Air Filter Classification & Application Guide: 2026 Edition
Air Filter Classification & Application Guide: 2026 Edition
Air filters are the unsung heroes of indoor air quality, protecting equipment and people from airborne particles. With dozens of efficiency ratings, media types, and industry standards, choosing the right air filter can be overwhelming. This guide from Nantong Henka Environment Solutions Co., Ltd (Henkaes) provides a clear classification of air filter types, explains key standards like ASHRAE 52.2 and EN 1822, and helps buyers match the right filter to their application.
The Challenge of Air Filter Selection
Procurement professionals and engineers face a fragmented market of air filters defined by different classification systems (MERV, EN 779, EN 1822, ISO 29463), media materials (fiberglass, polypropylene, PTFE), and application-specific designs. Without a structured approach, buyers risk choosing filters that underperform or increase energy costs. The global air filter market was valued at USD 17.08 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 34.66 billion by 2034 (Fortune Business Insights). The need for clear, fact-based selection guidance has never been greater.
Industry Background: Standards and Market Trends
High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters held a 41.7% market share in the air purifier technology segment in 2025 (Grand View Research). In Europe, the EN 1822 standard classifies HEPA and ULPA filters by efficiency at the Most Penetrating Particle Size (MPPS); H14 requires 99.995% efficiency. In North America, ASHRAE 52.2 rates HVAC filters from MERV 1 to 16 based on particle capture efficiency (0.3–10 µm). The smart air purifier market is growing at a CAGR of 14.1% from 2024 to 2030, driven by AI and IoT integration (Grand View Research). Understanding these standards is essential for procurement.
Detailed Solution: Henkaes Air Filter Product Spectrum
Henkaes (established 2004, 30,000 m² facility, 2,000,000 pcs annual capacity, 63 employees) manufactures a complete line of air filters for HVAC, household, cleanroom, and specialized industries. Over 69% of products are exported to Europe and USA. The company holds ISO14001:2015, ISO9001:2015, and ISO45001:2018 certifications and tests filters per ASHRAE 52.2. Below is a breakdown of key filter types.
Household & Appliance Filters
- True HEPA Air Filter – Efficiency ≥99.97% (H13), made of fiberglass/polypropylene; for air purifiers and air cleaners.
- HEPA Air Filter – H13 grade; captures 0.3 µm particles; used in household and commercial purifiers.
- Activated Carbon Filter – Made of high-quality activated carbon, CTC grades 70–100; removes odors and gases.
- VOC Air Filter – Contains activated carbon and special catalyst to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and special harmful gases.
HVAC & Commercial Building Filters
- Panel Filter – G1–G4 efficiency; fiberglass/polypropylene; for commercial building ventilation.
- Bag Filter – F5, F6, F8, F9 grades; microfine fiberglass; used in airports, hotels, museums, restaurants.
- V-Bank Filter – H13 efficiency; fiberglass/PP; high-capacity for commercial HVAC.
- Furnace Air Filter – MERV 8, 11, 13; polypropylene; for residential and light commercial furnaces.
- Box Filter – MERV 15, 16; microfiberglass; for pharmaceutical plants, hospitals, food & beverage sites.
Cleanroom & Specialized Filters
- Cleanroom Air Filter – U14/U15 (ULPA); microfiberglass & PTFE; for microelectronics, data centers.
- Electronic Cabin Air Filter (B737/B757) – H13 efficiency; microfiberglass; cabin air filtration in commercial aircraft.
Step-by-Step Selection Process
- Identify the target contaminants – Dust, pollen, VOCs, bacteria, or airborne particles. HEPA for fine particles; activated carbon for gases.
- Determine required efficiency class – Refer to ASHRAE MERV (1–16) or EN 1822 (H13/H14/U15). Example: cleanrooms require U14/U15.
- Consider operating conditions – Temperature, humidity, airflow. Polypropylene media for moisture resistance; fiberglass for high temperature.
- Select filter configuration – Panel, bag, V-bank, or box based on space and airflow needs.
- Customize dimensions – Many projects require non-standard sizes. Henkaes offers OEM/ODM with customized dimensions, drawings, or samples.
- Verify supplier certifications – ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and testing facilities (30 m³ VOC test room, CADR test room).
