Why Energy Efficiency Is Becoming the Real Currency

As global power demand surges from AI and renewables reshape the grid, businesses must turn to energy efficiency to cut costs, reduce risk, and stay resilient.

Ava Montini

Oct 20, 2025

Written by

Published on

The AI Boom Is Rewriting the Energy Equation

From data centers to chip foundries, the AI boom has ignited a new kind of industrial revolution. Major tech firms (such as Nvidia, Microsoft and others) are no longer waiting for the U.S. grid to catch up; they’re building their own power plants. In fact, one analysis finds that electricity costs in some regions near large AI data centre installations have surged up to 267% compared with five years ago. (Bloomberg)

It’s not just abstract. In the U.S., wholesale electricity prices that would have been modest in 2020 are now far higher in data-centre hotspots. (Sandbox)

Why is this relevant?

These high-demand loads strain the grid, making the cost of electricity (and grid services) higher for everyone.
The more power-hungry the infrastructure becomes, the greater the business risk for enterprises that rely on stable, affordable energy.
As grid infrastructure lags behind demand, companies and organizations have to ask: What control do we have over our energy consumption?

When Power Becomes a Premium

Every kilowatt-hour now carries more weight, especially for companies operating large buildings or complex HVAC systems (sound familiar?). Efficiency isn’t just an ESG metric anymore; it’s a business imperative tied directly to cost-control and resilience.

We’re now at a moment where:

Renewables are expanding fast, but demand is rising even faster in some tech/industrial sectors. For example, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that electricity demand from data centres will more than double by 2030 to around 945 TWh — “more than four times faster than the growth of total electricity consumption from all other sectors”. (IEA)
Some regions are seeing localized shortages, transmission constraints and higher wholesale power prices. In the U.S., wholesale electricity prices in several markets were up by 40-80 % in 2025 compared with 2024. (Construction Physics)
Organizations that wait for the “grid fix” may find themselves paying a premium (or exposed to reliability risk) in the meantime.

Put simply: If you can’t fully control your energy supply, you must control your energy use. Efficiency becomes the operational hedge.

The Efficiency Imperative

Here’s where the story turns from macro trends into actionable insight. The good news: The same technologies driving smarter AI are also enabling smarter buildings and systems. Intelligent filtration, automation, low-pressure HVAC systems, demand-response strategies — these are the tools to control the energy side of the business.

Here are three reasons why now is the time to focus on performance and efficiency:

Cost Avoidance Becomes Value Creation
With energy prices under pressure and demand growth uncertain, reducing consumption becomes a direct cost-mitigation strategy.– Efficiency improvements often pay back faster when baseline energy costs are rising.
Grid Risk = Business Risk
Relying solely on external supply (even if green) is a vulnerability; the more you rely on the grid, the more you’re exposed to spikes, shortages or regulatory premium pricing.– Being energy-efficient gives you more independence and control.
Sustainability Meets Differentiation
With the global pivot to renewables (for example, the projection that global renewable capacity additions between 2025-2030 will be ~4,600 GW) IEA — the organisations that get ahead now won’t just be “green” — they’ll be efficient green. That matters for brand, operations, risk profile.

When you think about building automation, indoor air quality and HVAC systems, you’re often dealing with the largest energy loads after lighting in a built environment. By focusing on filtration, optimization and smart control, you’re reducing both the peak load and the total energy used, which in the current climate is exactly the kind of strategic leverage organizations need.

Yes: the news about renewables overtaking coal is encouraging — that shift shows progress. But it also hides a key truth: demand is increasing fast, thanks in part to data, AI, buildings and more.
That means supply-side improvements alone aren’t enough. They must be matched by demand-side discipline (i.e., efficiency).
Organizations that act now to optimize their energy consumption will be better positioned, from cost, risk and sustainability standpoints, in the years ahead.

So whether you’re managing a campus, commercial building or industrial facility: don’t wait for the grid to “catch up.” Focus on what you control. Because in this new power era, efficiency is the real currency.

MORE INFORMATION

To explore available energy-efficient upgrades and funding programs supporting sustainable building projects, visit our Energy Grants page.
Learn how our Pro Filter's are helping organizations reduce energy use and operating costs while improving air quality across their facilities.

Air Filter Media: Choosing the Best for Improved Indoor Air Quality

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 31, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Jul 9, 2024

Close up photo of various filter media types — When choosing air filter media, it’s important to consider factors such as compatibility with your HVAC system, specific air quality concerns, and maintenance requirements.

One way to improve indoor air quality is by using air filters, which trap airborne particles and pollutants. However, not all air filters are created equal. Air filter media, the material used in air filters to capture particles, can vary widely in terms of effectiveness, lifespan, and cost.

This blog will explore the different types of air filter media available, including pleated and non-pleated filters, fibreglass, paper, and carbon filters. We’ll also discuss the efficiency ratings used to measure air filter effectiveness and the benefits of using high-quality air filter media. When choosing air filter media, it’s important to consider factors such as compatibility with your HVAC system, specific air quality concerns, and maintenance requirements.

By understanding the different types of air filter media available and the factors to consider when choosing them, you can make an informed decision and choose the air filter media that best meets your indoor air quality needs.

