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.

MERV 13 vs HEPA Filter: How Are They Different?

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 28, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jul 9, 2024

Cropped images of a pleated filter (MEV 13) and a HEPA filter, one on top of the other, to create one image — Both MERV 13 and HEPA filters are designed to remove pollutants from the air; however, there are some key differences between them including cost, fit and airflow.

Air filters are a vital component in maintaining good indoor air quality. Two of the most commonly used air filters are MERV 13 filters and HEPA filters. Both types of filters are designed to remove pollutants from the air; however, there are some key differences between them.

Illustration comparing the particle capture of MERV , 10 and 13 filters — The higher a filter’s MERV rating, the more effective it is at capturing airborne particles.

What are MERV 13 filters?

All traditional air filters are differentiated according to their MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. The higher a filter’s MERV rating, the more effective it is at capturing airborne particles. MERV 13 and below are considered HVAC-system-grade filters for residential, commercial and general hospital use.

MERV 13 filters can filter particles closer to 0.3 microns in size, which includes contaminants such as pollen, mould, dust, bacteria, pet dander, smoke and virus carriers. MERV 13 filters are typically used in residential and commercial HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality.

What are HEPA filters?

On the other hand, HEPA filters are considered the most efficient air filters available. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air and has a rating of MERV 17 or higher. HEPA filters are designed to remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in size; This includes particles such as smoke, bacteria, and viruses.

Since HEPA filters are so efficient, they cause a higher pressure drop than filters with MERV ratings. Given their high efficiency, HEPA filters are best suited for rooms where air quality is a concern, such as in hospitals, laboratories, and cleanrooms.

Many ventilation systems are not designed for HEPA, but these filters are available as portable air cleaners or vacuum cleaners and can be used in homes to improve indoor air quality, particularly for people with allergies or respiratory issues.

MERV 13 vs HEPA Filter: How Are They Different?

14 Pleated HVAC filters standing side by side as if on a bookshelf — MERV 13 filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Pros of MERV 13 Filters:

Cost: Affordable and easy to find.
High Efficiency: MERV 13 filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them highly effective at removing pollutants such as dust, pet dander, pollen, and even some bacteria and viruses from the air.

Cons of MERV 13 Filters:

Filter Efficiency: Not as effective as HEPA filters in removing the smallest and most harmful particles.
Maintenance: MERV 13 filters may need to be replaced more frequently than lower MERV-rated filters, which can add to the overall cost and maintenance of the HVAC system.
Compatibility: MERV 13 filters may not be compatible with all HVAC systems, and using a filter that is too efficient for a system can cause damage. Before using a MERV 13 filter, it is important to check if the HVAC system can handle the filter’s efficiency and pressure drop.

Photo of a free standing HEPA Filter — HEPA filters are extremely effective at removing pollutants, including smoke, bacteria, and viruses.

Pros of HEPA Filters:

High efficiency: HEPA filters are highly efficient at trapping small particles, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. Extremely effective at removing pollutants, including smoke, bacteria, and viruses.
Long lifespan: HEPA filters are designed to last a long time, so they do not need to be replaced as frequently as other filters.

Cons of using a HEPA filter in an HVAC system include:

High cost: HEPA filters can be more expensive than other types of filters, which can make them a less cost-effective option for some people.
Decreased airflow: HEPA filters can reduce airflow through a standard HVAC system, which can make it less energy efficient and increase the amount of time it takes to heat or cool a room.
Need for professional installation: HEPA filters are typically larger and more complex than other types of filters, which means they may need to be installed by a professional.

In conclusion, both MERV 13 and HEPA filters effectively improve indoor air quality, but they have different pros and cons depending on the setting and the level of air purity required. MERV 13 filters are more affordable and easy to find and effectively remove a wide range of pollutants. HEPA filters are extremely effective at removing pollutants, but they are more expensive and can be more difficult to find.

It’s also important to consult a professional to determine the most appropriate filter for your setting, MERV 13 vs HEPA, as the filter type and frequency of replacement can vary depending on the size and usage of the space, as well as the type of pollutants present in the air.

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