuperation has many advantages. Firstly, it saves energy, as the recovered heat from the air being extracted from the building, rather than being lost, is used to heat the fresh air entering the building. Secondly, it provides an optimum exchange of indoor air, which is particularly important for people with allergies and asthma, as it allows allergens and other pollutants to be removed from the air. In addition, recuperation allows the indoor temperature to remain stable throughout the year.

The disadvantage of recuperation is its cost, as installing a recuperation system requires a financial investment. However, in the long run, the benefits of energy savings can outweigh the investment costs.