FAH: Unlocking Triple Value in AHU Filtration with MESP Technology

By Fon Zhou

As air quality expectations continue to rise, building operators and engineers are seeking smarter, more sustainable solutions within their HVAC systems. Traditional media filters—especially bag filters in AHUs—are proving increasingly inadequate in the face of modern energy, maintenance, and ESG demands.

Understanding the need and current state of AHU filtration

1.1 Filter Sections in AHUs and Their Functional Requirements

The filter section in an AHU (Air Handling Unit) is a critical component responsible for the primary or secondary purification of air before it is distributed indoors. Filters used in AHUs typically include:

Filter Standards: 

While G4, M5-M6, F7-F9 (based on the older EN 779 standard) are still widely understood, current standards are ISO 16890 (using ePM1, ePM2.5, ePM10 ratings) and ASHRAE 52.2 (using MERV ratings). For reference:

• G4 ≈ MERV 6-8 / ISO Coarse > 60-90%

• M5 ≈ MERV 8-10 / ISO ePM10 > 50%

• M6 ≈ MERV 10-11 / ISO ePM10 > 60-80%

• F7 ≈ MERV 13 / ISO ePM1 > 50-65%

• F8 ≈ MERV 14 / ISO ePM1 > 65-80%

• F9 ≈ MERV 15-16 / ISO ePM1 > 80%

Standard Requirements for Filters in AHUs:

• High filtration efficiency to meet cleanliness requirements of various applications

• Low pressure drop to reduce energy consumption

• Long service life to minimize maintenance frequency

• Easy installation and high compatibility

• Safe and non-toxic—no harmful byproducts during operation

1.2 Pain Points of Conventional Bag Filters in AHUs

Although bag filters are widely used, their limitations have become increasingly evident—especially in environments with high usage rates and rising demands for energy efficiency.

Common User Pain Points:

• 🔺 High energy consumption: As dust accumulates, resistance increases, forcing the fan to work harder and consume more energy.

• 🔁 Frequent replacements: Bag filters typically require changing every 3–6 months, incurring costs for labor, logistics, and inventory.

• 🗑️ Environmental burden: Used filter media become waste, adding to landfill and sustainability concerns.

• ❓ Inconsistent performance: Quality varies by brand, and filtration efficiency declines over time.

• ⚠️ Operational risk: Poor maintenance can reduce airflow, disrupt HVAC balance, and compromise indoor air quality.

1.3 How FAH Solves These Challenges with MESP® Technology

FAH is specifically engineered to replace traditional bag filters in AHUs. It leverages MESP® technology, which uses micro-electrostatic fields to capture airborne particles with high efficiency and minimal airflow resistance.

Learn more about MESP on: https://www.airquality.com/technology/what-is-mesp

To explore further details, please read on.

Understanding Why FAH is the Superior Choice for AHU Filtration

Enter FAH, a high-efficiency MESP® (Micro-Electrostatic Precipitation) air purifier model engineered to replace conventional filters inside AHU (Air Handling Unit) systems. Developed under the AirQuality brand, FAH delivers a triple-value promise: exceptional performance, ESG-driven sustainability, and financial return on investment.

2.1 Superior Performance: Beyond Filtration

FAH is designed not just to filter air—but to actively purify and disinfect it. Built around MESP technology, it delivers consistent, reliable results that exceed what conventional bag filters can offer.

Key advantages include:

• High purification efficiency for PM2.5 and other fine particulates

• Low pressure drop (<50 Pa) that reduces HVAC system energy burden

• Washable, reusable design eliminates frequent filter changes

• Stable long-term operation, with no degradation in filtration performance

• Safe and ozone-free, making it ideal for sensitive indoor environments

This means FAH ensures healthy indoor air while minimizing operational disruptions and energy waste.

2.2 ESG Benefits: Built for a Sustainable Future

Today’s buildings must meet increasingly strict environmental and health standards. FAH supports your ESG strategy in multiple dimensions:

• 🌱 Energy efficiency: Low resistance airflow reduces HVAC energy usage

• 🔁 No consumables: Washable filters eliminate disposable waste

• ♻️ Lower carbon footprint: Reduced energy and waste lead to a greener operation

• 🏥 Healthier indoor air: Supports the “Social” pillar of ESG

• ✅ Green building support: Helps earn credits for LEED, WELL, and other certifications

• 🧪 Non-toxic and safe: Uses clean, ozone-free purification mechanisms

By replacing bag filters with FAH, facilities gain not only cleaner air but also clear progress toward sustainability and compliance goals.

2.3 Financial Value: From Expense to Investment

One of the most compelling advantages of FAH is its financial structure. Unlike disposable filters that are treated as ongoing operational costs, FAH is an asset investment:

• 💡 Rapid ROI: Payback typically within 2.5 years

• 📉 Lower total operating cost: Reduced energy bills + no filter replacement costs

• 🏢 Capital asset: Can be depreciated over 10 years, improving financial statements

This transforms air purification from a recurring burden into a long-term value generator—ideal for building owners and facility managers focused on performance and profitability.

Why Choose FAH for Your AHU System?

FAH represents more than just a filter upgrade—it’s a rethinking of air purification in AHUs. With its MESP core, FAH offers:

• ✅ Cleaner air

• ✅ Lower operating costs

• ✅ Zero filter waste

• ✅ ESG alignment

• ✅ A future-proof solution for sustainable buildings

Please explore more details of FAH product on website: https://www.airquality.com/products/prod-fah-ahu

Ready to modernize your AHU systems with next-gen filtration? Discover how FAH can help you deliver better air, better efficiency, and better returns. 📩 (info@airquality.com) Contact us today to learn more.

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