Types of Air Filter Media

Air filter media is a material used in air filters to trap and remove harmful particles and allergens from the air. The effectiveness of an air filter depends mainly on the type and quality of the filter media used and the type of material being filtered. Some common types of air filter media are:

Pleated Air Filters

Pleated air filters are made from polyester or cotton and have a longer lifespan than non-pleated filters due to their increased surface area. They can effectively trap particles such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, making them suitable for residential and commercial settings with high traffic or high air quality needs. Higher MERV-rated filters can capture smaller particles, such as bacteria and smoke. However, they are typically more expensive than non-pleated filters.

Non-Pleated Air Filters

Non-pleated air filters are generally made from materials such as fibreglass or polyester and have a shorter lifespan than pleated air filters. However, they are effective at trapping large particles such as dust and debris, making them ideal for residential settings and protecting HVAC equipment from large particles. They are generally less expensive than pleated air filters but offer lower effectiveness and longevity.

Fibreglass Air Filters

Fibreglass air filters are made from spun glass fibres and are the most economical choice. They typically last for about 30 days before requiring replacement and are less effective at trapping small particles. They are most suitable for residential settings with moderate air quality needs.

Paper Air Filters

Paper air filters are made from pleated paper material and are effective at trapping larger particles, such as dust and pollen, but less effective at capturing smaller particles, such as bacteria and smoke. They typically last for about three months before requiring replacement and are suitable for residential settings with moderate air quality needs. They are generally less expensive than pleated air filters due to their lower MERV rating.

Carbon Air Filters

Carbon air filters are made with activated carbon and are most effective at removing odours and certain chemicals from the air. They typically last for about three months before requiring replacement and are suitable for commercial settings, such as hospitals and laboratories, where odour and chemical removal is a priority. However, they are generally more expensive than other air filter media due to their specialized use and effectiveness.

Efficiency Ratings for Air Filter Media

When choosing an air filter media, it’s important to consider its efficiency rating. The most common efficiency rating systems used are:

MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value)
CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate)

MERV Rating

The efficiency rating refers to the ability of an air filter to trap and remove airborne particles of different sizes. The most common rating system used for air filters is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), which rates filters on a scale of 1-20 based on their ability to remove particles from the air. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the filter removes smaller particles.

It’s important to note that while higher MERV-rated filters are more effective at removing smaller particles, they may also restrict airflow more than lower-rated filters. This can cause issues with HVAC system performance and increased energy usage. For this reason, it’s important to consult with an HVAC professional to determine the most appropriate MERV rating for your indoor air quality needs and to ensure that your system can handle the increased airflow resistance that comes with higher MERV-rated filters.

CADR

The CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) is a rating system that measures the amount of clean air delivered by an air purifier or air filter. It is a standardized rating system recognized by the American Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and is used to compare the performance of air purifiers and air filters from different manufacturers. The higher the CADR rating, the more effective the filter will remove particles from the air.

The CADR rating is calculated based on three categories of particulate matter: smoke, pollen, and dust. Each category is assigned a numerical value, and the overall CADR rating is the sum of the three values.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Air Filter Media

HVAC Compatibility

The first factor to consider when choosing air filter media is compatibility with your HVAC system. Different types of air filters may be designed for specific types of HVAC systems, so it’s important to choose a filter that is compatible with your system. Some filters may also require modifications to your HVAC system, so it’s essential to consult with a professional before making any changes.

Air Quality Concerns

Another factor to consider when choosing air filter media is any specific air quality concerns you may have. For example, if you live in an area with high levels of outdoor pollution, choose an air filter designed to capture smaller particles, such as those found in smoke and exhaust fumes. On the other hand, if you have pets or allergies, you may want to choose an air filter designed to capture pet dander and other allergens.

Maintenance Requirements

Finally, it’s important to consider the maintenance requirements of different types of air filter media. Some filters may need to be replaced more frequently than others, and some may require more intensive cleaning or maintenance. It’s important to choose a filter that you can realistically maintain, as neglecting filter maintenance can lead to reduced effectiveness and increased wear and tear on your HVAC system.

Benefits of High-Quality Air Filter Media

Using high-quality air filter media offers numerous benefits for indoor air quality and overall health. One of the primary benefits is that these filters are more effective at removing airborne particles, such as dust, allergens, and pollutants, from the air. This can significantly reduce indoor air pollution, which is especially important for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.

Improved indoor air quality can also have a positive impact on productivity. Studies have shown that indoor air quality can have a significant effect on cognitive function, with poor air quality leading to decreased productivity, reduced concentration, and increased absenteeism. By removing airborne particles and pollutants from the air, high-quality air filter media can help to create a healthier indoor environment that promotes better cognitive function and increased productivity. This is especially important in workspaces, where employees may spend a significant portion of their day indoors.

In addition to health benefits, high-quality air filter media can also be more cost-effective in the long run. While they may initially cost more, their increased efficiency and longer lifespan can result in lower maintenance costs and energy bills over time. Additionally, by improving indoor air quality and reducing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance, these filters can save homeowners both time and money.

Choosing the right air filter media is crucial for improving indoor air quality. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you understand the different types of air filter media available, their efficiency ratings, and what to consider when choosing one for your home. Remember, always choose high-quality air filter media for the best results.

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