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FAQs & RESOURCES
What is filter efficiency?
Frequently asked questions
HVAC Filters
HVAC filters should be changed at least every three months or as needed. If the filter looks visibly dirty, it should be changed immediately. Determining if a filter needs to be changed can also be based on when the resistance of the air filter reached the recommended maximum pressure drop recommended by the manufacturer. Gauges to determine pressure drop are most often found on larger commercial systems.
An HVAC air filter is a device that is used to capture airborne particles and contaminants from the air that passes through your air conditioning or heating system. The filter traps particles such as pollen, dust, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens, which can help improve the air quality in your home or business.
If a HVAC filter is dirty, it can cause a number of problems. The most serious issue is that it can restrict airflow, causing the system to become less efficient and potentially overheat. This can also cause dust, dirt, and other airborne particles to get circulated through the home, leading to poor indoor air quality. Additionally, a dirty filter can cause dust and debris to build up in the system, leading to further problems.
The best air filters for HVAC systems in Boston depend on the application. Commercial buildings typically use MERV-rated filters (MERV 8–13), while hospitals, labs, and cleanrooms often require HEPA filters. Airex Filter helps Boston facilities select the right filter based on performance, airflow, and compliance requirements.
No, it is not recommended that you change the air filter while the air conditioner is running. Doing so could lead to system damage, and it could also cause air quality issues due to the disruption of the air flow. Additionally, changing the air filter while the air conditioner is running can also be dangerous, as you could be exposed to electrical shocks.
Serving Boston, New England, and Nationwide Customers
Airex is headquartered in Hudson, New Hampshire and services customers across the United States, with daily Boston deliveries and a strong New England service footprint.
Airex serves:
Boston, MA
Greater Boston
Cambridge
Somerville
Waltham
Worcester
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New England
Nationwide commercial and industrial accounts
Serving Cities Across Connecticut
Airex supports facilities throughout Connecticut, including:
Hartford
New Haven
Stamford
Bridgeport
Waterbury
Norwalk
Danbury
New Britain
Middletown
Greenwich
The steps for changing the air filter in an HVAC unit will vary depending on the type and model of unit you have. Generally, the steps to follow are:
Locate the air filter: The air filter is usually located in the return air duct of the HVAC system.
Remove the old filter: Remove the old filter from the unit and dispose of it properly.
Install the new filter: Insert the new filter into the unit and make sure it is properly secured.
Close the unit: Close the unit and make sure all connections and seals are secure.
Turn on the unit: Turn on the unit and make sure it is working properly.
No. Airex Filter Corporation is a commercial and industrial filtration company headquartered in Hudson, New Hampshire. We are not affiliated with the AIRx residential HVAC filter brand commonly sold through online retailers.
Airex Filter Corporation specializes in commercial and industrial filtration solutions for healthcare, laboratory, institutional, and manufacturing environments. Unlike consumer-focused residential filter brands.
Airex Filter Corporation is an independent commercial filtration company and is not affiliated with the AIRx consumer filter brand.
Yes. Airex provides delivery throughout Connecticut, supporting commercial, healthcare, and industrial facilities.
Serving Cities Across Connecticut
Airex supports facilities throughout Connecticut, including:
Hartford
New Haven
Stamford
Bridgeport
Waterbury
Norwalk
Danbury
New Britain
Middletown
Greenwich
Nominal size is the rounded dimension commonly listed on the filter, while actual size is the filter's true measured dimension. For example, a nominal 20x20x2 filter may have an actual size of approximately 19½ × 19½ × 1¾ inches. Always verify the actual size when ordering replacement filters, especially for commercial HVAC systems.
In many commercial HVAC systems, upgrading from MERV 8 to MERV 10 is possible and provides improved particle capture while maintaining excellent airflow. However, every HVAC system is different, so it's important to confirm compatibility with your equipment manufacturer or filtration supplier before changing filter specifications.
Air filters may collapse due to excessive pressure drop, improper installation, damaged filter racks, poor frame construction, or operating conditions that exceed the filter's design limits. Using high-quality filters and replacing them before they become excessively loaded can help prevent filter failure.
