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Distributors and frontline departments looking to gain insight into which cleaning trends and products are expected to grow in the coming years can gain a leg up by studying industry reports.

The global HVAC filters market, for example, is estimated to be USD 3.5 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 4.5 billion by 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0 percent from 2021 to 2026 — according to a recent report added to ResearchAndMarkets.com.

The driving factor for the HVAC filters market is increasing demand for HVAC systems, growing awareness about indoor air quality (IAQ), and government regulations and policies for efficient filtration. Further, increasing investments in the construction sector and technological advancements in HVAC filters are expected to offer significant growth opportunities to manufacturers.


Synthetic Polymer On The Rise 

Synthetic polymers are used for efficient filtration in residential and industrial HVAC systems. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester, poly-vinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene, and polypropylene are used for the manufacturing of filter materials. The filtration of air in a synthetic polymer material occurs on its surface, whereas in fiberglass, the filtration happens within the filters. This property makes synthetic polymers suitable for application in industries such as pharmaceutical, food & beverage, automotive, and electronics & semiconductor. Synthetic polymer filter materials are available in the form of pleats or stretched films, which are either made from spun-bond or melt-blown manufacturing processes.

The pleats increase the surface area and make the filters more efficient at capturing airborne particles in the HVAC systems. Pleated synthetic polymer air filters, with a rating of 7-13, can provide more efficiency as compared to high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters but at a lower cost. Due to their durability, these filters can be washed and reused. Pleated synthetic polymer air filters are abundantly available, have lesser airflow resistance compared to HEPA filters, and support the silent operation of the blower fan of the HVAC system.


HEPA Technology To Dominate HVAC

HEPA technology consists of a filter that forces air through a thin mesh, which traps harmful particles such as pollens, molds, pet dander, bacteria, and dust mite debris to prevent them from entering the ambient environment. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), to meet the HEPA standard, a filter must trap 99.97 percent dust particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in size.

HEPA filters have diverse application areas, including residential buildings, pharmaceutical production, food & beverages, and clean rooms in the electronics & semiconductor industry, among others. In the pharmaceutical industry, HEPA filters are installed in the production spaces, which are required to be free from contaminants. These filters also protect patients from infection and employees and visitors from airborne organisms. The only disadvantage of the HEPA filter technology is that it generates a barrier for smooth airflow, which may result in the failure or low performance of HVAC systems. 

For access to the entire report which includes environmental concerns, technological advancements and more, click here.