Use Cases by Industry
| Industry | Recommended Filter Type | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Household Air Purifiers | True HEPA, Activated Carbon, VOC | ≥99.97% efficiency, odor removal |
| HVAC (Commercial Buildings) | Panel, Bag, V-Bank, Furnace | MERV 8–16, low pressure drop |
| Cleanroom (Microelectronics, Data Centers) | Cleanroom Air Filter (U14/U15) | ULPA grade, microfiberglass/PTFE |
| Pharmaceutical Plants | Box Filter (MERV 15–16) | High capture efficiency, cleanable |
| Food & Beverage Production | Box Filter, Panel Filter | Hygienic design, GMP compliance |
| Aerospace (Aircraft Cabins) | Electronic Cabin Air Filter (H13) | H13 per EN 1822, customized dimensions |
Comparison of Key Air Filter Types
| Filter Type | Efficiency Grade | Media Material | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel Filter | G1–G4 | Fiberglass, PP | Commercial ventilation, pre-filter |
| Bag Filter | F5–F9 | Microfine fiberglass | Airports, hotels, museums |
| Furnace Filter | MERV 8, 11, 13 | Polypropylene | Residential & light commercial furnaces |
| V-Bank Filter | H13 | Fiberglass, PP | High-capacity HVAC |
| Box Filter | MERV 15, 16 | Microfiberglass | Pharma, hospital, food & beverage |
| Cleanroom Filter | U14/U15 | Microfiberglass, PTFE | Microelectronics, data centers |
| True HEPA Filter | ≥99.97% (H13) | Fiberglass, PP | Air purifiers, air cleaners |
| Activated Carbon Filter | CTC 70–100 | Activated carbon | Odor, gas removal |
| VOC Filter | Special catalyst | Activated carbon + catalyst | VOC removal |
| Electronic Cabin Filter | H13 per EN 1822 | Microfiberglass | B737/B757 aircraft |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MERV and HEPA ratings?
MERV (ASHRAE 52.2) rates filters from 1 to 16 based on particle capture between 0.3 and 10 micrometers. HEPA ratings (EN 1822) like H13 require ≥99.95% efficiency at 0.3 μm (MPPS). HEPA is used in critical applications; MERV 13+ is common in commercial HVAC. Henkaes tests air filters according to ASHRAE 52.2 and offers HEPA H13 filters.
Which air filter type is best for removing VOCs and odors?
Activated Carbon Filters and VOC Air Filters are designed for gas-phase filtration. Henkaes offers Activated Carbon Filters with CTC grades 70–100 and VOC Air Filters that combine activated carbon with a special catalyst for removing volatile organic compounds, pet smells, and special harmful gases.
Can I get a custom-sized air filter for my equipment?
Yes. Henkaes specializes in OEM/ODM custom air filters with customized dimensions. Many projects (fresh air systems, air purifiers, aerospace) require non-standard sizes. Send specifications, drawings, or samples to Henkaes’ engineering team (11 engineers) for a tailored solution.
What certifications should a reliable air filter supplier hold?
Look for ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environmental), and ISO 45001 (occupational health). Henkaes holds all three. Testing capabilities should include filter media efficiency and air resistance, noise test lab, 30 m³ test room for formaldehyde/VOC removal, and CADR test room for air purifiers. ASHRAE 52.2 testing is a standard for HVAC filters.
How can I request a sample or get a quote for a custom air filter?
Contact Henkaes directly for sample requests, quotations, or custom orders. Email peter@airfilter-china.com or call +86 138-1376-6750. The sales team can provide a catalog, discuss specifications, and ship samples to qualified buyers. Contact via WhatsApp for faster responses.
Download the complete Henkaes product catalog to compare all filter types, specifications, and applications.
📥 Download E-Catalogue (PDF) 📧 Request a QuoteConclusion
Selecting the right air filter requires matching the contaminant type, efficiency requirement, and operating environment to the correct filter class and material. Henkaes provides a complete portfolio from G1 panel filters to U15 cleanroom filters, backed by ISO certifications and in-house testing labs. Whether you need a standard HVAC filter or a custom-formulated VOC air filter for an air purifier, a structured procurement approach saves time and ensures performance. Use this guide as your reference and reach out to Henkaes for application-specific support.
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