In many commercial facilities, replacing all air filters during the same scheduled maintenance visit is the most efficient approach. It simplifies preventive maintenance, reduces labor costs, and helps ensure consistent airflow and filtration performance throughout the building.However, not every filter loads at the same rate.Different areas of a facility may experience varying levels of dust, occupancy, humidity, or outdoor air exposure. For example, filters serving manufacturing areas, loading docks, kitchens, or high-traffic entrances may require replacement more frequently than filters in offices or conference rooms.Many facility managers use one of these approaches:Scheduled Replacement: Replace all filters during routine preventive maintenance visits for simplicity and consistency.Condition-Based Replacement: Replace filters based on differential pressure readings or visual inspections, allowing filters with different loading rates to be changed only when needed.Hybrid Approach: Replace most filters on a regular schedule while monitoring high-demand areas more frequently.The best approach depends on your HVAC system, maintenance program, and building operations. A well-planned filter replacement strategy helps maintain indoor air quality, protect HVAC equipment, and avoid unnecessary labor and replacement costs.💡 Airex Pro TipFor facilities with multiple air handling units, consider labeling each filter by AHU number, rooftop unit, or room location. This makes replacements faster, reduces installation errors, and helps maintenance teams keep filter inventories organized.
Most pleated air filters include an airflow arrow printed on the frame to indicate the correct installation direction.The arrow should always point in the direction of airflow—toward the HVAC equipment and away from the return air grille. Installing a filter backward may reduce performance and make future inspections more difficult.💡 Airex Filter Pro TipIf your maintenance team services multiple buildings, adding airflow direction labels to filter racks can help reduce installation mistakes during routine maintenance.
For more than 50 years, Airex Filter has believed that manufacturing our commercial HVAC air filters close to the customers we serve allows us to deliver a better product, faster service, and greater flexibility than relying solely on overseas production.While many products in today's market are imported, we've continued to invest in manufacturing right here in Hudson, New Hampshire, just 30 minutes from Boston.For us, it's about much more than where a filter is made.It's about the experience our customers receive.Faster Lead TimesWhen a facility needs replacement filters, waiting weeks isn't always an option.Manufacturing locally allows us to respond quickly to changing customer needs, produce many custom-sized filters with shorter lead times, and keep projects moving without unnecessary delays.Custom Sizes Without the WaitMany commercial buildings—especially older facilities—use HVAC equipment that requires non-standard filter sizes.Because we manufacture locally, we're able to produce many custom-sized filters without relying on long overseas production schedules.That flexibility helps facility managers solve problems faster and maintain their preventive maintenance programs.Consistent QualityManufacturing gives us greater control over the products we build.From raw materials to finished filters, every step of the process is focused on producing dependable commercial air filters that our customers can rely on.It's a standard we've maintained for more than five decades.Supporting New England BusinessesAs a family-owned company, we're proud to manufacture products in New Hampshire while serving commercial customers throughout New England and across the Northeast.Local manufacturing supports skilled jobs, strengthens our regional economy, and allows us to work closely with customers who value responsive service and dependable supply.Better CommunicationWhen you work directly with a manufacturer, answers are often only a phone call away.Whether you need help identifying a replacement filter, confirming a custom size, or solving a filtration challenge, our team works directly with you—without layers of distributors or overseas suppliers slowing the process.Why It MattersCommercial HVAC air filters are more than a commodity.They protect equipment, improve indoor air quality, and help facilities operate efficiently.Choosing a manufacturer that understands your building, responds quickly, and stands behind its products can make a meaningful difference over the life of your HVAC system.At Airex Filter, we're proud to continue manufacturing in New Hampshire because we believe local expertise, responsive service, and consistent quality still matter.💡 Airex Pro TipWhen choosing a commercial air filter supplier, ask where your filters are manufactured, how quickly custom sizes can be produced, and who you'll speak with if you need technical assistance. Those answers often tell you far more about the company than the price on the quote.
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